"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. Game8 was invited to preview the event, so read on to hear 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 snowfall just two days prior. While not yet the warmth of spring, hints of it were starting to emerge, making it a pleasant day to be outdoors. The usual hustle and bustle at Harajuku Station continued, with tourists and young people lining up to explore the fashionable stalls and stores. Yet, just around the corner from Takeshita Street, the noise faded into silence, revealing a quiet area perfect for a themed cafe celebrating the launch of Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

Ubisoft has partnered with Dante Carver, a major fan of the series, to transform the chic dotcom space Tokyo venue into this themed cafe. Game8 received an exclusive invitation to experience the cafe at 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

Though the location was somewhat hidden, the entrance was unmistakable with "Assassin’s Creed Shadows" boldly displayed in bright neon lights. The lights showcased the two protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe, intertwined with the iconic Assassin’s Brotherhood emblem.

My first visit to dotcom space Tokyo revealed a hip, modern, minimalist cafe area, with white walls, exposed ceilings, and cracked floors (I stumbled on one of the cracks). The space was equipped with sleek drink machines and angular beige furniture, featuring two long tables and several seating areas along the left wall. It could comfortably seat about 40-50 people.

The Assassin’s Creed theme was evident in posters of the series lining the walls, displayed artwork, Ubisoft logo pillows, encyclopedias, and artbooks from previous entries. A projector played a silent show from Shadows in Kyoto, while classic BGM from the games added ambiance to the venue.

Several exhibits were set up at the back, but more on those later. First, let's explore the cafe's menu.

The Menu

Pleasantly Affordable

The themed cafe offers reasonably priced items. Drinks range from 650 to 750 yen (roughly $4 to $5 USD), and food items are priced at 800 yen (roughly $5.30 USD). While more expensive than typical vending machine drinks, the specialty offerings and branding make it a great value, especially with a free goodie bag (while supplies last) and additional items for ordering food or drinks.

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 - 700円
• Odyssey Lemonade - 700円

Food options are:

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

At the media event, we sampled both food options but chose one drink. Opting for the Shadows Lemonade in solidarity with the launch, I waited for my number to be called and received my tray along with a tote bag of goodies. I found a spot to sit and capture the influencer-worthy photos of my food.

The Food

The Toast Tasted Terrific

The aroma of melted cheese filled the air as soon as I entered, and it was even more tempting on the thick buttered toast before me. The toast, topped with melted cheese and adorned with the Assassin Brotherhood logo in what I suspect was paprika, came with a side of syrup for drizzling. This might shock some American readers, but in Japan, it's not unusual, and the combination of salty cheese and sweet syrup is delightful. Unfortunately, my toast cooled while I took photos, making the crust a bit tough, but the soft, toasted interior was still delicious. Japanese bread's fluffiness truly stands out.

I sipped my red lemonade, which might have been soda with red food coloring, but I thought I detected a hint of cranberry's tartness. My palate might not be the best judge, so let me know your thoughts in the comments.

Dolce Disappoints

The Dolce Set included a madeleine and a cookie, both decorated with the AC logo in sugar. The madeleine was moist with an almond aftertaste, though its density made me reach for my lemonade. It would have paired better with coffee. The cookie, while visually appealing with its teal color, was overly hard due to the thick frosting. Breaking through the royal icing revealed a cookie that was still tough, with only a mild cocoa flavor that didn't stand out.

The Exhibitions

Artwork and Replicas

After enjoying 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 the protagonists' outfits. I wished for cosplayers to add to the photo opportunities, but the mannequins were impressive nonetheless. Detailed origami and figurines were also showcased, alongside a powerful painting of the protagonists.

Many of these items would make fantastic collector's pieces, and you can order them from PureArts. For those on a budget, admiring the intricate details in the display is a satisfying alternative.

Is It Worth It?

If You Temper Your Expectations

It's difficult to predict the venue's popularity, given the mixed opinions on the game and its hidden location. However, themed cafes often attract both casual and diehard fans, and the event runs for a limited time: March 22nd to the 23rd, from 11am to 6:30pm.

If you're an Assassin’s Creed fan and go in with realistic expectations, it's definitely worth a visit. Don't expect an immersive experience; it's primarily a place with food, drinks, and AC-branded items. The prices are reasonable, the cheese toast is delicious, you'll receive gifts (while supplies last), and you can enjoy the art and exhibitions without an entrance fee. Cosplayers would have been a nice touch, but such pop-up cafes don't always offer that.

For fans in or visiting Japan and exploring 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, but the full experience might be lost on you. For fans not in Japan within the next two days, hopefully, this article helps you 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)