Is United States or Japan easier to get a tourist visa for?

Japan asks for less money in the bank and Japan decides faster. Approval depends more on clean documents than on the destination; both refuse mainly for inconsistent funds and weak ties.

Can I apply for United States and Japan at the same time?

Yes for e-visas, since no passport is held. If either is a sticker visa the passport is with that consulate, so sequence the sticker application first or use the second passport option where your country allows one.

Which is better value, United States or Japan?

Japan is cheaper per traveller, but value depends on validity: United States is valid 10 years and Japan 90 days. A longer, multiple-entry visa costs less per trip.

Where do these figures come from?

Government fees, processing windows and funds figures are taken from the official United States and Japan sources cited on each destination page and re-checked when the authorities publish changes.

All comparisons

United States vs Japan: tourist visa

United States or Japan for a tourist visa? Side by side: $254 vs $35 all-in, Varies by post vs 5 to 7 days decision, funds to show, process type, biometrics and which one fits your plan.

Verdict

Japan is cheaper ($35 vs $254 all-in)
Japan decides faster (5 to 7 days)
Japan asks for less money in the bank ($1,500 vs $3,000)

United States vs Japan: tourist visa side by side

	United States	Japan
Visa format	Sticker	E-visa
Process	embassy visa	e-visa
Biometrics	Required	No
Interview	Yes	No
Government fee	$185	$5
vistolane filing fee	$69	$30
All-in per traveller	$254	$35
Decision window	Varies by post	5 to 7 days
Validity	10 years	90 days
Stay	Up to 6 months per visit	Up to 90 days
Entries	Multiple	Single
Funds to show (tourist visa)	$3,000	$1,500
tourist visa route	B1/B2 Visitor	Tourist

Which is cheaper?

United States costs $254 all-in ($185 government fee plus $69 filing) and Japan costs $35 ($5 plus $30). Japan is cheaper by $219 per traveller. Neither figure includes optional attention plans or airport transfers.

Which is faster?

United States: Varies by post (Interview waits of several months at busy posts). Japan: 5 to 7 days (5–7 working days). United States depends on interview availability, which can add weeks at busy posts. vistolane quotes a guaranteed decision date for both before you pay.

Which needs less money in the bank?

United States asks for about $3,000 and Japan about $1,500 for a tourist visa. Japan is the lower bar. In both, statements must be seasoned for three months and match the plan you describe.

How the processes differ

United States: embassy visa with biometrics. Japan: e-visa. An e-visa needs no appointment; a sticker visa holds your passport for the decision window; an embassy visa adds an interview and a decision at the window.

Which should you pick for a tourist visa?

For a short trip, weigh speed and entries: Japan decides in 5 to 7 days, and United States gives multiple entries. If you are choosing purely on cost, Japan wins.