"Assassin's Creed Shadows Cafe Opens in Harajuku"

Assassin's Creed Shadows launched on March 20th, 2025, and to celebrate this milestone, Ubisoft has created a themed cafe in Harajuku. Game8 was privileged to attend a preview event, and here we share our insights on the venue, the culinary offerings, and the exhibitions.

Hidden Away from the Public

Something of a Secret

The weather in Harajuku was surprisingly mild today, a stark contrast to the heavy snowfall just two days ago. Although it wasn't quite spring yet, the emerging warmth made it a perfect day to be out and about. The usual hustle and bustle surrounded Harajuku Station, with tourists and young locals eagerly exploring the fashionable stalls and shops. However, just a short walk from the vibrant Takeshita Street, the noise faded into a tranquil silence.

In this peaceful corner, discreetly hidden from the public eye, lies a themed cafe dedicated to celebrating the launch of Assassin's Creed Shadows. Ubisoft collaborated with Dante Carver, a major fan of the series, to transform the chic dotcom space Tokyo venue into this special cafe. Game8 was invited to experience it before its public opening tonight. We want to extend our gratitude to Ubisoft for the opportunity. Please note that this article is not sponsored, and Ubisoft will see this at the same time as the public.

The Venue

dotcom space Tokyo

Though the location is somewhat secretive, the entrance boldly announces the theme with "Assassin's Creed Shadows" in bright neon lights, showcasing the protagonists Yasuke and Naoe alongside the iconic Assassin's Brotherhood emblem.

This was my first visit to dotcom space Tokyo, and while it retained its typical hip, modern, minimalist aesthetic—characterized by white walls, exposed ceilings, and cracked floors—it was clear that it had been transformed for this event. The cafe area featured attractive drink machines and angular beige furniture, including two long tables and several seating areas along the left wall, comfortably accommodating 40-50 people at a time.

The Assassin's Creed theme was evident, though more on the surface level: posters of various games in the series adorned the walls, and art pieces were scattered throughout. Pillows with Ubisoft's logo, encyclopedias, and artbooks from previous entries added to the ambiance. A silent projector played footage from a Shadows event in Kyoto from February, while classic background music from the games filled the air, creating a fitting atmosphere.

Several exhibits at the back caught my eye, but let's first dive into the cafe's culinary offerings.

The Menu

Pleasantly Affordable

For a themed cafe, the prices were surprisingly reasonable. Drinks ranged from 650 to 750 yen (approximately $4 to $5 USD), while food items were priced at 800 yen (about $5.30 USD). Though pricier than the 100 yen vending machine drinks, the specialty offerings and branding made it a great value, especially considering the free goodie bag (while supplies last) and additional perks for ordering food or drinks.

The drink menu offered five options:

• Cafe Latte for the Assassin who Serves the Light - 650円
• Cafe Mocha for the Assassin who Works in the Dark - 750円
• Shadows 檸檬水 (Lemonade in Japanese) - 700円
• Valhalla Sitronbrus (Lemonade in Norwegian) - 700円
• Odyssey λεμονάδα (Lemonade in Greek) - 700円

The food menu featured two options:

• Assassin’s Creed Dolce Set - 800円
• Assassin’s Creed Crest Toast - 800円

During the media event, we sampled both food options but chose only one drink. In solidarity with the launch, I opted for the Shadows Lemonade. After a short wait, my order arrived on a tray with a tote bag full of goodies, and I found a spot to snap some influencer-worthy photos of my food.

The Food

The Toast Tasted Terrific

The aroma of melted cheese filled the air, even more enticing when served on a thick piece of buttered toast adorned with the Assassin Brotherhood logo, possibly with paprika. It came with a side of syrup, a common pairing in Japan that balances the cheese's saltiness with sweetness. Although I spent too much time photographing it, making it lukewarm by the time I ate, the bread's crust was a bit tough, but the crumb was soft with a delightful bite from toasting. Japanese bread's unparalleled fluffiness truly elevates this dish.

I sipped the red lemonade, which might have been a mix of soda and red food coloring, though I thought I detected a hint of cranberry's tartness. My palate isn't refined enough to be certain, so I invite readers to share their thoughts in the comments.

Dolce Disappoints

The Dolce Set included a madeleine and a cookie, both featuring the AC logo in sugar. The madeleine was moist with a pleasant almond aftertaste, though its density made me reach for my lemonade. It would have paired better with coffee, but I was committed to my choice.

The cookie, despite its visually appealing teal color, was less enjoyable due to its hard frosting. Breaking through the icing with my front teeth proved challenging, and even my molars struggled. The cookie itself had a subtle cocoa flavor, but it was overshadowed by the sugar, making the madeleine the clear winner of the two.

The Exhibitions

Artwork and Replicas

After enjoying my meal, I explored the exhibitions more closely. Replicas of in-game items like Yasuke's mask and Naoe's Hidden Blade were on display, alongside mannequins dressed in faithful recreations of the protagonists' outfits. Though I had hoped for cosplayers to add to the experience, the mannequins did the job well. Detailed origami and figurines were showcased, and a striking painting of Yasuke and Naoe with broad strokes adorned one wall.

Many of the displayed items would make fantastic collector's pieces, and several, including the Hidden Blade and Yasuke's helmet, are available for purchase from PureArts. For those on a budget, simply admiring the intricate details of these items at the display is worthwhile.

Is It Worth It?

If You Temper Your Expectations

It's challenging to predict the crowd size for this event. Opinions on the game are mixed, the venue is tucked away, yet themed cafes often attract a diverse fan base. Keep in mind that this event runs for just two days, from March 22nd to 23rd, between 11 am and 6:30 pm.

If you're an Assassin's Creed fan and approach with realistic expectations, it's definitely worth a visit. Don't expect an immersive experience that transports you into the game's world; instead, view it as a venue with themed food, drinks, and merchandise. The prices are reasonable, the cheese toast is delicious, and you'll receive gifts (while supplies last). The art and exhibitions are accessible without an entrance fee. Although cosplayers would have been a nice touch, these pop-up events don't always include them.

For fans in or visiting Japan this weekend, I recommend stopping by for about 30 minutes while exploring Harajuku. If you're not a fan, the cheese toast and colorful drinks are still enjoyable, though the main appeal may be lost on you. And for fans unable to attend, I hope this article provides a vicarious experience.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Harajuku Event Information

• Location: dotcom space Tokyo (1-19-19 Erindale Jingumae B1F, Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001)
• Date and time: March 22, 2025 (Sat) to March 23, 2025 (Sun), 11:00 am to 6:30 pm (Last Order: 6:00 pm)