"Assassin's Creed Shadows Cafe Opens in Harajuku"

Assassin's Creed Shadows launched on March 20th, 2025, and in celebration, Ubisoft has set up a themed cafe in Harajuku. Game8 was invited to preview this exciting event, so dive in to discover our impressions of the venue, the delectable food, and the intriguing exhibitions.

Hidden Away from the Public

Something of a Secret

The weather was pleasantly mild today, a stark contrast to the heavy snowfall just two days prior. While not quite spring yet, the hints of warmer days made it perfect for an outdoor adventure. Harajuku Station buzzed with the usual crowd of tourists and young locals eager to explore the area's fashionable offerings. Yet, just a short distance from Takeshita Street, the noise fades into a serene quietness.

Nestled in this tranquil spot lies a themed cafe, perfectly fitting for the secretive nature of Assassin's Creed. Ubisoft collaborated with Dante Carver, a major fan of the series, to transform the chic dotcom space Tokyo venue into a celebration of Assassin's Creed Shadows. Game8 was fortunate to experience the cafe during a media event before its public opening tonight. This article is not sponsored, and Ubisoft will see it simultaneously with everyone else.

The Venue

dotcom space Tokyo

Though the location was somewhat of a secret, the entrance boldly proclaims "Assassin's Creed Shadows" in neon lights, leaving no doubt about its purpose. The lights feature the protagonists Yasuke and Naoe alongside the iconic Assassin's Brotherhood emblem.

My first visit to dotcom space Tokyo revealed a hip, modern, minimalist cafe with white walls, exposed ceilings, and cracked floors. The space includes attractive drink machines and angular beige furniture, with two long tables and several seating areas against the left wall. It can comfortably seat around 40-50 people.

The Assassin's Creed theme is evident through posters of the series, scattered artwork, Ubisoft logo pillows, encyclopedias, and artbooks from previous games. A silent projector played a show from Kyoto about Shadows, while classic game BGM provided ambiance. Exhibits at the back added to the experience, but first, let's explore the food.

The Menu

Pleasantly Affordable

The cafe offers reasonable prices for a themed venue. Drinks range from 650 to 750 yen ($4 to $5 USD), and food costs 800 yen ($5.30 USD). While pricier than typical vending machine options, the specialty drinks and branding justify the cost. Plus, you receive a free goodie bag (while supplies last) and an extra item with every order, making it a great deal for fans.

Drink options include:

• ⚫︎ 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

Food options are:

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

As part of the media event, we sampled both food options but chose one drink. Opting for the Shadows Lemonade in solidarity with the launch, I waited for my order and received a tray with the food and a tote bag of goodies. I then found a spot to savor and photograph my meal.

The Food

The Toast Tasted Terrific

The aroma of melted cheese filled the air, and the Assassin Brotherhood logo on the toast, possibly made with paprika, added visual appeal. Accompanied by syrup, the combination of salty cheese and sweet syrup was unexpectedly delightful. Although my toast cooled while I took photos, the bread's crust was slightly tough, but the interior remained soft and flavorful, showcasing the unique fluffiness of Japanese bread.

My red lemonade, possibly a mix of lemonade soda and cranberry, added a refreshing touch. Though my taste buds couldn't confirm the cranberry, the drink complemented the meal nicely.

Dolce Disappoints

The Dolce Set featured a madeleine and a cookie adorned with the AC logo in sugar. The madeleine was moist with an almond aftertaste, though its density made it a better pairing with coffee than my lemonade. The cookie, while visually appealing with its teal color, was challenging to eat due to its hard frosting. The taste, with a hint of cocoa, was decent but not exceptional, making the madeleine the clear winner.

The Exhibitions

Artwork and Replicas

After enjoying the food, I explored the exhibitions, which included replicas of in-game items like Yasuke's mask and Naoe's Hidden Blade. Two mannequins showcased faithful recreations of the protagonists' outfits, and while I hoped for live cosplayers, the displays were impressive. Origami, figurines, and a powerful painting of the protagonists added to the visual appeal. Many of these items are available for purchase from PureArts, offering fans a chance to own a piece of the experience, though the displays alone were worth the visit.

Is It Worth It?

If You Temper Your Expectations

It's challenging to predict attendance given the game's mixed reception and the venue's hidden nature. However, themed cafes often attract both casual and dedicated fans, and this event is only available for two days: March 22nd to 23rd, from 11am to 6:30pm.

For Assassin's Creed fans, it's worth a visit if you go in with the right expectations. Don't expect an immersive world; instead, enjoy the themed food, drinks, and products. The prices are reasonable, the cheese toast is delicious, and you'll receive free gifts while supplies last. Though the absence of live cosplayers was a minor disappointment, the cafe still offers a unique experience.

If you're in Harajuku this weekend, I recommend stopping by for about 30 minutes. For non-fans, the cheese toast and colorful drinks might still be appealing, but the themed elements may not resonate. If you're not in Japan during this brief window, hopefully, this article allows you to experience it vicariously.

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), 11:00am to 6:30pm (Last Order: 6:00pm)