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

  • Blakus on 06/07/2023 - 06:27
    +2

    I’m in the same situation (kids 8 and 11). Just went to Japan in May and have USA upcoming in September. Japan was a great holiday but the kids weren’t that excited seeing the culture and sights like the adults. The 11 year old didn’t really like the food either, except for the Wagyu.

    They are way more excited for USA, I think due to the familiarity and influence of USA on Australia. The 11 year old has a whole list of food places he wants to try, things to buy, places to see.

    • payless69 on 06/07/2023 - 09:13
      +1

      I agree! The US has tricks up their sleeves to excite kids, see it now. It is only getting dearer.
      Japan is much more stable and save it for later.

    • Cluster on 06/07/2023 - 13:17
      +3

      I remember mentioning my USA holiday to a young coworker. Her eyes lit up and asked if I tried Wendy's, In-n-Out, White Castle, etc. I admitted I didn't, as I didn't go there to try a whole bunch of fast food, but for her this was her ideal holiday. Try all the burger joints.

      Everyone has different opinions on what a holiday should be. I imagine after the third temple the kids would be tearing their hair out with boredom, no matter how historic the place is.

      • May4th on 06/07/2023 - 14:41
        +3

        if you are visiting temples with kids in japan you are doing it wrong. there are so many places to go with kids if you run out of places to visit you are doing it wrong or haven't done your research. Think disney world/disney sea/weird and quirky theme parks eg. ramen, deer parks, akihabara etc etc

  • LlamaFace on 06/07/2023 - 08:51
    +1

    With a little careful planning you will have an amazing time in Japan.

    • killabob on 06/07/2023 - 11:08
      +2

      Wow…you seem like a nice person.

      • Juice-Wa on 06/07/2023 - 14:57
        -2

        idk if it makes it better to you but for some reason it flagged pus-sy as a profanity, weird
        But it will let me use "little bitch"??? the former seems more aggressive tho…

        If you didn't want an honest opinion on how your child feels then omit that information…

    • MessyG on 06/07/2023 - 12:30
      +1

      I'd rather go to Central or South America than North these days. I went to the US ten years ago and thought wow this place is going downhill - cannot imagine what it is like now.

  • installthismelb on 06/07/2023 - 09:56
    +1

    We took our 3 year old to Japan and she loved it. The food is amazing and there is lots to do. We hired a car and drove to random shrines, went to Dino Adventure Nagoya, plenty of zoos and aquariums. Legoland, Disneyland. COSTCO is also a different experience. We have spent 3 weeks and want to go back. Our daughter loves Shibuya with all the vending machines.

  • bgbrendan on 06/07/2023 - 10:56
    +1

    I've been all over the world and LA was the place I felt most unsafe, you have to drive everywhere in America as well, whereas japan is just on the train generally

    • Papa Huggies on 07/07/2023 - 09:52

      Respectfully if LA was the most unsafe, you didn't really go all over the world.

      • Luvstospooj on 07/07/2023 - 15:00
        +1

        I went to places like Medillin, Bogata, Santiago, Manila, Mexico city during my round the world trip and I can say LA is the place I felt most unsafe. Could have been the stereotype going through my head but I can relate to the post. There's just something about LA that makes you feel uneasy while exploring the city.

      • gromit on 07/07/2023 - 17:00

        Some parts of the US you can feel like you are almost in a warzone, I would definitely say some parts of the US are some of the unsafest I have ever felt. I really like visiting various areas of the US (have had 30+ trips for both work and pleasure). Some parts of LA, Sandiego, Miami (especially back in the 90's), Chicago and Atlanta if you didn't feel at all unsafe you were blind to the risks. I remember getting off a flight in Miami back in the 90's and being handed a map of no go areas as the risk of being shot or robbed was basically off the charts.

        Japan is the polar opposite.

  • May4th on 06/07/2023 - 11:17
    +2

    Apart from nature, I'm not sure why you would want to travel to the US over Japan, kids or not.
    In terms of culture, food, cleaniness, ease of transport, friendly locals Japan has US beat hands down, not even mentioning safety. Whilst Japanese culture is more polite over warm, you tend to underestimate the importance of an orderly, polite society and thoughtful public amenities when travelling with kids, I can tell you it's going to be a lot less stressful in Japan than the US. Even cost wise it's roughly on par once you take into account the tipping culture

    As an aside, this is my ignorance showing but what's american cuisine aside from extra large chips ribs and burgers with extra large coke?

    • Herbse on 06/07/2023 - 12:51
      +2

      As an aside, this is my ignorance showing but what's american cuisine aside from extra large chips ribs and burgers with extra large coke?

      Funny thing is that some of the best food in the USA comes from the migrants who opened restaurants and foods from their local countries. The Mexican, South American food in the southern states are amazing. And there's foods like Ruben sandwiches, hot dogs and stuff like that which came from German/European immigrants. Amazing pizzas (Italians) and so on.

      • May4th on 06/07/2023 - 13:43

        yes I figured it's a bit like Australia, the biggest drawcard is the variety of cuisine from all over the world whilst Modern Australian / American, whilst having some excellent restaurants are decidedly bland by comparison

  • telby on 06/07/2023 - 11:33
    +1

    Love Japan! Except for the Covid period, I spend a few weeks there every year, over the past 20 years. As everyone else have said, great public transport, awesome food, safety and genuinely lovely people.

  • roweysvn on 06/07/2023 - 11:46
    +2

    While I can't vouch for the experience your children will have as I don't have any, I can say as an adult, I would pick Japan hands down. I've been to US a few times and Japan more recently and Japan is definitely on my re-visit list. Cities like Tokyo and Osaka are incredibly clean (especially given their size). The food is relatively cheap and tasty, accommodation isn't too pricey, hospitality staff are super friendly and public transport is second to none. I had no concerns about safety at all. Experiencing shrines and temples was awesome for me, however the kids may get a bit bored. However you've got places like Universal Studios, Disneyland, Legoland along with Nintendo and Pokemon stuff everywhere.

    If you do pick Japan, watching a few videos on what to do/what not to do when you get there would be helpful, as there are a few cultural differences between Japan and Australia

    • Muselibar on 06/07/2023 - 12:40

      As a parent, having been to both countries, I would add (although I travelled to both before I had kids):
      I would feel far more comfortable having a beer or going to a bar in Japan with kids.
      Drinking culture in Japan is not so 'seedy' and 4-7pm mostly office workers and friendly young people in bars with groups of mates.

      Perhaps due to American drinking restrictions (history of prohibition, start drinking at 21, etc.) bars and pubs are a bit more of adult spaces.
      And people can be a bit shady/drunk at all times of the day. Not a great place to go for an early meal with kids and have 1-2 beers. This is bit generalised but just my perspective.

      Having said that, some Japanese can be very drunk, sure. But having 1-2 beers at 6pm with kids in Japan would generally be more 'normal' when compared to US.

  • Dack Smith on 06/07/2023 - 12:40

    The United States have a decent crime record and has lots of fun theme parks - unless you’re fluent in Japanese you will have difficulties unlike a native English country.

    The food is vastly different as well with rice and fish being the main diet whereas the US has nice steaks and western food.

    I’ve been a few times and haven’t been shot, mugged, killed or destroyed like many say as a visitor to the US, so unless I’m statistically lotto lucky or people like to talk shit and wallow in their smell….

    • ozbargainer88 on 06/07/2023 - 13:33
      +1

      unless you’re fluent in Japanese you will have difficulties

      Flat out incorrect

      • May4th on 06/07/2023 - 14:42

        I suppose it depends on which city. Tokyo and to a lesser extent Osaka you won't have any problems, all major public facilities have english signs, catered to tourist. If you want to explore rural Japan or go to smaller cities you'll need to do a lot of gesturing and google translate

      • Muselibar on 06/07/2023 - 16:02

        Mixed bag I guess.
        I don't think most Japanese can speak fluent/very good English.
        But they also don't assume that you know Japanese and are quite patient.

        But plenty of people in the cities in Japan can speak English and I spoke to quite a few Japanese people. Less so in rural areas. And those in/around tourist areas obviously speak English.
        Perhaps those that speak good English, just want to practice with a Westerner. A few times locals in Japan just spoke to me in English on the train and I thought they were touts, but they just wanted to say hello and show off/practice I guess?

        But then some Americans you talk to just have no idea about the world….. So speaking them really is a waste of time. Had multiple Americans comment, quite surprised that I spoke "good English" so it's quite bizarre chatting to them and the conversation is mostly about sharks and poisonous insects. But lots of Americans are nice and it is nice to chat shit to a native English speaker.

        Sometimes communication in Japan is a bit awkward/problematic. But you get used to it and I didn't find it a massive issue and I speak zero Japanese. Probably easier now with Google Translate.

        • May4th on 06/07/2023 - 16:42

          Had multiple Americans comment, quite surprised that I spoke "good English"

          If you were white and say you are from Australia they probably thought you meant Austria

          If you are coloured they probably stop listening when you tell them what country you were from and assume you arrived on a boat on a refugee visa

          All in jest (mostly)

      • Luvstospooj on 07/07/2023 - 15:03

        Even if most Japanese don't speak or understand Englsih very well, 90% of signs are in english and announcements are done in both Japanese and English. Youre right about the comment being incorrect. I speak no Japanese and went just fine. If someone cant understand you, just use Google translate and vice versa. It' was quite easy.

    • Luvstospooj on 07/07/2023 - 15:04

      If you think you will have difficulties in Japan if you don't know Japanese, I can say with confidence you have never been there

  • Herbse on 06/07/2023 - 12:46

    One of the cleanest, beautiful, most advanced countries in the world with the most humble, nicest, cleanest community.. vs a shithole full of rude munts.

    Tough choice!

    • hawkshead on 06/07/2023 - 17:11

      are you talking about australia? i think the word is (profanity)?

      • Herbse on 06/07/2023 - 17:29

        I'm with you on that one.
        There are varying degrees of shit tho

        • MrThing on 07/07/2023 - 06:44
          +1

          theres shit, like australian shit - oi thats shit mate.

          then there america which is every steaming turd in the world, centralised on one country - did you look at me funny, dont make me shoot you, i feel threatened

  • Nebargains on 06/07/2023 - 12:47
    -1

    Surprised Japan is winning this poll by a landslide. I wonder if that is just because Japan typically has cheap fares on Ozbargain and as such that is where this crowd goes all the time?

    I was tossing up between Japan and the USA (I mean at some point I am going to go to both so it doesn't matter) and ultimately landed on the USA for my upcoming holiday. I found it extremely difficult to find decent accommodation in Japan, maybe it is something i was doing wrong but it (accommodation) seemed super expensive for what you got, way more expensive than the USA when it came to anything with more than 1 bedroom.

    Also I wouldn't stress too much about crime, regardless of where you go, it is like when people freak out about pickpockets etc in Europe… yeah just have your wits about you and don't be stupid. There is crime everywhere, even Australia, and worrying about it is just going to ruin the holiday.

    • Cluster on 06/07/2023 - 13:21

      Indeed. We tend to hear about the homeless in San Francisco, the utter decay of Baltimore and Philadelphia, and school shootings. But the vast majority of the USA is civilized and very friendly.

      I imagine likewise some US tourists are wary of visiting here because they hear about the shark attacks and all the other animals that are constantly trying to kill us.

    • sumyungguy on 06/07/2023 - 13:24

      I think the comments demonstrate that everyone who travels does so for different underlying reasons. We all know people who barely even leave their own suburb. If the poll was taken 20 years ago we'd be taking about Bali. But the world is constantly changing and that's what makes it interesting. My first visit to the US was back in 1995 - I was visiting a workplace in Scranton PA and heading into New York City for the Easter break. Most of the people I met said they never go to NYC because they fear for their lives. Like you, I'm never overly worried about crime. I do like Japan but find the US even more compelling because it's so diverse. Safe travels!

    • rumblytangara on 06/07/2023 - 13:26
      +1

      Why surprised? Japan is almost the perfect country for entertaining kids. This thread is about things for kids. Densely packed things of interest, reliable transport both for short distances and intercity, crazy high levels of cleanliness, similar timezone so you don't have to worry about kids waking and staying up at 4am.

      I've done reasonably priced accommodation- just about any hostel is miles ahead of what you'll get in the EU or NA and perfectly suitable for children because they often have private rooms. It's also really cheap for decent food as even cheap stuff is high quality- MOS Burger or onigiri from the 7-11 style convenience stores are cheap and tasty for kids without being as garbage as McDonalds or Wendys.

      I've done both countries, a lot. Great things about both. But the US with it's vast distances, extreme timezone shift, reliance on cars for transportation, skew it heavily towards being better for adult trips.

      Agreed on the violence thing though. There's a huge amount of media-influenced flat out ignorance being displayed in this thread about violence in the US. Not really something anyone has to worry about if they're going hiking in the Rocky Mountains or trawling NYC (I've spent a lot of time walking and catching the subway there with a jetlagged infant).

  • Cluster on 06/07/2023 - 13:26
    +1

    Not sure if this has been mentioned, but a benefit of going to Japan is they drive on the left like we do. I have rented a car around Mount Fuji and it greatly enhanced the experience.

    Renting a car in the USA adds a certain pucker factor. I caught myself driving on the wrong side of the road, and other Australians I've asked likewise had scares too. Don't think it can happen to you? I didn't make a mistake until the third day of driving, when the 'yeah, I've got this!' factor came in.

  • vshek on 06/07/2023 - 13:48

    Never been to Japan But lived in the US for over 5 years.

    I think u cant compare these two. US is very vast and lots to be done there, U really need lot of time and focus on what you want to get out of your trip.
    As far as Junkies, Safety and Guns go yes US has that but that should not be a holiday decision because its very unlikely u will face issue, its like saying I wont go for a walk because I may get bitten by a snake!

  • [Deactivated] on 06/07/2023 - 13:51

    It's a tough decision between the two countries ….. they both have cults so you need to consider that & protect the kiddos

  • Tiredman on 06/07/2023 - 13:51

    Japan any day.

  • CowFrogHorse on 06/07/2023 - 15:00

    Going to America will teach them what happens when people worship money over people, and the outcomes like homeless people, broken people who work 3 jobs and cant afford healthcare and so on.

    • Cluster on 06/07/2023 - 15:07

      Unless the parents take the kids to Baltimore, Philadelphia, Skid Row in LA, or the deserted areas in SF, the kids will think the USA is doing everything right.

      We see online a tiny microcosm of the best and worst the USA has to offer. The in between is about 98% of the country.

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

        There are broken people everywhere in the US. It might be homelessness, working 80 hours a week, crying because they cant afford a medicine their family needs and or simply working crazy hours with no time off. Yeh America is a real paradise, where a broken arm can cost $20k or you get fired because you were sick after working 12 hour days for 2 weeks days straight.

  • nedski on 06/07/2023 - 16:23

    Less chance of getting shot in Japan.

    • hawkshead on 06/07/2023 - 17:10
      +1

      tell that to the PM

  • hawkshead on 06/07/2023 - 17:10

    Whats your skin color? If you got a lot of melanin I'd probably skip the US.

  • khell on 06/07/2023 - 22:22

    Yes, go to Japan not that shithole country the USA.

  • squaredonut on 06/07/2023 - 22:27
    +2

    Been to both. Been to Japan more times. I went recently with my two kids. Japan is still quite appropriate for kids, especially at that age. Also right now the exchange rate is a lot better than USD.

    If you haven't been to the US before, it's honestly nothing that much of a shock, it's just another western country when you're in the main cities. But I find that the quality of food there is sub-par, you pay a lot of money with a bad exchange rate, the sales taxes not on the price labels are annoying, and obviously the worst thing is tipping. I hate tipping, and it makes your $15 USD steak go to about $20 USD, then when you convert that back to AUD, you go wow did I really pay $31 bucks for a piece of bad tasting meat? It's bad because as you eat it, you think to yourself, this is a rip off but I still need to pay this tip, because these waiters/waitresses don't get paid a liveable wage.

    Just the overall culture is based around tipping irks me, you go to your hotel, and someone brings your bags up, but you're thinking man I can do it myself, and now I have to find $1 or $5 bills. Catch a cab, they're fishing for a tip as well. But none of that exists in Japan, you leave shrapnel on the change tray? They'll chase you down the street to give it back to you, there's no expectation like this, because what you paid already includes service.

    And honestly, unless you're in the city center where it's convenient to catch a subway or a train around, there are some places that really need a car to get to, I remember thinking yeah I keep hearing about Walmart etc, I'd love to check it out, but it's really only on the out skirts.

    • rumblytangara on 07/07/2023 - 00:11

      Been to the US loads of times, I enjoy visiting. And of all the reviews bagging on the US… I agree with this one.

  • TransportPosters on 07/07/2023 - 00:06

    Had a friend come back from Japan just last week and they said:

    • Nice place.
    • Very humid (at least at present).
    • Their Disneyland isn't as nice as the US ones.
    • Restaurant and food court meals are great and it's very cheap to feed everyone compared to Oz.
    • 'Western-style' convenience store food is pretty crap.
    • Public transport users are quite ruthless there.
    • Lots of shopping to do.
    • No earthquakes during their stay,
    • May4th on 07/07/2023 - 12:29

      japanese convenience stores are some of the best in the world - did they go to family mart and those types? our convenience stores pale in comparison

      • TransportPosters on 07/07/2023 - 17:36

        They did send me a photo and it looked awful.

        I forgot to add to my list:

        • Public transport costs are apparently quite higher compared to Oz and can really add up if you rely on it a lot to get around.

        Edit: I told them it's probably because Japan is well known for its incredibly on-time trains. So it must cost a lot to keep that up!

  • RefusdClassification on 07/07/2023 - 06:00

    Since there are so many Japanophiles here, I think you will like the following image: https://davegutteridge.com/archive/images/wow_japan.jpg

    The Japan of popular culture juxtaposed with the Japan of the salaryman. I wish the image wa in higher resolution though.

    • rumblytangara on 07/07/2023 - 10:07

      Unless there's some additional context missing from that link… the comic manages to totally get it wrong. The stuff that blows your mind living in Japan is how different the culture is, and even the bland and humdrum stuff like 7-11 and burger chains are different enough to be fascinating to the visitor.

    • May4th on 07/07/2023 - 10:20

      i don't know anyone over the the age of 16 who is in the left side of the comic..

      • rumblytangara on 07/07/2023 - 10:53
        +1

        It's probably an American coming strip… the depths of (often friendly) ignorance over there regarding the outside world never cease to astound. Australia is insular enough, but the US is of another order of magnitude.

        I've had someone ask whether we use different currencies (i.e. not the US dollar).

  • MrThing on 07/07/2023 - 06:42

    japan get hit on by dirty old pedos
    usa get shot

    what do?

  • npnp on 07/07/2023 - 12:36
    +1

    Out of the two choices Japan is clear winner but there are so many other choices if you're looking for interesting, cultural, experience & sightseeing journeys especially in sub continent and Asian countries.

    We did Japan only a couple of months ago with two mine year Olds and hope below tips will help out.

    ** Plan, plan and plan (I can't emphasis this enough. especially if your budget and time is tight)
    ** Be prepared for ques (with kids this is a nightmare)
    ** Buy JR pass (and do it before you leave Australia)
    ** Go to UJS and Disneyland (both are fantastic for kids, BUT be prepared for massive ques, if you don't plan your visits to those places, be prepared to be disappointed)
    ** Be prepared for winging kids at public transport when they get crowded
    ** Food (for us) was too blant but if you like fresh sea food with little add ons then Japan will be heaven
    ** Don't miss out on rural areas, hire a car it's much fun
    ** Go to an Onsen
    ** Get out from urban centres (especially Tokyo and Kyoto) as early as possible, they're incredibly criwded
    ** Pick the right season to visit (if this is not possible, pick the right places depending your time of visit - for an example, if you fancy seeing cherry blossoms you must visit in that specific time)

    And there's a lot more but you could start from here..

    • killabob on 07/07/2023 - 15:27

      Any tips on who to fly with and where to stay?
      TripAdvisor was showing some exorbitant prices for 5 nights in Tokyo and flights seemed higher than i was expecting as well…probably thinking about pre "the vid".
      Couldn't even see flights for May 2024 on most sites.

      • greenie on 07/07/2023 - 16:49
        +1

        Check SQ for flights to Japan and check Jo's blog here for useful tips and info. I used her blog to plan our trip back in 2019 and will do the same for our trip later this year. Feel free to DM if you'd like some recommendations for hotels and/or more info in general, happy to help!

        • skjaus2015 on 07/07/2023 - 19:05

          Planning to go in 1st week of August. Being vegetarion ( no fish , only egg) easy to find street food out there ?

          • greenie on 07/07/2023 - 20:40

            @skjaus2015: We didn't really eat street food last time but I think you should have no issues with sweet ones (dango, taiyaki, senbei etc) but most likely can't eat the savoury ones like takoyaki, tako tamago etc. There should be vegetarian korokke and okonomiyaki though and maybe vegetarian yakisoba as well.

      • npnp on 07/07/2023 - 17:13

        We flew via Phillipines airlines and have only good things to tell about the flight. However there are many ozbargainers complaining about Manila airport (which was our transit) so please be vary of that. In our case we have no issues whatsoever.
        Regarding stays I'd like to recommend Toyoko Inn hotels, they are not fancy hotel chain by any means but if you're budget traveller and appreciate stays that are budget friendly but still decent then you can't beat the value of Toyoko Inn chain (we booked via Booking.com). They are 3 star hotel chain, most of the hotels located near stations (which was very convenient) and they all had free buffet breakfast included in the rate (room rate for 4 of us roughly around 130-150$ per night). Rooms were tight (which is very common for many Japanese hotels) but for the price I couldn't fault it.

  • bomberswarm2 on 07/07/2023 - 12:59
    -1

    You're 10 times more likely to be stabbed in the UK than you are to be shot in the USA. Crime problem is overblown.

  • Luvstospooj on 07/07/2023 - 14:55

    I just came back from a trip to both.

    Japan is the better choice. Awesome public transport. Can get around without a $30 one way uber ride to each place like the US. Unless you're in NYC, you literally need a car for anything you do. The public transport in Japan is also clean and very safe. Unless you hop on during peak hour, you will find seats easily with kids. The Japenese are also more hospitable than the US.

    Culture is different and the places to see are different. USA feels like a copy and paste of Australia, just with a different accent. Culture is similar and street and building designs are similar. Japan also has Universal studio and Disneyland for kids.

    But if your kids are more into seeing familiarity, then pick the US in case Japan is too much of a culture shock for them.

    And most importantly on OzB, I found Japan to be cheaper than the US.

    Overall, the whole time in Japan, I was loving every minute, while in the US, there were days where I was wondering if should have skipped it.

    • skjaus2015 on 07/07/2023 - 19:14

      Did u buy Japan Rail pass? Is it valid on the bullet train ( Shinkansen ) ?
      where do you buy the Japan rail pass in OZ?

      • greenie on 07/07/2023 - 22:13

        Google JR Pass calculator and enter your trip there and it will tell you whether it's worth getting one. You can buy the pass from Klook.

      • Luvstospooj on 08/07/2023 - 00:02

        On my first trip, I did cos I went to Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima. If you're just staying in one city it's not worth it

        I bought it online but I had to go to a Japanese office to pick it up so they can verify your docs. This was on '19, I'm not sure if they changed it now

      • wagonweel on 08/07/2023 - 09:06

        Bullet train is a separate pass and needed (when I went) to be prepurchased before you go. It is for a set amount of days (7, 14 or 21 days) and once you start using it the days start from there.

  • capslock janitor on 07/07/2023 - 19:23

    easy moment to let ur eldest be heard and make an independent decision for ya family

  • Porco Rosso on 07/07/2023 - 20:04

    Japan absolutely!!

  • Davo1111 on 08/07/2023 - 00:11

    He's not wrong. But the kid doesn't get a choice

  • wagonweel on 08/07/2023 - 09:02
    +1

    Japan over USA with young children.
    Airbnb for accommodation.
    Pre book a sim card(s) to pick up from the airport for network data/navigation.
    Nintendo World, (also Disneyland if you are inclined)
    Temples and beautiful gardens everywhere. Ancient culture and modern.
    It is clean everywhere and the people are incredibly polite.
    You will return wondering why people can't be this respectful of the environment and each other everywhere.
    Skiing, hiking, shopping, dining, architectural beauty…
    So much to experience for everybody.

    If you decide to go download the japan official travel app

  • duluxe2000 on 08/07/2023 - 12:24

    Both are amazing places n lots of stuff to see n spend money if this is your 1st time. I don't worry much about crime in the US if you stay in the tourist areas. Which is better depending on personal preferences (e.g. do you like Hollywood movies or Japanese Anime etc…) . However in terms cost, I guess Japan is cheaper than the US thanks to exchange rates.

  • coolhead on 08/07/2023 - 12:27
    +1

    Some tips here:
    https://familymanstraveldiaries.com/category/best-travel-des…

    Japan any day over US.

  • dumvamp on 08/07/2023 - 14:22

    Go to japan with kids… come home with KIDS.
    Go to US with kids… come home with A kid. maybe… if you are lucky.

  • Some Guy on 11/07/2023 - 08:42

    Just finished driving two months sea to sea in America with wife and two kids (11 and 9) and are about to head to Japan.

    Didn’t see anything remotely close to the crime that many seem to think they’ll be exposed to if they visit the USA. In fact, our experience was that Americans were friendly, chatty, active and knowledgeable. Only saw two old guys visably carrying guns, both in Texas, in two weeks. Very safe safe place for tourists doing tourist things. Was more nervous in the north of Paris (France).

    No wrong answer for the OP here, both would be great options. Not looking forward to the temp in Japan this time of year.

  • luffyex2010 on 25/07/2023 - 19:33

    It really depends on your background, upbringing and personal preferences.

    Asians family would mostly pick Japan compared to the USA. The elderly would prefer neither due to historical experiences.

    Caucasian… I cannot really comment but if you don't like rice and noodles I can almost guarantee you wouldn't like Japan too.

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