Assassin's Creed Shadows launched on March 20th, 2025, and to celebrate this milestone, Ubisoft has created an immersive themed cafe in Harajuku. Game8 had the privilege of previewing this event, so continue reading for our detailed impressions of the venue, the culinary offerings, and the captivating exhibitions.
Hidden Away from the Public
Something of a Secret
The weather in Harajuku was unexpectedly mild today, a stark contrast to the heavy snowfall just two days prior. While not quite the warm embrace of spring, the air hinted at its approach, making it a pleasant day to explore outdoors. The usual hustle and bustle at Harajuku Station was in full swing, with tourists and young locals lining up to explore the area's fashionable stalls and stores. Yet, just a short distance from Takeshita Street, the noise faded into a serene quietness.
In this tranquil corner, Ubisoft unveiled a themed cafe dedicated to Assassin's Creed Shadows, aptly hidden from the prying eyes of the public. This unique space was crafted in collaboration with Dante Carver, a renowned fan of the series, and is hosted within the chic dotcom space Tokyo venue. Game8 was invited to a media event ahead of the public opening, and we extend our gratitude to Ubisoft for this opportunity. Please note, this article is not sponsored, and Ubisoft will see it simultaneously with our readers.
The Venue
dotcom space Tokyo
Finding the entrance to the cafe was a bit of a secret, but once there, the bold neon lights proclaiming "Assassin's Creed Shadows" left no doubt about its purpose. The lights showcased the game's protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe, intertwined with the iconic Assassin's Brotherhood emblem.
My first visit to dotcom space Tokyo revealed a venue that retained its essence despite the thematic transformation. The cafe boasted a modern, minimalist aesthetic with white walls, exposed ceilings, and cracked floors (I nearly tripped on one of those cracks). It was equipped with sleek drink machines and angular beige furniture, including two long tables and several seating areas along the left wall. The space could comfortably accommodate around 40-50 guests.
The Assassin's Creed theme was evident through various elements: posters of the series' games adorned the walls, artwork was scattered throughout, and pillows featuring Ubisoft's logo added a touch of branding. Encyclopedias and artbooks from previous entries were displayed, and a projector silently played footage from a Shadows event held in Kyoto in February. Classic background music from the games filled the air, enhancing the ambiance.
At the back of the venue, several exhibits awaited exploration, but first, let's delve into the cafe's culinary offerings.
The Menu
Pleasantly Affordable
The cafe's prices were surprisingly reasonable for a themed establishment. Drinks ranged from 650 to 750 yen (approximately $4 to $5 USD), while food items were priced at 800 yen (about $5.30 USD). Although more expensive than the 100 yen drinks from vending machines, the specialty offerings and branding justified the cost. Additionally, patrons received a free goodie bag (while supplies lasted) and an extra item with each food or drink purchase, making it an excellent value for fans.
The drink menu featured 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 offered 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 select one drink. Needing a caffeine boost but choosing solidarity with the launch, I opted for the Shadows Lemonade. After a brief wait, my order arrived on a tray, accompanied by a tote bag of goodies. I quickly found a spot to sit and capture the moment with photos.
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 made with paprika), was served with a side of syrup. While some might find the combination unusual, it's not uncommon in Japan, and the salty cheese paired well with the sweet syrup.
Unfortunately, my prolonged photo session meant the toast was lukewarm by the time I tasted it. The crust was slightly tough, but the crumb (the soft interior of the bread) remained delightfully fluffy and toasted, showcasing the unique texture of Japanese bread.
I sipped my red lemonade, which might have been a lemonade soda with red food coloring, though I detected a hint of cranberry's tartness. My palate isn't refined enough to confirm, so I invite readers to share their thoughts in the comments.
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 made me reach for my lemonade more frequently. It would have paired better with coffee, but I had made my choice.
The cookie, while visually appealing with its teal color, was less impressive. The thick frosting made it challenging to bite into, and the cookie itself was hard, offering only a mild cocoa flavor beneath the sweetness. 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, such as 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 live cosplayers for photo opportunities, the mannequins were a fine substitute. Origami and detailed figurines were also showcased, and a powerful painting of the protagonists adorned one wall.
Many of these items are available for purchase from PureArts, including the Hidden Blade and Yasuke's helmet. For those on a budget, simply admiring the craftsmanship on display was a rewarding experience.
Is It Worth It?
If You Temper Your Expectations
It's difficult to predict the cafe's popularity, given the mixed reception to the game and its somewhat 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 11 am to 6:30 pm.
For Assassin's Creed fans, the cafe is worth a visit if you set realistic expectations. Don't expect an immersive experience that transports you into the game's world; instead, view it as a place to enjoy themed food, drinks, and merchandise. 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 added to the experience, such features are not guaranteed at pop-up themed cafes.
If you're a fan in Japan or visiting during the event, I recommend stopping by for about 30 minutes. For non-fans, the cheese toast and colorful drinks are still enjoyable, though the themed elements might not resonate as strongly. If you're a fan but unable to attend, I hope this article provided 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), 11:00 am to 6:30 pm (Last Order: 6:00 pm)
