"Assassin's Creed Shadows Cafe Opens in Harajuku"

Assassin's Creed Shadows was launched on March 20th, 2025, and to celebrate, Ubisoft has created an exciting themed cafe in Harajuku. Game8 had the privilege of attending a preview event, so continue reading for our detailed impressions of the venue, the delectable food, and the captivating exhibitions.

Hidden Away from the Public

Something of a Secret

The weather in Harajuku had taken a surprisingly mild turn, a stark contrast to the heavy snowfall just two days prior. Although not quite the warm embrace of spring, the emerging hints of it made it a pleasant day to be outdoors. The usual hustle and bustle near Harajuku Station was in full swing, with tourists and young people eagerly lining up to explore the trendy stalls and shops along Takeshita Street. However, just around the corner, the noise of the crowds quickly faded into a serene silence.

In this tranquil nook, perfectly hidden from prying eyes, lies a themed cafe celebrating the launch of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Ubisoft collaborated with a major fan of the series, Dante Carver, to transform the chic dotcom space Tokyo into this unique venue. Game8 was graciously invited to a media event before the public opening tonight. We want to express our gratitude to Ubisoft for the invitation. Please note, this article is not sponsored, and Ubisoft will discover our impressions alongside everyone else.

The Venue

dotcom space Tokyo

Although the location is somewhat secretive, once you spot the entrance, there's no mistaking the purpose of the place, thanks to the bold "Assassin’s Creed Shadows" neon lights displaying the protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe, intertwined with the iconic Assassin’s Brotherhood emblem.

Visiting dotcom space Tokyo for the first time, I could still discern its usual modern and minimalist style amidst the transformation. The cafe features bare white walls, exposed ceilings, and cracked floors (I nearly tripped on one of those cracks), complemented by sleek drink machines and angular beige furniture, including two long tables and several seating areas along the left wall. By a rough estimate, it can comfortably seat 40-50 people.

The Assassin’s Creed theme is mostly superficial, with posters of the series' various games lining the walls, artwork scattered throughout, pillows adorned with Ubisoft’s logo, encyclopedias, and artbooks from previous entries. A projector looped a show from the Shadows event in Kyoto from February, though without sound, making it easy to overlook. Instead, the venue played classic background music from the games to create an ambient atmosphere.

Several exhibits at the back caught my eye, but first, let's dive into the cafe's menu.

The Menu

Pleasantly Affordable

The cafe's pricing is surprisingly reasonable for a themed venue. Drinks range from 650 to 750 yen (about $4 to $5 USD), and food items are priced at 800 yen (around $5.30 USD). While more expensive than the 100 yen drinks from vending machines, the specialty offerings and branding justify the cost. Plus, every purchase comes with a free goodie bag (while supplies last) and an additional item when you order either food or drinks, making it a fantastic deal for fans.

Here are the drink 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

And the food choices:

• Assassin’s Creed Dolce Set - 800円
• Assassin’s Creed Crest Toast - 800円

At the media event, we sampled both food options but had to select just one drink. Craving caffeine but wanting to stay in theme, I opted for the Shadows Lemonade. After waiting for my number to be called, my tray arrived with my choice, a tote bag filled with goodies, and I found a spot to snap some influencer-style food photos.

The Food

The Toast Tasted Terrific

The aroma of melted cheese filled the air as soon as I entered, becoming even more enticing when presented on a thick slice of buttered toast. The toast was adorned with an Assassin Brotherhood logo, possibly using paprika, though my taste buds couldn't confirm. It came with a side of syrup to drizzle over it, creating a delightful contrast between the cheese's saltiness and the syrup's sweetness.

I'm aware some might find the combination unusual, but in Japan, it's not uncommon and quite tasty. Unfortunately, my eagerness to photograph delayed my enjoyment, leaving the toast lukewarm. The crust was slightly tough, but the interior remained wonderfully soft yet with a pleasing toasted texture. Japanese bread is renowned for its unique fluffiness, and this was no exception.

I sipped on my red lemonade, which seemed like lemonade soda with red food coloring, though I thought I detected a hint of cranberry's tartness. My taste buds might not be the most refined, so if you have a better palate, please share your thoughts 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 but felt a bit dense, leading me to reach for my lemonade more frequently. It would have paired better with the coffee options, but I had made my choice.

The cookie, while visually appealing with its teal color, was less enjoyable due to its hard royal icing. My initial attempts to bite into it with my front teeth failed, forcing me to use my molars. Once past the icing, the cookie was still tough, with a mild cocoa flavor that didn't stand out. The madeleine was the clear winner between the two.

The Exhibitions

Artwork and Replicas

After finishing my meal, I explored the exhibitions in more detail. Replicas of in-game items like Yasuke’s mask and Naoe’s Hidden Blade were on display, alongside mannequins wearing faithful recreations of the protagonists' outfits. While I had hoped for live cosplayers for photo ops, the mannequins were a good substitute. The exhibits also featured intricately detailed origami and figurines, as well as a striking painting of the protagonists.

Many of these items would be prized by collectors, and you can order them from PureArts, including the Hidden Blade and Yasuke’s helmet. For those on a budget, simply appreciating the craftsmanship through the displays is rewarding.

Is It Worth It?

If You Temper Your Expectations

It's difficult to predict how busy the venue will be, given the mixed reception to the game, the hidden location, and the short duration of the event. The Assassin's Creed Shadows Cafe will be open for just two days: March 22nd to the 23rd, from 11am to 6:30pm.

For Assassin’s Creed fans, visiting with tempered expectations is key. Don't expect an immersive experience that transports you into the game's world, as you might be let down. Instead, go knowing it's a themed cafe with food, drinks, and merchandise adorned with the AC logo, and you'll get what you came for.

The prices are reasonable, the cheese toast is delicious, you'll receive gifts (while supplies last), and you can admire the art and exhibits without an entrance fee. While the absence of cosplayers was noticeable, such themed cafes don't always include them.

If you're a fan in Japan or visiting this weekend, I highly recommend stopping by for about 30 minutes before resuming your adventures. For non-fans, the cheese toast and colorful drinks are still worth trying, though the themed elements may not resonate as much.

If you're a fan but not in Japan during these two days, hopefully, this article allowed you to experience it vicariously.

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)