"Assassin's Creed Shadows Cafe Opens in Harajuku"

Assassin's Creed Shadows launched on March 20th, 2025, and in celebration, Ubisoft has created a themed cafe in Harajuku. Game8 was invited to preview the event, so read on for our impressions of the venue, the food, and the exhibitions.

Hidden Away from the Public

Something of a Secret

The weather was surprisingly mild today, a stark contrast to the heavy snow just two days prior. Though not quite warm, the air hinted at spring, making it a pleasant day to be outdoors. The usual hustle and bustle surrounded Harajuku Station, with tourists and young people eagerly exploring the fashionable stalls and stores. However, just around the corner from Takeshita Street, the noise fades into a serene quietness.

In this tranquil area, Ubisoft, in collaboration with series enthusiast Dante Carver, has set up a themed cafe within the chic dotcom space Tokyo venue. Game8 received an exclusive invitation to experience the cafe before its public opening tonight. This article is not sponsored, and Ubisoft will see it at the same time as everyone else.

The Venue

dotcom space Tokyo

The cafe's location is somewhat secretive, but once you find the entrance, the bold neon lights proclaiming "Assassin's Creed Shadows" leave no doubt about its purpose. The lights feature the two protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe, intertwined with the iconic Assassin's Brotherhood emblem.

I had never visited dotcom space Tokyo before, but the cafe's transformation was subtle enough to still recognize its usual modern, minimalist style. The space boasts white walls, exposed ceilings, and cracked floors (I stumbled on one of the cracks), complemented by sleek drink machines and angular beige furniture. Two long tables and several seating areas line the left wall, comfortably accommodating 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 projector silently plays a show from the Shadows event in Kyoto from February, while classic BGM from the games adds ambiance to the venue.

Several exhibits are located at the back, but first, let's delve into the cafe's offerings.

The Menu

Pleasantly Affordable

The cafe's prices are surprisingly reasonable for a themed venue. Drinks range from 650 to 750 yen (roughly $4 to $5 USD), and food items are priced at 800 yen (about $5.30 USD). While more expensive than typical vending machine drinks, the specialty offerings and branding justify the cost. Plus, you receive a free goodie bag (while supplies last) and an additional item with any food or drink purchase, making it a great deal for fans.

The drink menu includes 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 offers two choices:

• 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. Needing caffeine, I opted for the Shadows Lemonade in solidarity with the launch. After a short wait, my order arrived on a tray with a tote bag of goodies, and I found a spot to enjoy and photograph my meal.

The Food

The Toast Tasted Terrific

The aroma of melted cheese filled the air, tempting me as soon as I entered. The cheese-covered toast, adorned with the Assassin Brotherhood logo in what I believe was paprika, came with a side of syrup. Pouring the syrup over the toast created a delightful blend of salty cheese and sweet syrup, a common and delicious combination in Japan. Unfortunately, my toast had cooled slightly after taking photos, making the crust a bit tough, but the soft, toasted crumb was still a delight. Japanese bread's unique fluffiness truly elevates the experience.

My red lemonade, possibly just lemonade soda with red food coloring, had a hint of cranberry tartness that I enjoyed. If anyone can confirm this, please share 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 stuck with my choice.

The cookie, while visually appealing with its teal color, was less impressive. The thick frosting made it hard to bite into, and the cookie itself was tough. The cocoa flavor was subtle but overshadowed by the sweetness of the icing. The madeleine was the clear winner of the two.

The Exhibitions

Artwork and Replicas

After finishing my meal, I explored the exhibitions. Replicas of in-game items like Yasuke's mask and Naoe's Hidden Blade were on display, along with mannequins dressed in faithful recreations of the protagonists' outfits. While I had hoped for cosplayers, the mannequins were a good substitute. Detailed origami and figurines were also showcased, along with a striking painting of the protagonists.

Many of these items are available for purchase from PureArts, such as the Hidden Blade and Yasuke's helmet. For those on a budget, simply admiring the craftsmanship on display is rewarding enough.

Is It Worth It?

If You Temper Your Expectations

It's difficult to predict the cafe's popularity, given the mixed opinions on the game and its hidden location. However, themed cafes often attract both casual and dedicated fans, and the event is only available for a limited time: March 22nd to 23rd, from 11am to 6:30pm.

If you're an Assassin's Creed fan and approach the experience with realistic expectations, it's definitely worth a visit. Don't expect an immersive world; it's a cafe with themed food, drinks, and merchandise. The prices are reasonable, the cheese toast is delicious, and you'll receive gifts (while supplies last) without an entrance fee. While cosplayers would have been a nice touch, these pop-up cafes don't always include such features.

If you're a fan in or visiting Japan and exploring Harajuku this weekend, I recommend stopping by for about 30 minutes. If you're not a fan, the cheese toast and colorful drinks are still enjoyable, though the themed experience might be lost on you. 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), 11:00am to 6:30pm (Last Order: 6:00pm)