In Tokyo, location is everything. One of the best places to stay here is the world-famous Shibuya district. Here, you can check into the towering Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel, and enjoy close proximity to the heart of the city. Its spacious Corner King room offers a separate living space and a bathtub with a magnificent view of the city. The hotel has all the amenities you need, including a 20-metre-long pool that you can dive into after your day’s adventure, a spa, and a sauna in which you can relax. 

To make the most of three precious days in Tokyo, we suggest you break up your visit into the three different aspects of the city. Here is how you can do it with our suggested itinerary for the three days.

Glimmering buildings and busy streets greet you upon your arrival in Tokyo. Spend your first day exploring the cosmopolitan side of the city.

Following that, head to the always hip and trendy Harajuku—a colourful street brimming with youth and pop culture, vintage clothing, and cosplay stores. While the funky precinct’s sea of quirky boutiques and cute cafes is an eye-opening experience for first-time visitors, its main highlight is the city's youth themselves. 

Dressed in cosplay outfits with coloured hair and out-of-this-world outfits, Harajuku youths love to express themselves freely through their clothes, make-up, and accessories. Go ahead and ask them for a picture—most Japanese youths would gladly oblige. 

Wish to dress like the locals? Visit the Omotesando and Takeshita Dori shopping streets to get your hands on the colourful streetwear they favour. 

Harajuku is not just about fashion; there are plenty of exciting street food options to try. Food kiosks hawking sweet and savoury snacks are found along the main walking street. A hot favourite here is the Japanese-style crepes, a delightful snack with fruit and ice cream you can enjoy while walking along the street. 

If you love to do something unique, consider popping into a Hedgehog cafe. At Harry's Hedgehog Cafe, you can play with tiny and sometimes feisty hedgehogs as you enjoy a drink or two. To protect you from the spikes of the adorable mammals, you will be given gloves to wear. 

As evening dawns on your first day in Tokyo, leave Harajuku behind for the bright neon lights of Shinjuku—Tokyo’s foremost nightlife district. Visit the Metropolitan Government Building at sunset and head up to the observation deck, where a spectacular panoramic view of Tokyo greets you. Wait for the sun to set, and watch the city illuminate before your eyes. 

Cap your night at Piss Alley (Omoide Tokocho)—a small, packed alleyway featuring food stalls and tiny bars that looks (and smells) better than its name implies! Lined with lanterns conjuring a festive feel, Piss Alley serves up some of the best food in the area.

Get directions to Shibuya Crossing

Get directions to Harajuku

Get directions to Metropolitan Government Building

Have a change of “scenery” on day two of your Tokyo holiday by paying homage to the city’s ancient and historically-rich areas.

Continue your serene day at Ueno, a traditional Tokyo neighbourhood known for its shrines, museums and gardens. Go on a lovely nature walk along Ueno Park, and soak in the tranquillity of its surroundings. Do pop into a shrine or two while you are here. 

Beyond the park, the Tokyo National Museum is a must-visit. Home to significant historical and traditional Japanese artefacts that span Japan’s history, it offers you a wealth of information and knowledge of the country’s storied past. 

End your second day at the famous Akihabara District, known for its manga and anime culture—a haven for all things electronic and gaming. Streets of electronic and gaming shops blanket one area of the district. This neighbourhood is perfect for otakus, video game enthusiasts, and toy hobbyists. And if you are looking for any electronic product—from cameras, sound equipment to computers—Akihabara is likely to have it. 

Get directions to Sensoji Temple

Get directions to Ueno Park

Get directions to Tokyo National Museum

Get directions to Akihabara District

You cannot visit Tokyo without savouring Japanese cuisine, visiting its imperial palace, or engaging in some shopping.