Tokyo is a city you don’t just visit, you tune into it. Loud and quiet at the same time, hyper-stimulated yet deeply introspective. One street pulls you into neon chaos, the next slows you down into stillness. Fashion lives everywhere here: in silhouettes, in uniformed precision, in rebellion, in restraint. Tokyo doesn’t chase trends, it absorbs and releases them in its own time. It’s a place that asks you to look closer, move slower, and feel more than you planned to.
This week, KHAMSA is taking you there, and that’s where Assia Agrebi (@assiarabian on Instagram) comes in.
Born and raised in the suburbs of Paris with Tunisian roots, Assia is a Paris-trained fashion graduate who has explored design, styling, art direction, and videography — often all at once. Two years ago, she moved to Sharjah, choosing experience over routine and travel over certainty. Japan, which she’s visited eight times, is where much of her fashion language comes alive; shaped by designers like Yohji Yamamoto and Issey Miyake, anime worlds like Akira and Studio Ghibli, and the quiet emotional pull of Japanese music.
Through her journeys, Assia isn’t just collecting places, she’s documenting moments of self-discovery, offering a rare, feminine, and deeply personal way of seeing the world.
Top Must-Visit Food Spots?
Itasoba Santoukou (Soba)
Hatsubacho (Fried white fish)
Menchirachi (Udon)
Iroha Sushi Honten (Sushi)
Authentic sushi & opens until very late.
Nikoniko mazemen (Halal ramen) – “There’s also a mosque right in front”.
Best places for sundowners/roof-top places?
I feel that Tokyo isn’t really the place for that since Japanese traditionally rest and enjoy the evening indoors. So here is my favorite indoor and cosy places :
Chiyaba – “A nepalese cafe where you can drink the best chai with the best atmosphere and the sweetest staff”.
Kissaten Seven
A cafe that makes me feel like I’m at my grandma’s place, with old furniture and a menu that brings back childhood memories.
Thermae- Yu (24/7 spa experience)
Japanese onsen (aka hot spring bath) is a must-try in Tokyo but this one is huge and have a lot of amenities (and a roof-top) : sauna, facial, manicure, massage, pedicure, pool, scrub, rest areas with tv, foodcourt…
Best places for shopping?
Jimbocho district
Stationery & vintage book stores. I recommend walking around the station, every shop is so cool. My favorite one is Komiyama Book Store (fashion, art & design books.
Beams – “Stationery, souvenirs, local fashion brands”.
Ragtag, Kindal, 2nd Street & Book Off (vintage stores)
Donquijote – “This one is very overwhelming because there are too many items, so go there with a prepared list” Japanese groceries, skincare, snacks, souvenirs.
Bic Camera – “This is not a vintage branch but one of the best stores for cameras and digital gear.”
Shinjuku Marui
Perfect place to spend your money on themed items.
Must-visit cultural spots?
Maison Hermès Le Forum
Designed by Renzo Piano and built between 1998 and 2001, the building’s façade is made of glass blocks. At night, the interior reflections are incredibly poetic. It’s a true architectural gem in the middle of Ginza.
Kyu Asakura House
A historical Japanese old house where you can visit to explore each room and its unique purpose. The garden is stunning during the fall season.
Musashino Place (Library)
I love libraries, and this one is my favorite in Tokyo. It has everything I want from a library : open spaces, huge windows, and soft lighting. With its contemporary Japanese architectural style, It brings me back to my childhood with this very early-2000s Windows vibe.
Tokyo Camii – “Having such a beautiful mosque in Tokyo is truly special”.
Senso-ji Shrine in Asakusa
Crowded, but if it’s your first time in Tokyo it is absolutely worth it. Seeing people in kimonos, tasting street food, and visiting the temple feels magical.
Best boutique hotels to stay in?
Hotel K5 – “The perfect boutique hotel with amazing furniture”.
Hoshinoya Hotel – “The perfect 5-star ryokan inside of Tokyo. Elegant rooms, fine dining and a natural hot spring at the top of the building open to the sky”.
Muji Hotel Ginza – “Muji, reimagined as a hotel”.
Yuen Bettei Tokyo Daita – “If you’re looking for a traditional Japanese stay, it’s the perfect place”.
9 nine hours – “The perfect hotel when you’re on a budget and you’re looking for a unique (yet safe & design) experience of a capsule hotel”.
Aman Tokyo – “Dream hotel”.
Underrated places?
Most people stay in Tokyo, but I think some of the most underrated places are actually around the city. You can enjoy beautiful scenery, rich culture, and amazing food. My favorite is Kamakura, just one hour away from Tokyo by train.
My perfect loop in Kamakura:
Komachi Street – “A lively street where you can enjoy local restaurants, traditional shops, and street food”.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine – “A beautifully preserved shrine, considered the spiritual heart of the city.”
The Enoshima Electric Railway – “A scenic train ride along the coast, with views of the sea that almost feel unreal. I usually take it at Kamakura station”.
Shichirigahama Beach – “I usually take the scenic train and get off at Kamakurakōkō-Mae Station to watch the train pass by and spend some time by the beach”.
What should you avoid?
Avoid going to places over-recommended by Tiktok (or go early). It’s packed, not as good as it shows, and expensive. Staff is always rushed by the over-popularity so they won’t be as nice as other places.
Must-pack items?
– A vintage graphic bag: I wear basic & comfy when I travel, so I elevate my outfit with a graphic bag.
– A portable battery: Not many outlets outside in Tokyo, a portable battery is a must. – My most comfortable pair of shoes – Salomon x Margiela XT-4 Mule. In Tokyo, you’ll walk a lot.
– My daily perfume: to Define – I Know Me (the perfect hot matcha latte sent) – My hand-cream
– My notebook: Tokyo is full of stamps and tickets you can collect, and I love using them to take notes and create souvenirs.
– My DJI Osmo Pocket 3: I love documenting my trips and posting them on YouTube, and this is the best vlogging camera.
– My lip combo: Saie lip liner (shade : tease), my perfect nude Rouge Dior Lipstick (shade : 200) and my Gisou lip oil (shade : milky mocha).
– A pocket mirror
Any tips and tricks to tackle the city?
I think the best way to experience a place you don’t know is to live like a local. Observe, ask and learn. When you don’t speak the language it can be very hard to communicate with locals but Japanese people are often just scared to be misunderstood in English… so using your translator app to start a conversation isn’t rude, it often helps them feel more at ease communicating with you.
