they're from Japan? it's already like NYC.
I think they should go to California.

 

hwy 1 big sur

lake tahoe

yosemite

 

There's a reason tour buses go there.

 

take them to the bunny ranch.

 

I would say Vegas, Yellowstone, maybe the Grand Canyon, and Washington DC. That way you get the crazy show, the expanses of land that will wow them, and DC is full of museums and monuments.

 

Grand Canyon first and foremost.

After that, they should definitely head to NYC. NYC can only be enjoyed if you plan it well. If you go there, and sort of squander around trying to figure out where you're going to go, you won't enjoy it. Plan it, plan your subway route/walking distances, definitely visit the museums, visit Times Square. Being from Japan, I'm sure they know what it's like being in an extremely large city with tons of people around, so I don't think the "atmosphere" is what they're going to look for in particular. Central Park is a nice walk, maybe the Statue of Liberty?

Take them to Rockefeller Center, let them see the tree and if they enjoy ice skating they can do that. Perhaps some shopping? If you ask me, NYC is enjoyed best when it's cold. I don't really like the city when it's hot out, since there's a lot of walking/subway rides that make the trip somewhat unpleasant.

If they are more homely, then a trip through some of the mountain ranges would be nice. But it will probably be cold, so it would be wise to stick to the geographical interests out in the West, where they can stay outside and enjoy it.

I don't really recommend D.C., I didn't enjoy it as much as I anticipated when I went. The monuments are nice, but if you're looking for things like that then I'd say go to Europe instead. If it's more of a general interest in the capital of the United States, then go for it.

 

NYC, but that's because I'm biased. We have lots to offer here in the winter, and with the lighting of the Christmas tree at the rock, the holiday season is in full swing.

But if it's cold they dont like - South Beach, SoCal, the Grand Canyons, or perhaps even Mexico (Cabo).

 

+1
Museums in DC

 

LA

 

Man, some of y'all commenting on Miami, Newport, Vegas and such. Those are just cities - anyone can find a city and enjoy different attractions that cities offer from anywhere in the world. But when you come to a country, each country has natural sites and observations that are unique only to that country. Here, the grand canyon, grand tetons, redwoods and rivers throughout the country are amazing. Take them to the rockies and around the mid-west since they'll be in vegas like you previously stated. I don't know when your friends will be coming to the states, but Washington D.C. is really cool AND even more exciting around April and the spring because of all the Cherry blossoms around the city. The Smithsonians, Archives, The Mall, Lincoln, Vietnam, WW2, Washington Memorial are really really exciting places to visit even for non-americans. The way D.C. is designed is also really interesting because most roads lead to central locations and are wide streets. The city was designed by a parisian, and is very similar to how Paris is designed. I think NYC is overrated, and while cool, it probably would be just the same as Tokyo.

Edit: hmm, coming in a few weeks. What age are your friends? If they are younger than perhaps Vegas and NYC and LA would be more suitable. I think it takes a little more maturity and age to enjoy D.C. and natural scenery.