"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 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 in Harajuku had turned milder, a surprising change from the heavy snowfall just two days prior. Though not yet the warm embrace of spring, the air hinted at its arrival, making it a perfect day to be outdoors. The usual hustle and bustle surrounded Harajuku Station, with tourists and young locals lining up to explore the area's trendy stalls and shops. Yet, tucked away just around the corner from Takeshita Street, the noise faded into a serene silence.

In this quiet nook, Ubisoft, in partnership with avid fan Dante Carver, has created a themed cafe within the chic dotcom space Tokyo venue. Game8 was fortunate enough to attend a media event before the public opening tonight. This article is not sponsored, and Ubisoft will be seeing our feedback at the same time as the public.

The Venue

dotcom space Tokyo

Though the location is somewhat hidden, the entrance leaves no doubt about its purpose, boldly displaying "Assassin's Creed Shadows" in neon lights, featuring the protagonists Yasuke and Naoe alongside the iconic Assassin's Brotherhood emblem.

My first visit to dotcom space Tokyo revealed a transformed yet recognizable space. The cafe retains its modern, minimalist aesthetic with white walls, exposed ceilings, and cracked floors (I stumbled on one of these cracks). It's equipped with sleek drink machines and angular beige furniture, with seating for approximately 40-50 people.

The Assassin's Creed theme is present, though more superficial: posters of the game series adorn the walls, alongside artwork, Ubisoft-logoed pillows, and encyclopedias and artbooks from previous entries. A silent projector played a show from Shadows' Kyoto event in February, while classic BGM from the games provided ambiance.

Exhibits are located at the back, but first, let's dive into the cafe's culinary offerings.

The Menu

Pleasantly Affordable

For a themed cafe, the prices are surprisingly reasonable. Drinks range from 650 to 750 yen (approximately $4 to $5 USD), while food items are priced at 800 yen (about $5.30 USD). These are more expensive than typical vending machine options but offer specialty drinks and branded experiences. Additionally, every order comes with a free goodie bag (while supplies last) and an extra item, making it an excellent value for fans.

The drink menu includes:

• 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

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 with a tote bag of goodies, and I found a spot to enjoy my meal and snap some influencer-worthy photos.

The Food

The Toast Tasted Terrific

The aroma of melted cheese filled the air, tantalizing my senses as soon as I entered. The cheese-covered toast, adorned with the Assassin Brotherhood logo (likely paprika, though my palate couldn't confirm), came with a side of syrup. Pouring syrup over cheese might shock some, but it's a common and delicious practice in Japan. The saltiness of the cheese perfectly complemented the sweetness of the syrup. Unfortunately, my photo-taking delayed my enjoyment, and the toast was lukewarm by the time I ate it. The crust had hardened slightly, but the interior remained wonderfully soft and flavorful, a testament to the unique fluffiness of Japanese bread.

My red lemonade, possibly a lemonade soda with red food coloring, hinted at cranberry's tartness, though my palate might be imagining things.

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 had me reaching for my lemonade. It would pair better with coffee, but I had chosen my drink. The cookie, despite its visually appealing teal color, was overly hard due to the thick layer of frosting. Once I broke through, the cookie itself was tough, with a mild cocoa flavor that didn't stand out. The madeleine was the clear winner here.

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 faithful recreations of the protagonists' outfits. Though I hoped for cosplayers to enhance the photo ops, the mannequins were a good substitute. Detailed origami and figurines, along with a powerful painting of the protagonists, added to the display. Many of these items are available for purchase from PureArts, but for those on a budget, simply admiring them is rewarding.

Is It Worth It?

If You Temper Your Expectations

The event's popularity is hard to predict, given the game's mixed reception and the venue's discreet location. However, themed cafes often attract a diverse crowd, and this event is limited to two days: March 22nd to 23rd, from 11 am to 6:30 pm.

For Assassin's Creed fans, this is worth a visit if you go in with realistic expectations. 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). Viewing the art and exhibitions is free. While cosplayers would have been a nice touch, these pop-up events don't always include them.

If you're a fan in or visiting Japan and near Harajuku this weekend, spend about 30 minutes here before resuming your regular activities. If you're not a fan, the cheese toast and colorful drinks are still enjoyable, though much of the experience might be lost on you. For fans unable to attend, I hope this article offers 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)