Assassin's Creed Shadows launched on March 20th, 2025, and to celebrate this milestone, Ubisoft has set up a themed cafe in Harajuku. Game8 was fortunate enough to be invited to a preview of the event, so continue reading for our detailed impressions of the venue, the food, and the exhibitions.
Hidden Away from the Public
Something of a Secret
The weather in Harajuku was surprisingly mild today, a stark contrast to the heavy snow just two days prior. While not yet warm, the hints of spring made it a perfect day to be outdoors. The usual hustle and bustle surrounded Harajuku Station, with tourists and young people lining up to explore the fashionable stalls and stores. Yet, just around the corner from Takeshita Street, the crowd's noise faded into silence.
In this quiet corner, fittingly concealed from prying eyes, lies a themed cafe dedicated to celebrating the launch of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Ubisoft teamed up with a major fan, Dante Carver, to transform the chic dotcom space Tokyo into this unique venue. Game8 was invited to experience the cafe during a media event 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 location is somewhat secretive, but once you spot the entrance with the "Assassin’s Creed Shadows" sign illuminated in bright neon, it's clear what awaits inside. The neon lights showcase the protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe, intertwined with the iconic Assassin’s Brotherhood emblem.
Entering dotcom space Tokyo for the first time, I could still discern its typical modern and minimalist style: white walls, exposed ceilings, and cracked floors (I stumbled on one). The space is equipped with stylish drink machines and angular beige furniture, featuring 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 evident but somewhat superficial: posters of various games in the series adorn the walls, alongside scattered artwork, Ubisoft logo pillows, encyclopedias, and artbooks from previous entries. 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 let's first explore the cafe's culinary offerings.
The Menu
Pleasantly Affordable
The cafe's prices are surprisingly reasonable for a themed venue. Drinks range from 650 to 750 yen (approximately $4 to $5 USD), and food items are priced at 800 yen (about $5.30 USD). While more expensive than the 100 yen drinks from vending machines, the specialty offerings and branding justify the cost. Plus, you receive a free goodie bag (while supplies last) and an additional item with every 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 had to choose one drink. Needing caffeine but choosing solidarity with the launch, I opted for the Shadows Lemonade. 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 (possibly paprika), came with a side of syrup. While some might find the combination unusual, the saltiness of the cheese paired well with the sweetness of the syrup. Unfortunately, my toast was lukewarm by the time I ate it due to taking photos, but the bread's crust was still slightly tough, while the crumb remained soft and fluffy, a hallmark of Japanese bread.
I sipped my red lemonade, which might have been lemonade soda with red food coloring, but I detected a hint of cranberry's tartness. My palate isn't refined enough to be certain, so I'd love to hear from those who can confirm 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 for photo ops, 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 primarily a cafe with food, drinks, and AC-branded products. 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 Japan or visiting 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)
