My roommate and I are headed to Tokyo. We have planned a good bit, but decided to ask our mutual friend about other ideas and plans since they are from the area. After a couple questions I asked “Do you know of any tea houses in Tokyo?”. I asked because I really love tea and don’t know much about Tokyo or how they are run other than the ones I have been to around the United States. She looked at me and said, “That’s pretty racist.” I genuinely was asking out of curiosity and intrigue, but apparently they are culturally exclusive or perhaps religious. I really meant no harm, and I joke around a lot but the idea of that being racist to ask is resonating truly awfully with me.
This just happened about 30 mins ago, as she was helping plan with us. I feel like I did nothing wrong, but am guilty for her saying it was. AITA?