Tokyo is a city that rewards curiosity, according to Michael Rodriguez, founder of Kabuto Japan, a luxury travel company that designs bespoke journeys throughout Japan. And it’s exactly why he loves his adopted home so much.
Look beyond the neon lights, soaring skyscrapers, and famously efficient pace, and you'll find centuries-old shrines, family-run businesses preserving generations of craftsmanship, and traditions that remain woven into everyday life. And if anyone knows how to tap into those layers, it’s Rodriguez, who grew up in Colombia, studied in London, spent time in India, and eventually made Japan his home. Captivated by the country's unique balance of tradition and innovation, he founded Kabuto Japan to help travelers experience a deeper and more meaningful side of the destination. Here, he shares his favorite places, cultural sites, and experiences in Tokyo.
“Many visitors arrive expecting a fast-paced modern metropolis, but what continues to fascinate me is the depth that exists beneath the surface,” Rodriguez says.
Having lived around the world before settling in Japan, Rodriguez says what intrigues him most is the country's ability to balance “tradition and innovation, spirituality and modernity, refinement and simplicity.”
For him, Tokyo is a city of layers. “A quiet shrine may sit behind a busy avenue. A family business may continue a craft perfected over generations. Ancient traditions remain part of everyday life while the city continues to evolve and reinvent itself,” he says.
What keeps Rodriguez captivated, however, is not Tokyo's scale but its attention to detail. “For me, Tokyo is not defined by its size or modernity. It is defined by its attention to detail, respect for heritage, and ability to preserve beauty, meaning, and human connection in everyday life,” he says. “No matter how long I live here, the city continues to surprise me.”
Michael Rodriguez’s Top Tokyo Recommendations
Neighborhood
“If I could choose one neighborhood that captures the spirit of Tokyo, it would be Asakusa. While Tokyo continues to evolve, Asakusa remains deeply connected to its history, traditions, and cultural identity.
Over the years, I have been fortunate to build close friendships with families whose roots in the neighborhood stretch back for generations. Through them, I have experienced a side of Tokyo that many visitors never see—one shaped by community, tradition, and a deep respect for heritage.
At the heart of the neighborhood stands Senso-ji Temple, one of Tokyo's most important cultural landmarks. The temple and its history have always been deeply meaningful to me. Every visit reminds me that Tokyo's story stretches back centuries through faith, craftsmanship, community, and tradition.
For me, Asakusa represents the soul of Tokyo.”
Hotel
“Of all the luxury hotels in Tokyo, Palace Hotel feels the most Japanese to me. I love its understated elegance, impeccable service, and unique location overlooking the Imperial Palace gardens. It perfectly reflects what I admire most about Japan: refinement without excess, attention to detail, and hospitality that feels genuine rather than performative.”
Cultural Site
“Meiji Jingu is one of the places in Tokyo that means the most to me. Beyond its beauty, I admire what it represents: respect for the Emperor, reverence for ancestors, and the deep connection between people and nature that is so central to Japanese culture.
What I find especially remarkable is that the forest surrounding the shrine was intentionally created by people from all over Japan more than a century ago. Today, it feels completely natural, as though it has always been there. It offers peace, silence, and a sense of reflection that is increasingly rare in modern life.
Every time I walk through the grounds, I am reminded of Japan's ability to think not only about the present generation but also about future generations.”
Museum
“If I had to choose one museum in Tokyo, it would be the Nezu Museum. Of course, the collection is exceptional, but what I love most is that it represents something much bigger than the objects displayed inside.
One of the things that fascinates me about Japan is that the country itself often feels like a living museum. Not because it is frozen in time, but because history, craftsmanship, art, and tradition remain part of everyday life.
The Nezu Museum captures that spirit beautifully. The architecture, the art collection, and especially the garden reflect a uniquely Japanese appreciation for harmony, simplicity, and beauty.”
Food Experience
“Rather than recommending a single restaurant, I would encourage visitors to explore Tokyo through its neighborhoods and local food culture.
One of my favorite experiences is joining a food tour through the city's smaller districts and backstreets, where you can try several local restaurants and hidden establishments that many visitors would never discover on their own. Each neighborhood has its own character, history, and culinary traditions.
What I enjoy most is the experience of discovery and the opportunity to experience how food reflects the culture and identity of each area.”
Favorite Drink
“During the winter, I love amazake, a traditional Japanese drink that has been enjoyed for centuries. Warm, comforting, and naturally sweet, it is one of those simple pleasures that perfectly reflects the feeling of the season.
During the summer, I enjoy ume soda, made from Japanese plums. It is refreshing, balanced, and captures the bright energy of the warmer months.”
Day Trip
“If I had to choose one day trip from Tokyo, it would be Nikko. It combines many of the things that first made me fall in love with Japan: history, spirituality, and nature.
Toshogu Shrine, where Tokugawa Ieyasu is enshrined, is one of the most remarkable cultural sites in Japan and a masterpiece of Japanese artistry and symbolism.
Walking among the ancient cedar trees, you can feel why this area has been regarded as sacred for centuries.”
Hidden Gem
“One of the most meaningful experiences in Tokyo is not a place, but a ceremony.
While millions of visitors pass through Meiji Jingu every year, very few have the opportunity to participate in a private prayer ceremony inside the shrine. Guests are invited into areas of the shrine that are normally inaccessible to the general public, where Shinto priests perform a traditional blessing ceremony.
Many visitors leave Japan remembering its landmarks. Those who participate in a private ceremony at Meiji Jingu often leave with something deeper—a feeling that is difficult to describe but impossible to forget.”
Tokyo, Japan
