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A Leisurely Day in Shibuya & Harajuku

Our second day in Tokyo struck a perfect balance—starting with a refined breakfast, wandering through the vibrant streets of Shibuya and Harajuku, and leaving room to recharge after the last wave of jet lag.

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Breakfast at Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel

The morning began at our hotel, the Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel in Shibuya. Room rates here typically range from ¥30,000 to ¥60,000 per night ($200–$400 USD), making it a mid-to-high tier option in Tokyo.

Breakfast was served at Caramelo, the hotel’s buffet restaurant on the lobby floor. The offerings went far beyond the basics: freshly baked breads and pastries, smoked salmon, eggs prepared several ways, meats, steamed vegetables, seasonal fruits, cereals, cheeses, and a wide selection of juices. For those who prefer something more traditional, a Japanese-style breakfast with grilled fish, tamagoyaki, miso soup, and rice was also available.

I opted for miso soup, fruit and curry, while my husband had curry and eggs—a simple but satisfying way to start the day.

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Exploring Shibuya

From there, we set out into Shibuya, one of Tokyo’s busiest and most energetic districts. The area is packed with shops, cafés, and themed stores. Among the highlights was a Hello Kitty–themed shop, filled with playful displays and merchandise that reflected Tokyo’s devotion to character culture.

We also stopped at a photo booth studio—something Shibuya does exceptionally well. The result was a string of lighthearted photos that captured the fun side of the day.

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Harajuku & the Mame Shiba Café

A short walk brought us to Harajuku, where we visited the Mame Shiba Café on Takeshita Street. Admission was ¥880 ($6 USD) on weekdays and ¥1,100 ($7.50 USD) on weekends/holidays, which included a 30-minute session with the dogs and one drink voucher.

The café itself had a relaxed atmosphere with tatami mats and low tables, making it feel intimate and unhurried. Spending time with the playful Shiba Inu pups was easily one of the most memorable parts of the day.

Location: 3F, 1-6-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (just minutes from Harajuku Station)

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Lunch at Masaya Shokudo

For lunch, we stopped at Masaya Shokudo, a relaxed izakaya-style restaurant with plenty of local character. Meals here typically range from ¥2,000–3,000 ($14–$21 USD) per person.

I had the cold noodles—a refreshing choice on a warm afternoon—while my husband ordered the cutlet, a hearty and satisfying dish that the restaurant is known for. The casual setting and straightforward flavors made it a great spot to refuel before the rest of the day.

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Afternoon Reset

By mid-afternoon, jet lag had caught up with us again. Fortunately, this was the most relaxed day of the trip, giving us space to slow down, rest, and prepare for the more fast-paced days ahead.

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Day 2 Travel Guide

• 🏨 Hotel: Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel — ¥30,000–60,000 per night ($200–$400 USD)
• 🍳 Breakfast: Included with stay (buffet at Caramelo)
• 🛍️ Shibuya shopping & photo booths: Free to browse; photo booths around ¥400–600 ($3–$4 USD) per session
• 🐕 Mame Shiba Café: ¥880 ($6 USD) weekdays / ¥1,100 ($7.50 USD) weekends for 30 min + drink
• 🍜 Lunch at Masaya Shokudo: ¥2,000–3,000 ($14–$21 USD) per person