Assassin's Creed Shadows launched on March 20th, 2025, and to celebrate this exciting release, Ubisoft has set up a themed cafe in Harajuku. Game8 was fortunate enough to be invited to a media preview of this event, and we're thrilled to share our impressions of the venue, the food, and the exhibitions with you.
Hidden Away from the Public
Something of a Secret
The weather in Harajuku had taken a surprising turn from the heavy snow two days prior to a much milder day, hinting at the arrival of spring. Despite the usual hustle and bustle around Harajuku Station, with tourists and young locals eagerly exploring the fashionable stalls and stores, a quiet corner just off Takeshita Street offered a serene escape. Here, tucked away from the public eye, lies the Assassin’s Creed Shadows themed cafe, fittingly hidden in the chic dotcom space Tokyo venue.
Ubisoft, in collaboration with series enthusiast Dante Carver, created this unique space. Game8 was invited to experience the cafe before its public opening, and we extend our gratitude to Ubisoft for this opportunity. It's important to note that this article is not sponsored, and Ubisoft will see our impressions simultaneously with the public.
The Venue
dotcom space Tokyo
The entrance to the cafe is marked boldly with "Assassin’s Creed Shadows" in bright neon lights, leaving no doubt about the purpose of the venue. The lights showcase the game's protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe, intertwined with the iconic Assassin’s Brotherhood emblem.
The dotcom space Tokyo retains its hip, modern, minimalist charm with white walls, exposed ceilings, and cracked floors (I stumbled on one of those cracks!). The space is equipped with stylish drink machines and angular beige furniture, including two long tables and several seating areas along the left wall. It can comfortably seat around 40-50 people.
The Assassin's Creed theme is apparent through various elements such as posters of the series, artwork, Ubisoft logo pillows, encyclopedias, artbooks, and a silent projector showcasing a previous event for Shadows in Kyoto. Classic BGM from the games provides a fitting ambiance.
Exhibits are located towards the back, but before diving into those, let's explore the culinary offerings.
The Menu
Pleasantly Affordable
The cafe's prices are refreshingly reasonable for a themed venue. Drinks range from 650 to 750 yen ($4 to $5 USD), and food items are priced at 800 yen ($5.30 USD). While slightly more expensive than typical vending machine options, the unique drinks and the themed experience justify the cost. Plus, with a free goodie bag (while supplies last) and an additional item for ordering food or drinks, it's a fantastic 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 limited to:
- Assassin’s Creed Dolce Set - 800円
- Assassin’s Creed Crest Toast - 800円
At the media event, we sampled both food options but chose one drink. Craving caffeine, I opted for the Shadows Lemonade. After a brief wait, my order arrived on a tray alongside a tote bag of goodies, and I quickly settled in to snap some influencer-worthy photos.
The Food
The Toast Tasted Terrific
The aroma of melted cheese greeted me as soon as I entered, and it was even more enticing when presented on a thick slice of buttered toast. Decorated with an Assassin Brotherhood logo, possibly made with paprika, the toast came with a side of syrup. Pouring syrup over cheese might surprise some, but it's a common and delicious pairing in Japan. The saltiness of the cheese complemented the sweetness of the syrup perfectly. Although my toast had cooled a bit while I took photos, the crust remained a bit tough, while the crumb (the soft inside of the bread) was wonderfully fluffy yet toasty. Japanese bread is renowned for its exceptional fluffiness, and this was no exception.
My red lemonade, possibly flavored with cranberry, was refreshing, though my palate couldn't confirm it definitively.
Dolce Disappoints
The Dolce Set included a madeleine and a cookie, both adorned with the AC logo in sugar. The madeleine was moist with a pleasant almond aftertaste, though its density made me reach for my lemonade more often. It would have paired better with coffee. The cookie, while visually appealing with its teal frosting, was overly hard, challenging my teeth. The taste, with a hint of cocoa, was overshadowed by the sugary icing, making the madeleine the clear winner.
The Exhibitions
Artwork and Replicas
After enjoying my meal, I explored the exhibitions. Replicas of in-game items like Yasuke’s mask and Naoe’s Hidden Blade were on display, alongside mannequins dressed in the protagonists' outfits. While I wished for cosplayers for photo ops, the mannequins did justice to the attire. Detailed origami and figurines were also showcased, and a powerful painting of the two protagonists adorned one wall.
Many of these items are available for purchase from PureArts, but for those on a budget, the display offered a chance to appreciate their intricate details.
Is It Worth It?
If You Temper Your Expectations
Given the divisive opinions on the game and the venue's hidden location, it's difficult to predict attendance. However, themed cafes like this often draw both casual and diehard fans, and the event is only open for two days: March 22nd to the 23rd, from 11am to 6:30pm.
For Assassin’s Creed fans, this is a must-visit, but manage your expectations. It's not an immersive experience into the game's world but rather a themed cafe with food, drinks, and AC-branded items. The prices are reasonable, the cheese toast is delicious, and you'll receive gifts (while supplies last). The exhibitions are free to view, adding value to the experience. While cosplayers would have been a nice touch, these pop-up cafes don't typically offer such extras.
If you're a fan in Japan this weekend, stop by for about 30 minutes. If you're not a fan, the cheese toast and colorful drinks are still worth trying. For those outside Japan, we hope this article lets you live vicariously through our 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), 11:00am to 6:30pm (Last Order: 6:00pm)
