"Assassin's Creed Shadows Cafe Opens in Harajuku"

Assassin's Creed Shadows launched on March 20th, 2025, and to celebrate this exciting release, Ubisoft has created a themed cafe in Harajuku. Game8 was fortunate enough to get a sneak peek at the event before its public opening, and we're here to share our 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 ago. While it wasn't quite warm spring weather yet, there were hints of it in the air, making it a perfect day to be outdoors. The usual hustle and bustle at Harajuku Station was in full swing, with tourists and young locals eagerly lining up at the fashionable stalls and stores along Takeshita Street. However, just around the corner, the noise fades into a serene silence.

Here, tucked away from the public eye, lies the Assassin's Creed Shadows themed cafe. Ubisoft collaborated with series enthusiast Dante Carver to transform the chic dotcom space Tokyo into this unique venue. Game8 received an exclusive invitation to the media event, and while this article isn't sponsored, we're grateful to Ubisoft for the opportunity. Our impressions are shared here for everyone to see at the same time.

The Venue

dotcom space Tokyo

The cafe's location is a bit of a secret, but once you find the entrance, the neon-lit sign proudly displaying "Assassin's Creed Shadows" leaves no doubt about what awaits inside. The sign features the game's protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe, intertwined with the iconic Assassin's Brotherhood emblem.

Though I had never visited dotcom space Tokyo before, it was easy to see its usual hip, modern, and minimalist design. The cafe boasts bare white walls, exposed ceilings, and cracked floors (I even stumbled on one of the cracks). The space is outfitted with sleek drink machines and angular beige furniture, including two long tables and various seating areas along the left wall. It comfortably seats around 40-50 people.

The Assassin's Creed theme is evident through posters of the series lining the walls, scattered artwork, Ubisoft logo pillows, and encyclopedias and artbooks from previous games. A projector plays a silent video from a Shadows event in Kyoto back in February, while classic Assassin's Creed background music adds to the ambiance.

At the back, there are several exhibitions, but we'll get to those later. First, let's dive into the cafe's offerings.

The Menu

Pleasantly Affordable

The cafe's prices are surprisingly reasonable for a themed establishment. 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 more expensive than the 100 yen drinks from vending machines, the specialty drinks and themed branding justify the cost. Plus, every order comes with a free goodie bag (while supplies last) and an additional item, making it a fantastic 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

For food, there are two choices:
⚫︎ Assassin’s Creed Dolce Set - 800円
⚫︎ Assassin’s Creed Crest Toast - 800円

As part of the media event, we were able to try both food options but had to choose one drink. Needing a caffeine boost, 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 snap some photos.

The Food

The Toast Tasted Terrific

The aroma of melted cheese filled the air as soon as I entered, but it was even more enticing when served on a thick piece of buttered toast. The toast was adorned with an Assassin Brotherhood logo, possibly made with paprika, though my taste buds weren't sure. It comes with a side of syrup, which might surprise some, but in Japan, it's not uncommon. The saltiness of the cheese pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the syrup. Unfortunately, my prolonged photo session meant the toast was lukewarm by the time I tried it. The crust was a bit tough, but the inside was incredibly soft and fluffy, as only Japanese bread can be.

I sipped my red lemonade, which seemed like lemonade soda with red food coloring, though I thought I detected a hint of cranberry's tartness. If you can confirm this, let me know 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 a bit dense. It would have paired better with the coffee options, but I stuck with my lemonade. The cookie, despite its attractive teal color, was less impressive. The heavy frosting made it hard to bite into, and while the cookie itself had a hint of cocoa, it wasn't memorable. The madeleine was the clear winner here.

The Exhibitions

Artwork and Replicas

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

Many of these items are available for purchase from PureArts, like the Hidden Blade and Yasuke's helmet. For those on a budget, simply admiring the intricate displays is a treat.

Is It Worth It?

If You Temper Your Expectations

It's difficult to predict how crowded the venue will be, given the mixed opinions on the game and its hidden location. However, themed cafes like this often draw both casual and diehard fans, and the event is only available for two days: March 22nd to 23rd, from 11am to 6:30pm.

For Assassin's Creed fans, it's worth checking out if you manage your expectations. Don't expect an immersive experience; it's more about enjoying themed food, drinks, and products. The prices are reasonable, the cheese toast is delicious, and you'll receive gifts (while supplies last) without any 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 around 30 minutes. If you're not a fan, the cheese toast and colorful drinks are still enjoyable, but the themed experience might not resonate with 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)