Discover Authentic Tokyo: A Local Travel Guide by Mercure

Sandwiched between the polish of Ginza and the calm of the Imperial Palace grounds, the team at Mercure Tokyo Hibiya has learned that this city rewards curiosity over checklists. Skip the third department store and let us point you toward the tiny izakaya alley and the old shitamachi neighborhood that still feel like Tokyo before the skyscrapers.

Top 5 Things to Do in Tokyo

Walk the Imperial Palace gardens

The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace offer a peaceful, manicured escape in the heart of the city, built on the site of the old Edo Castle.

Catch Kabuki at Kabukiza Theatre

Ginza's grand Kabukiza Theatre stages traditional Kabuki performances year-round, with single-act tickets available for a quick taste of the art form.

Eat your way through Tsukiji Outer Market

The wholesale auctions moved to Toyosu, but Tsukiji's outer market lanes are still packed with knife shops, tea sellers and sushi-for-breakfast stalls.

Feast on yakitori in Shinbashi

Shinbashi's smoky alleys are where Tokyo's office workers unwind over charcoal-grilled skewers and cold beer after work.

Spin records at Record Bar 33 1/3rpm

This tiny listening bar pairs a serious whiskey list with vinyl spun on request, the kind of low-key spot locals love to share.

Explore Tokyo's Best Local Spots with Our Interactive Map

A City of Distinct Neighborhoods
Tokyo is really dozens of self-contained towns stitched together — from the electric energy of Shibuya to the old-world calm of Yanaka — each with its own character and pace.
World-Class Food at Every Price Point
Tokyo holds more Michelin stars than any city on earth, yet some of its best meals are at standing-room ramen counters and yakitori alleys for just a few hundred yen.
Tradition Beside Innovation
Centuries-old shrines and family-run craft shops sit blocks from neon mega-districts, letting visitors move between old Edo and futuristic Tokyo within a single subway ride.
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FAQ

Tokyo is known for blending ultramodern life — neon-lit districts, cutting-edge technology, and world-class dining — with deep tradition, from Edo-era temples to centuries-old neighborhoods. It's Japan's capital and one of the world's largest, safest, and most walkable megacities.

Tokyo's train and subway network is extensive, punctual, and the easiest way to get almost anywhere; a rechargeable IC card works across nearly all lines and buses. Walking is also a great way to explore individual neighborhoods once you arrive.

Late March to April brings cherry blossoms, while October to November offers crisp weather and autumn color — both are popular but rewarding. Spring and autumn generally offer the most comfortable temperatures, avoiding summer's heat and humidity.

Where to Sleep in Tokyo

See Mercure hotels in Tokyo, all within reach of these picks.

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Where to sleep

See Mercure hotels in Tokyo, all within reach of these picks

View hotels