I agree with you, I don't feel that US border agents are uneducated or stupid. But in my experience, they are often rude/unpleasant/hostile. I've traveled to and transited via Japan, Canada and several European countries and never faced anything like it.
> tourist visa does not require a declared itinerary
FWIW, I've recently applied for a visitor visa (B1/B2) and was asked for an itinerary:
"Your travel itinerary and/or other explanation about your planned trip."
And you need to get interviewed at the consulate. Now that I have a multi-entry visa I might be able to enter with less hassle, but I could still be asked for such details at the border.
To clarify, I believe you could still present an itinerary (cities, hotels, etc) without volunteering that you're attending something that looks like classes at some place that sounds like a school.
> tourist visa does not require a declared itinerary
FWIW, I've recently applied for a visitor visa (B1/B2) and was asked for an itinerary:
"Your travel itinerary and/or other explanation about your planned trip."
http://www.ustraveldocs.com/jp/jp-niv-typeb1b2.asp
And you need to get interviewed at the consulate. Now that I have a multi-entry visa I might be able to enter with less hassle, but I could still be asked for such details at the border.