Help! US or Japan with Kids 8-12yr?

killabob on 04/07/2023 - 14:38
Last edited 04/07/2023 - 16:08

Hey all,

We wanted to take the kids to the US next year however our oldest would prefer Japan as he is concerned about "crime".

The holiday would be planned around sightseeing, "worlds", culture and food.

Which would you choose and why?

Things to keep in mind -
I have Velocity points which i'd like to put toward flights to keep costs down
We aren't the type to spend on 5* accommodation, preferring to spend the hard earned on experiences
Overnight rail for accommodation would also be ok
We would do some shopping, but it would be secondary

All (reasonable) thoughts, advice, suggestions (airline, accomm., sights, etc.), will be much appreciated.

Cheers

Poll Options expired

  • 486
    Japan
  • 33
    USA
Travel Asia Japan North America United States

Comments

  • 87percent on 04/07/2023 - 14:40
    +52

    Japan would be way more interesting for youngish kids

    • S2 on 05/07/2023 - 17:21
      +15

      and oldish kids, and old kids who are young at heart.

  • Benoffie on 04/07/2023 - 14:49
    +17

    +1 Japan. Safe for kids, they'd learn a lot more and there's a good variety of experiences. If they really want to get into the swing of it, they can start to learn basics before they go.

  • GG57 on 04/07/2023 - 15:00
    +28

    …sightseeing, "worlds", culture and food…

    Japan would be my pick. The USA is replicated enough here, but Japan is totally different.

    • Ultimate Gattai on 07/07/2023 - 02:12
      +1

      This is why I have little desire to ever visit the USA, any of the Asian countries would be much more interesting to me.

  • onetwothreefour on 04/07/2023 - 15:01
    +10

    Should add a poll.

    Another +1 for Japan especially if culture and food are high on your list.

    • killabob on 04/07/2023 - 16:08

      Done :)

      • Sinnerator on 05/07/2023 - 08:55
        +29

        Japan = clean safe interesting
        USA = human faeces junkies mass shootings

        • OzBarAnon on 06/07/2023 - 12:18
          +5

          It obviously depends on where you go. The US is massive and somewhere like Vermont or Maine is completely different than the south side of Chicago.

  • samyall on 04/07/2023 - 15:07
    +29

    Japan. Yen is cheap, USD is expensive.

    OzBargain will tell you not to but you can fly Virgin to Japan and use your points. You can then use the savings to go to DisneySea, Universal and Fuji World.

    I would also look at ANA sales as they can be quite good.

    Once there make sure that you take advantage of all Japan has to offer by catching a shinkansen, making your kids eat strange foods and adventuring outside the city. Look at Hakone and Nagano as options outside Tokyo/Kyoto/Osaka.

    Also hot tip: dont carry your bags, use the takkyubin services to send your bags ahead when travelling domestically of you so you can just enjoy the journeys with just a day bag.

  • ryefig on 04/07/2023 - 15:08
    +11

    If the kids don't mind longish drives, you could consider renting a car and doing a US Southwest road trip.
    I did an extended one last year (admittedly no kids) but would absolutely recommend it for anyone.

    A lot of people don't think of the US as having a great deal of natural beauty but the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, Monument valley are absolutely breathtaking and something that everyone should experience once in their life. Other places that are just as beautiful but not so well known are Sedona and Bryce Canyon.
    There are lots to do in each place, and though it may take a bit of research, you can find affordable places to stay.
    Most of the places along the way are catered toward tourists (Think the equivalent of Queenstown) and the crime associated with homelessness, drugs etc isn't as prevalent in tourist places as it is in big cities. I never felt unsafe throughout my trip. The trade-off is that these places tend to be more remote and eating out can be slightly more expensive than in big cities - though this can be mitigated if you don't mid visiting a supermarket and making your own meals once in a while.
    Food in this part of America is pretty good. Think large portions and a great selection of Mexican food, if that's your thing (The Mexican food in America is MUCH better than what we have available here).

    Of course, shopping, especially discount shopping is big in America particularly LA and Las Vegas - this would be accessible depending on where you start your road trip. Keep in mind the currency conversion is pretty poor so heavily discounted items may not end up being as much of a bargain taking currency conversion into account.

    • Shadowsfury on 04/07/2023 - 15:44
      +3

      I'd agree - apart from the mega cities my favourite thing about the US is their national parks.

    • mlburnian on 05/07/2023 - 23:43

      I think everyone knows USA has some incredible landscapes, varied too. Japan is nice, but not as beautiful. The overwhelming preference here for japan is to do with how well organised everything is and how safe it is over there.

      • ATangk on 06/07/2023 - 00:44
        +1

        Out of cities, the landscape is beautiful. Anywhere near civilisation, the landscape is concrete.

    • ass3ts on 06/07/2023 - 11:24
      +3

      To an 8-year-old the road trip to the Grand Canyon would probably be an experience of seeing giant cracks in the ground after a 5-hour drive full of nothing out of Las Vegas. I chartered a small plane.

    • drfuzzy on 08/07/2023 - 05:21

      My favourite thing about the US was departure.

    • kobeduck on 13/07/2023 - 11:00

      Or you could do the same in Japan and drive on the same side of the road. We went to Sapporo and drove to Jigokudani.

  • sonicentropy on 04/07/2023 - 15:41
    +22

    Japan = Safe, Clean
    USA = Hi Crime, Homeless issues,
    On my most recent trip to San Fran my hotel had a tent city on the sidewalk. Human waste and rubbish are everywhere.
    Japan has Disneyland, Universal, Aquariums, bullet trains, and most amazing stores. and they are friendly. My 9 year old has been 5 times and loves it.

    • bigbadboogieman on 05/07/2023 - 18:08
      +12

      We were parked and went to get some ice cream. Car broken into in broad day light in the middle of one of the busiest streets in San Francisco (right in front of Ghirardelli. The thieves had hit multiple cars on the street. Police (for the life of us) would not write a report because the stuff taken plus car damage was less than USD 1000 (our mistake, we should have said it was more). While cleaning up, the grocery shop worker on the corner came to offer us a broom and pan. Told us they were tired of constant theft from their shop as thieves keep taking stuff that is less than US $1K and they have no recourse (police and politicians have difference of opinion and the public is suffering). They also said they have stopped driving, sold the car and started taking public buses due to the constant break-ins. Suggested we put up a paper on car window saying "no valuables inside", keeping window open if possible and hope it doesn't happen again. Absolutely ridiculous experience, would never go back to San Francisco. There was another German tourist whose car was broken. That poor guy lost his passport, cash, alot of valuable electronics.

      • caitsith01 on 05/07/2023 - 22:39
        +5

        I mean… I wouldn't leave my passport, cash and a lot of valuable electronics in an unattended car in Australia, let alone a place with an obviously bigger crime problem like the US…

      • johnno07 on 06/07/2023 - 10:13
        +4

        I feel like you need to do your research before you go to a place. The US is absolutely rife with social issues that you need to be aware of. And SF's problem with cars being broken into is has been well publicised over the last few years. The US is such an amazing place to visit, with some of the most incredibly varied and awe-inspiring landscapes anywhere in the world - you just need to be aware that you're not in small-town Australia. In saying all of this, I still voted for Japan.

        • bigbadboogieman on 06/07/2023 - 12:45
          +2

          Yeah that is correct. We knew about the break-ins therefore were carrying everything of value on our person. It was still a hassle to deal with the rental company and insurance. Shame it's such a beautiful city otherwise.

    • OzBarAnon on 06/07/2023 - 12:19
      -1

      Well yeah, you went to San Fran. Not everywhere is like that.

    • Hangryuman on 06/07/2023 - 15:02

      'Japan has Disneyland, Universal, Aquariums'

      maybe something about Harry Potter (or is that USJ Osaka?) and my favourite Ghibli (pronounced jibboolee if you're asking a Japanese combini worker how to use the machine to get tickets) - original in Mitaka Tokyo, second Osaka, and more - https://matcha-jp.com/en/5255

  • Pungentia on 04/07/2023 - 15:51
    +15

    It depends on the kinds of activities you want to do and the time of the year.. We're about to do our third trip to Japan with the kids this Christmas holidays.

    Japan has hit the sweet spot for us with culture, technology, amazing food, adventure activities (skiing) etc, combined with ease of travel through public transport. Skiing is particularly cheap compared to Australia (lift tickets around $55-60 a day in Japan vs. $200 ish here).

    Our first trip (kids aged 9 and 11) was
    -Tokyo (aparthotel) - Disney Sea, sushi trains, TeamLabs
    -shinkansen (fast) train to Nozawa Onsen (pension type accommodation) skiing and onsen swimming pool (Sparena),
    -shinkansen (fast) train to Osaka, Kyoto (aparthotel) - castles, shopping, food, Universal then fast train return to Tokyo.

    The next trip (kids 11 and 13) was
    Rusutsu (Hokkaido, skiing)
    Tokyo (FujiQ theme park, TeamLabs)
    Hakone (castles, pirate ship lake cruise, cable cars etc)
    Nikko (EdoWonderland historic theme park with ninja school, ninja trick house etc, world heritage listed monuments)
    Nozawa Onsen (skiing and onsen swimming pool)
    Tokyo (Disney)

    The upcoming trip (kids 12 and 14) will be
    Tokyo (FujiQ, winter light illuminations)
    Rusutsu (Hokkaido - skiing, new years eve mini fireworks over the snow)
    Sapporo
    Furano (Hokkaido - skiing, Bluelake and amazing hot springs waterfall?)
    Osaka
    Nara daytrip (deer)
    Kyoto daytrip
    Nozawa Onsen (skiing, onsen swimming pool)
    Tokyo (TeamLabs)

    JR rail pass (do the maths to confirm it is cheapest option for you) meant we could take lots of fast trains - they were comfortable, amazingly quick, a sightseeing thing in and of themselves, without the hassle of security scanning etc. Generally most fast train trips are under a few hours.

    Overall, distance wise there little to no jetlag when travelling to and from Japan, it's cheap and easy with kids, it is straightforward enough to get around, google translate makes things fairly easy, and generally it feels very safe.

  • raytriplej on 04/07/2023 - 15:57
    +2

    Japan - we just took our 4 kids there in Jan for skiing. Had the best time at Hakuba. Kids are desperate to go back.

  • killabob on 04/07/2023 - 16:06
    +2

    As much as i want to do US for Yosemite, GC, NYC and Florida, looks like Japan has it in a landslide! haha…

    We love skiing but also love the sun.
    Which season/month would you recommend for our first trip?
    Would winter be too prohibitive for the sights and it would just end up being a ski trip only?

    • Cluster on 04/07/2023 - 16:33
      +4

      I've been to Japan in July, September, and October.

      July = Very humid and hot across much of the country. It can be like a sweat box. It's the tail end of the wet season too.

      September = My pick. Still nice high 20s/low 30s days abound. Not humid anymore.

      October = Still very nice, but around this time it's also typhoon season. I went through one and it was a cultural experience. The day after a typhoon is superb in terms of weather.

      • telby on 06/07/2023 - 11:42
        +1

        I agree, September/October is the best time to go, unless you want to ski or something. I've gone July/ early August, never again.

      • GandalfTheCheap on 06/07/2023 - 14:16

        Last trip in November, it poured rain most of the time. Made the theme parks tough.

        Might want to check an average rain chart before booking to avoid rainiest weeks.

  • jv on 04/07/2023 - 16:09
    -1

    US.

    Yosemite is a must. As is the Grand Canyon

    • spiff on 08/07/2023 - 14:01

      Meh

  • rumblytangara on 04/07/2023 - 16:10
    +8

    We wanted to take the kids to the US next year however our oldest would prefer Japan as he is concerned about "crime".

    That is… an odd take for a 12 year old!

    Anyway, Japan. It's absolutely amazing for kids. Crazy clean, crazy safe, everything runs on time and is amazingly convenient. Compact enough that lots of interesting things are within easy travel distance. Pugentia has it covered well though. I'd second the onsen experience, and possibly the Osaka Spaworld (7 floors of themed hot baths with giant slides on the roof top, segregated by sex which might be a problem if you're a mixed family, possibly a problem if anyone is nervous about walking around starkers).

    Impossible to say with the US as it's such a massively diverse country- you'd really need to narrow it down to where. But it's also a huge timezone shift, that could wipe the family out for the first 5 days.

    Stay in family friendly hostels- hostels in Japan are extremely high quality. Last one I stayed in had a pillow library. They also have private rooms which are worthwhile as a family.

    • ATangk on 06/07/2023 - 00:46
      +1

      They only consume headline news, and all of that is shootings in the US.

  • Muselibar on 04/07/2023 - 16:15
    +4

    Benefit of Japan (over the US) is it's possible to travel almost exclusively (domestically) via excellent fast rail as opposed to flying in the US.
    Meaning no/minimal domestic flying, the hassles, inevitable delays, grumpy kids, the hassle transiting to and from the airport.

    Walk to the departure train station, kids have a nap on the train. Arrive at destination station in the city and another walk (or quick taxi) to the hotel.
    Make those travel days potentially a lot easier.

    The above probably isn't enough to decided it either way. But to me, makes Japan a lot more appealing when travelling with kids.

    • Muselibar on 04/07/2023 - 16:19
      +3

      Also, culturally, having been to both countries:
      US, as other have mentioned, has very significant social problems and big homelessness problem which is quite 'in your face' especially in the cities.
      Japan far less so, and on the surface (as a tourist) Japan appears safer and more equitable society without huge social problems and inequality/homelessness.

    • nigel deborah on 05/07/2023 - 16:55

      I'd recommend Japan over the US of course, but there are some really fun overnight amtrac services in the US if you want to avoid flying domestically. Slow but very enjoyable.

  • Cluster on 04/07/2023 - 16:28
    +4

    Having been to both, they each have their unique attractions. Is crime a problem in the USA? Only if you seek out the seedy and nasty areas. It's not like all the streets are covered in tents with people shooting up in the street.

    Japan is easy to get around via high speed train, and it's something different. Chances are your children are already very well acquainted with US culture, but much less so with Japan (cartoons don't count :-)

    Japan also avoids the large time zone change and may make the kids less grumpy.

    See how adventurous your kids are to try a traditional onsen. That's something extremely rare here in Australia, and probably in the USA too.

    • jv on 04/07/2023 - 16:52
      +2

      See how adventurous your kids are to try a traditional onsen.

      You are kidding right?

    • nigel deborah on 05/07/2023 - 16:57
      +1

      That might depend on the city you're in. Some US cities just feel unsafe no matter where you are, in my experience. There's also been a significant rise in 'random' crime in many places post covid, carjackings, muggings etc. You'd likely be fine ubering from one attraction to the next but if you enjoy walking yourself around or exploring at all, Japan would be much more enjoyable.

  • helpme on 04/07/2023 - 16:39

    US

  • Ryanek on 04/07/2023 - 16:43
    +8

    Your eldest seems pretty smart

  • Senatekill on 04/07/2023 - 16:48

    japan best and safest place on earth

  • Senatekill on 04/07/2023 - 16:50
    +2

    also re the USA crime is prevalent in large cities, not outside the cities where many americans are friendly and accomodating and its safe. stay away from dirty parts of cities which your tourist centre will tell you to stay away from

  • raytriplej on 04/07/2023 - 16:52

    Book early at shibuya sky (tokyo) and get an afternoon lift. FIngers crossed you can get sunset timing just right,

  • hasher22 on 04/07/2023 - 17:19

    Japan that's a no brainer if someone has kids. They would remember Japan more as a kid than USA, IMO.

  • payless69 on 04/07/2023 - 17:23
    +1

    Japan: An archipelago of forever disputed boundaries. Paranoia turned into fun. Train it!
    USA: Conglomerate of stolen states gone nuts but if you hunt scenery I must side jv. Drive it!

  • Kongzi on 04/07/2023 - 17:39
    +2

    If you want to be shot, go to…

  • Postal Dude on 04/07/2023 - 18:37
    +2

    Japan is pretty awesome, I'd suggest looking up some common courtesies/social etiquette before you go

  • mokorusmania on 04/07/2023 - 19:56
    +2

    The long flight to US will be painful with the kids

  • mathew42 on 04/07/2023 - 20:53

    I'd recommend Japan.

    You might want to considering cruising for part of the holiday as it provides a way to travel around the country without the hassle of packing and unpacking.

  • sumyungguy on 04/07/2023 - 22:02
    +1

    I know two young adults who visited both countries in their teenage years. Their response without hesitating was USA.

  • altomic on 04/07/2023 - 23:44

    I used to live in Japan and have taken my 3 teenagers to Japan 3 times. they love Japan more than the US (visited twice).

  • killabob on 05/07/2023 - 10:04

    OK so hypothetically Japan, which time of year?
    As above, we love skiing but also love the heat…even humidity doesn't bother us.
    Say a 10 day trip…better skiing and a few sightseeing things or summer for mostly sightseeing?

    • jjjaar on 05/07/2023 - 10:18
      +2

      You might like the heat and humidity, but Japan in July/August is next level. It’s oppressive. If you actually want to sightsee you’ll be too exhausted by the summer heat to want to do anything.

      Japan in winter is lovely, but you don’t have to ski. There’s still a lot to do to get your “culture and food”. Tokyo’s winter is chilly, but not too cold. Decent winter clothes are all you need. It snows there, but only occasionally, so chances are you may not even experience it.

      Then there’s always autumn and spring. Personally I don’t care where I’m going in the world, April/May and Sept/Oct are the best times for pleasant weather that’s at neither extreme. You can also go for Cherry Blossom, but that will be pricey.

      • killabob on 05/07/2023 - 10:53

        Worse than Vietnam, Cambodia, FNQ, Bali?

        If i was going to Japan in winter we'd definitely ski but feels like i'd waste the trip mostly skiing.
        Leaning towards October at this early stage. Hopefully miss typhoon season but still get some warm weather.

      • AaronRain on 05/07/2023 - 14:00

        I would avoid going during the Cherry blossom season (April/May) unless you are going there for it, as a lot of area can get quite crowded with tourist (unless that's your thing), the last time I went was around March and it was beginning to get quite busy at the tail end of my trip.

        • KaraZorEl on 01/09/2023 - 11:18

          @AaronRain - We are booking our tickets for March/April 2024. We want to avoid the period between March 15-April 10 (approx dates) as that would coincide with school holidays and 14-days of full bloom of cherry blossoms.

          While still traveling in Spring 2024, which is better early-mid March or late April-early May if we want to 1) avoid peak tourist crowd 2) See some cherry blossom. I am leaning towards April to avoid having to carry winter wear. Tickets are priced about the same.

          TIA!

          • AaronRain on 01/09/2023 - 19:22

            @KaraZorEl: Crowd is probably unavoidable if you want to see sakura, they are also unpredictable due to the weather and are shorted lived (1-2 weeks). April is probably the safest, however, if you want guarantee to see some I would go early as there are some places that have early blooming, as early as Feb even (like https://en.japantravel.com/kanagawa/matsuda-cherry-blossom-f…, google early bloom sakura), however they are usually hard to get to (on the way to Hakone) if you are just staying in Tokyo. It is quite cold in March, however, unless you are going to mountain area like Takayama, most indoor places are super heated. Also remember that plum blossom are different from cherry/sakura blossom. Good luck.

    • lunartemis on 05/07/2023 - 20:27

      September - October or April are good months to go since the temperature is similar to Australia (around 20 degrees) in the main tourist places (Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima)

    • R4 on 06/07/2023 - 13:21
      +1

      I've been there in July and the weather is horrible. High humidity and heat in big concrete cities is not much fun. It was better though in the alps and higher country.

    • Pungentia on 07/07/2023 - 11:09

      Our kids are now heading into secondary school - If time off during term time bothers you, you will pay more for flights.
      We normally go just after Christmas and come back around 20th Jan. .. that said, OzB style, it is significantly cheaper to travel in, say, late Jan-end of Feb.

      When we've been there most of the bigger cities have been cool, but generally dry - and as long as you pack your thermals you'll be fine (and there is always uniqlo selling warm stuff there if you don't have enough).

      Skiing there is a very different experience to here.. the food on the ski slopes is amazing, tasty and cheap, you are also outside appreciating nature.. and the whole culture of onsen/hot springs baths is great.

      For accessibility, I would consider somewhere like Nozawa Onsen - a train ride away from Tokyo. It ticks the boxes on culture, food, is easy as an Aussie and is beautiful. Be mindful that cheaper pension style accom may mean a shared bathroom, and a hotel onsen may mean there are no private showers.

  • 2esc on 05/07/2023 - 11:29
    +2

    Japan the US wouldn't even be in the top 50 overseas countries i would consider.

  • AaronRain on 05/07/2023 - 14:04

    How long are you planning the trip for?

    • killabob on 05/07/2023 - 16:04

      10-14 days…

  • Bluto Mindpretzel on 05/07/2023 - 16:30
    +5

    I've lived in both countries so can confidently say Japan.

    US: high crime, requires use of cars everywhere, guns, tipping culture

    Japan: low crime, great public transport options, stunning sights, no tipping culture

    • Muselibar on 05/07/2023 - 18:05
      +3

      Tipping good point!
      In America even hotel doorman expects a tip, just very awkward to tip someone to open a door for you and an annoying way to start the day.
      It's ok to tip for food. But tipping culture in US us just ridiculous. Pay AU$150-200 a night for hotel and have to tip staff to open the front door. Just absurd

      • Bluto Mindpretzel on 05/07/2023 - 18:06
        +1

        Also need to leave a tip for the cleaners who will clean your hotel room while you are out, the people who are serving the food at breakfast. The list goes on.

        It makes every life situation there extremely awkward.

        • serpserpserp on 05/07/2023 - 19:50
          -2

          Awkward for people that want to go against their culture and not tip I suppose.

          • OhmyRyzen on 05/07/2023 - 21:15
            +5

            @serpserpserp: shit culture i suppose.

          • Bluto Mindpretzel on 06/07/2023 - 10:15
            +2

            @serpserpserp: Awkward because you literally need to google how much you're expected to tip in literally every damn life situation. Tipping isn't an "i gave them some extra money", it is expected to exceed specific levels like 10% min plus extra if you got a discount on the order, if the weather was bad your are expected to add few bucks more etc. Any of those not being adhered to is taken as a complaint.

            It's so bad even food delivery services have tipping guides on the net.

          • Muselibar on 06/07/2023 - 12:28
            +1

            @serpserpserp: As a guest, I generally follow the norms/conventions of the country, but doesn't mean it's not irritating and makes you feel a bit cheated.
            US tipping culture is just constant.

            Paying AU$200+ a night for a hotel (with complimentary breakfast).
            Morning goes like this:
            - expected to tip staff serving breakfast even though its 'free' and you have already paid for it
            - expected to tip doorman once leaving the hotel
            - expected to tip staff at cafe getting your morning coffee

            So easily could have spent US$30 (basically AU$50) in the first hour of being awake just to get a coffee and 'complimentary' breakfast.
            If you aren't used to tipping culture, you just feel like you being constantly cheated. Even in developing countries there isn't such an expectation of tips and staff in Indonesia are genuinely happy with $1 tip (and it is not expected).

            Then people have pointless jobs which are very poorly paid. That rely on tips i.e. doorman at 3 star hotel who literally just opens a door and makes small talk - doesn't even carry bags, that's another job and also another tip.

            In the US, also a hassle to make sure you always have small notes. Imagine only having US$10 note and you have to tip someone AU$15 to open a door! I would be annoyed about that all day…..

            • Muselibar on 06/07/2023 - 12:31
              +2

              @Muselibar: There is no such tipping culture in Japan.
              I occasionally left change at a restaurant, by choice.
              Very rarely tipped. Similar to Australia.

            • serpserpserp on 06/07/2023 - 15:30

              @Muselibar: People keep bringing up the doorman. At a hotel if they only open the door for you, you don't tip them. Only if they help you with something you tip them and it can be like $2. Unless it is a bunch of suitcases, then maybe $2 or $5 for two bags etc. If your coffee is $5 you tip like 50c max. Complimentary breakfast $5 a person. Or $10-15 a family of you get great service.

              So if it is just yourself, you've spent $5-6 that morning. Unless you checked out of a hotel, then it might be $10-11.

              • Bluto Mindpretzel on 06/07/2023 - 16:53

                @serpserpserp: You don't need to tip for coffee! Any fast food, over the counter type of service does not require it. Someone prepping coffee does not require a tip.The tipping system preys on the vagueness of it, and fear of being called cheap which encourages people to tip higher or when not even required.

                If you go out for a meal, you have boxes to tick on your bill: 15/20/25%. If you tip the lowest, they might want to know what they did wrong. It adds up fast, being in the US there are leaches attaching themselves to your wallet left and right. A 10% rule of thumb may get your more angry looks than you think.

                Here's some of it in practice https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Pyj9KlgaFdw (that was the reaction to a $5 tip for a $20 pizza).

    • sumyungguy on 05/07/2023 - 18:05

      Paradoxical thing about the USA, fabulous place to visit… but I wouldn't want to live there.

  • AustriaBargain on 05/07/2023 - 18:00
    +1

    Japan has a Disney park so I can't really think of a good reason to go to the US, unless you wanted to tour multiple parks. Universal Japan has the Mario world too.

  • serpserpserp on 05/07/2023 - 19:49
    +1

    One of your kids really wants to go to Japan? Sounds like an easy decision.

    • [Deactivated] on 05/07/2023 - 21:17
      -2

      Why should the eldest have the final say?

  • lunartemis on 05/07/2023 - 20:25
    +4

    Number of gun violence in 2022
    USA - 600+
    Japan - 9

    • ass3ts on 06/07/2023 - 19:20

      I'm pretty sure it's a lot more than that in USA, many just go unreported.

    • ass3ts on 07/07/2023 - 22:05

      Try 48,830 firearm-related deaths in USA in 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/injury.htm
      600+ is just for mass shootings in 2022 in USA.

      • lunartemis on 08/07/2023 - 09:00

        That number alone will have me choosing Japan over USA any day

  • Nickels n Dimes on 05/07/2023 - 21:28
    +2

    I would say Japan almost certainly, especially since most cities in the USA are horrible human wastedumps at every turn.

    There are some exceptions, but the only thing US might have going for it is the food is more attuned to many Aussie children's palate, (consistent, sweet, bland, fatty versions of European food or the generic American chains you can find here). If your kids are used to sushi, sashimi, ramen, miso, donburi, etc. then Japanese food is not an issue, of course it's better than Japanese food here, and cheaper too.

    There are theme parks near Tokyo such as Disney, Universal, Odaiba, Nijigen No Mori, Studio Ghibli Museum,Sanrio Harmonyland, etc so plenty of options for kids of all ages.

    • killabob on 06/07/2023 - 08:47
      +2

      The food shouldn't be a problem, they generally love Japanese food.
      In a perfect world i'd take them to Europe but they will be a trip for the parents only…days on end of galleries and museums might be a bit much.

      • ass3ts on 06/07/2023 - 19:26
        +1

        I'd still pick Japan over anywhere in Europe and I've been to both numerous times. Days on end of galleries and museums are a bit of much for me too and I like museums, but Europe is far more diverse than USA, so it also comes down to a matter of personal preference.

  • TightAl on 05/07/2023 - 23:15
    +1

    USA? To experience the gun violence and homelessness? LoL
    Maybe 5 years ago, now? no chance

    • Bluto Mindpretzel on 06/07/2023 - 10:20
      +2

      Those have all been features of the US for a lot longer than 5 years.

      • TightAl on 06/07/2023 - 10:22

        US has been a gutter for all BAD statistics for a long time but it's exponentially worse now.

  • ssfps on 06/07/2023 - 02:40
    -2

    People keep equating USA to crime. What do the crime stats look like if you exclude LA, San Fran, Detroit, and Chicago? Is it really that much worse than Japan?

    • ozbargainer88 on 06/07/2023 - 08:08
      +4

      I've been to Japan 3 times and the most crime I experienced was my sister catching the wrong train. She was kindly escorted to the correct one.

      • killabob on 06/07/2023 - 08:44

        haha…this is when OzB needs emojis!

      • May4th on 06/07/2023 - 11:22

        we lost a pair of designer sunglasses on the Shinkansen. given up on getting it back and thought we'd try our luck a few days later, returned to us at the local station without trouble.

        • R4 on 06/07/2023 - 12:36
          +2

          My son was in Japan last year and he left his camera on the Shinkansen. He called JR and they told him to go to the station in Osaka the next day where they had a lost property place. His camera had been handed in and it was there.

      • MrThing on 07/07/2023 - 06:48
        +1

        the most crime ive seen in japan was I said I wanted a fork and they bowed 10000x times at me and said sorry more than a canadian

    • May4th on 06/07/2023 - 11:24

      People keep equating USA to crime. What do the crime stats look like if you exclude LA, San Fran, Detroit, and Chicago? Is it really that much worse than Japan?

      here you go
      https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/sosmap/firearm_mortality/…

    • Windows98 on 06/07/2023 - 12:53
      -1

      So if we exclude most of the most populated cities in the country. The crime stats go down? Who would have thought.

      • ssfps on 07/07/2023 - 12:30

        Smug sarcasm aside, stats are generally per capita. Most populated doesn't always == highest crime (see Tokyo, apparently).

        My point wasn't even to exclude the whole cities, just the gang-heavy + impoverished areas, which tourists would avoid as much as they avoid going to aboriginal housing reserves when visiting Australia.

    • greatlamp on 07/07/2023 - 11:05
      +1

      I remember my friend left his phone behind in a restaurant in Tokyo. He wasn't concerned. The next night he went in and picked it up exactly where he left it.

      • ssfps on 07/07/2023 - 12:18

        That does sound pretty great.

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