"Assassin's Creed Shadows Cafe Opens in Harajuku"

Assassin's Creed Shadows launched on March 20th, 2025, and to celebrate, Ubisoft has set up a themed cafe in Harajuku. Game8 was fortunate enough to be invited to preview this event. Here, we share our impressions of the venue, the food, and the exhibitions on offer.

Hidden Away from the Public

Something of a Secret

The weather in Harajuku was pleasantly mild today, a stark contrast to the heavy snowfall just two days ago. Although not quite the warmth of spring, the subtle hints of it made it a perfect day to be outdoors. Amid the usual hustle and bustle at Harajuku Station, with tourists and locals lining up for the latest fashionable stalls, a quiet corner near Takeshita Street offered a serene escape. Tucked away from the public eye, this area housed a themed cafe 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 unique experience. Game8 received an exclusive invitation to the media event ahead of the public opening tonight, and we extend our gratitude to Ubisoft for this opportunity. Please note that this article is not sponsored, and Ubisoft will see this report at the same time as the public.

The Venue

dotcom space Tokyo

Despite the secrecy of its location, the entrance to the cafe is unmistakable with "Assassin's Creed Shadows" displayed in bold neon lights, featuring the protagonists Yasuke and Naoe alongside the iconic Assassin's Brotherhood emblem. My first visit to dotcom space Tokyo revealed a hip, modern, minimalist setting with white walls, exposed ceilings, and cracked floors—watch your step! The space is furnished with sleek drink machines and angular beige furniture, including two long tables and several seating areas against the left wall. It comfortably seats around 40-50 people.

The Assassin's Creed theme is evident through posters of the series' games, scattered artwork, Ubisoft logo pillows, encyclopedias, and artbooks. A projector silently played a show from Shadows in Kyoto, while classic BGM from the games added ambiance to the venue. Exhibits towards the back, which we'll discuss later, added to the immersive experience.

The Menu

Pleasantly Affordable

For a themed cafe, the prices are surprisingly reasonable. Drinks range from 650 to 750 yen (about $4 to $5 USD), and food items are priced at 800 yen (about $5.30 USD). While slightly more expensive than typical vending machine options, the specialty drinks and branded experience justify the cost. Plus, every order comes with a free goodie bag (while supplies last) and an additional item, 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 Lemonade - 700円
• Valhalla Lemonade (Norwegian) - 700円
• Odyssey Lemonade (Greek) - 700円

Food choices 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 one drink. Opting for the Shadows Lemonade in solidarity with the launch, I received my tray of food and a tote bag of goodies, quickly finding 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 made of paprika, came with a side of syrup. While the combination might surprise some, it's not uncommon in Japan, and the contrast between the salty cheese and sweet syrup is delightful. Unfortunately, I took too long snapping photos, and the toast was lukewarm by the time I ate it. The crust was a bit tough, but the inside was incredibly soft and had a pleasing bite, characteristic of Japanese bread.

My red lemonade, possibly flavored with cranberry, was a refreshing accompaniment. Though my palate isn't discerning enough to be sure, I enjoyed the drink nonetheless.

Dolce Disappoints

The Dolce Set included a madeleine and a cookie, both sporting the AC logo in sugar. The madeleine was moist with an almond aftertaste, though its density made it better suited for coffee than lemonade. The cookie, while visually appealing in teal, was hard to bite due to heavy frosting. Once through the icing, the cookie itself was also tough, with only a mild cocoa flavor that didn't stand out. 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 wearing faithful recreations of the protagonists' outfits. While I had hoped for live cosplayers, the mannequins were still impressive. Detailed origami and figurines, as well as a striking painting of Yasuke and Naoe, adorned the space. Many items, including the Hidden Blade and Yasuke's helmet, are available for purchase from PureArts, making them perfect collector's pieces for those with the budget. For others, simply viewing the detailed displays is rewarding enough.

Is It Worth It?

If You Temper Your Expectations

The turnout at the venue is hard to predict, given the mixed opinions on the game and its hidden location. However, themed cafes typically attract a diverse crowd of fans, and the event runs for only two days: March 22nd to the 23rd, from 11am to 6:30pm.

If you're an Assassin's Creed fan and approach the event with realistic expectations, it's definitely worth a visit. Don't expect an immersive experience into the game's world; rather, view it as a themed cafe with food, drinks, and merchandise. The reasonable prices, delicious cheese toast, free gifts, and the chance to see the art and exhibitions without an entry fee make it a worthwhile stop. While cosplayers would have added to the experience, pop-up cafes don't always include them.

For fans in or visiting Japan during this weekend, I recommend spending about 30 minutes at the cafe. If you're not a fan, the cheese toast and colorful drinks are still enjoyable, though the full experience might be less appealing. And 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)