Singapore or Tokyo

On our way we have the opportunity for a 2 or 3 day layover in either Singapore or Tokyo. We lean toward Tokyo, but also think we may never return to Singapore and that the idea of a full vacation in Japan someday is more likely. Hard to choose!

No contest. Tokyo, one of the worlds great cities. So much to do, not particulary expensive. Singapore is a rather bland place with none of the buzz of Bangkok/Hong Kong/Saigon. Both have the same shops of high fashion, Tokyo even more around Ometesando. Cheap fashion round Harajuku/Ueno. Electronics at Electric Town (something in the name) good snacks and booze in "Piss Alley" Plus not many Western riff raff walking round in shorts and looking pink.

I've spent a lot of time in both (just returned from Singapore a few days ago). I'd choose Singapore, for certain.....especially if you've only got 2 or 3 days. Taking more time, later on, and seeing more of Japan than just Tokyo is a good idea. You wouldn't want to spend a lot of time in Singapore but 2 or 3 days will be very interesting.

Both places have their own charm, as different as they are.

For 2 or 3 days Singapore is easier because it's small and its attractions are clear and offered in modular 3-hour pieces. Singapore is a south-east-Asian mish-mash.

Tokyo has MUCH more originality (aka weirdness) but it's charms are not as easily accessible as Singapore's. It's also MUCH more expensive.

Tokyo is Japan. Singapore tries to be everywhere and ends up anywhere.

I'd decide on how much money I'd want to spend :)

Singapore is way more convenient and easier.

In Tokyo, Narita airport is 70 km from the city, and trains leave about once an hour. So just getting from the airport will be a major time-consuming headache.

Language, food, sightseeing, etc, in Singapore are all much better suited to visitors than Tokyo.

You can see all of the major attractions in Singapore in 3 days. If you see yourself going to Tokyo at sometime in the future, it makes much more sense to see everything in Singapore in the time that you have to do it than try to do just a few things in Tokyo in the same amount of time. Spend a day at the Singapore Zoo and evening at the Night Safari. One day for things in town - museums, botanical gardens, shopping, Little India, Chinatown - and the last day taking whatever time you have left to view the beach and various activities at Sentosa Island or consider taking that day for the Changi Museum and Changi area of the city.

Just arrived in singapur, after one month in Tokyo. First of all: Tokyo is not more expensive than singapur and when you consider the quality you get it's much cheaper. For electronic shopping (My task of the day) Tokyo is much cheaper.
For you: If you want to see something different Go for tokyo, if you want two or three interesting days, singapore will be fine. But please remember japan as a destination, it's brilliant and it is not as expensive as for example the US (Even with the weak dollar.)

Late but thank you all for your invaluable help.Thanks again

Where did you end up going?