Assassin's Creed Shadows, launched on March 20th, 2025, has sparked excitement worldwide, and Ubisoft is celebrating with a themed cafe in Harajuku. Game8 had the privilege of previewing this event, and here's our take on the venue, the culinary offerings, and the immersive exhibitions.
Hidden Away from the Public
Something of a Secret
The weather in Harajuku was pleasantly milder today, a stark contrast to the heavy snowfall just two days prior. While not fully embracing spring, the air hinted at its arrival, making it an ideal day to explore outdoors. Amidst the usual hustle and bustle of Harajuku Station, with tourists and locals lining up for trendy stalls, the Assassin's Creed Shadows cafe lies discreetly tucked away, just around the corner from Takeshita Street. This quiet retreat, fittingly hidden from the public eye, is a collaboration between Ubisoft and renowned series fan Dante Carver, set within the chic dotcom space Tokyo venue. Game8 was invited to this media event ahead of the public opening tonight, and while this article isn't sponsored, we're thrilled to share our experience.
The Venue
dotcom space Tokyo
Upon locating the entrance, boldly marked with "Assassin’s Creed Shadows" in neon lights, it's clear what awaits inside. The lights cleverly feature the protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe, intertwined with the iconic Assassin's Brotherhood emblem. Although I was new to dotcom space Tokyo, the venue retained its characteristic modern, minimalist style: white walls, exposed ceilings, and cracked floors (I stumbled on one of them!). The space is adorned with attractive drink machines and angular beige furniture, including two long tables and seating areas along the left wall, accommodating roughly 40-50 people comfortably.
The Assassin's Creed theme is subtly integrated with posters of the series lining the walls, scattered artworks, Ubisoft-logoed pillows, and encyclopedias and artbooks from previous games. A projector showcased a silent show from the Shadows event in Kyoto back in February, while classic game BGM provided ambient sound. Further back, several exhibits awaited exploration, but first, let's delve into 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 typical vending machine offerings, the specialty drinks and branded experience justify the cost. Plus, every purchase comes with a free goodie bag (while supplies last) and an additional item, making it a fantastic deal for fans.
For drinks, there are 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 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, received my tray with a tote bag of goodies, and found a spot to indulge in the influencer ritual of photographing my meal.
The Food
The Toast Tasted Terrific
The aroma of melted cheese filled the air, tempting me from the moment I entered. The cheese-covered toast, adorned with the Assassin Brotherhood logo (possibly paprika, though my palate couldn't confirm), came with a side of syrup. While some might find the combination unusual, the salty cheese and sweet syrup complement each other well. Unfortunately, my prolonged photo session left the toast lukewarm, with a slightly tough crust but a delightfully soft and toasty crumb. Japanese bread's renowned fluffiness truly elevates the experience.
Sipping my red lemonade, which might have been a lemonade soda with red food coloring, I detected a hint of cranberry's tartness. Though my palate isn't refined enough to be certain, 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 more often. It would have paired better with coffee, but I stuck with my choice. 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 with a mild cocoa flavor, but it was nothing exceptional. The madeleine quietly outshone its companion.
The Exhibitions
Artwork and Replicas
After savoring my meal, I explored the exhibitions. Replicas of in-game items like Yasuke's mask and Naoe's Hidden Blade were on display, alongside mannequins dressed in faithful recreations of the protagonists' outfits. While I had hoped for live cosplayers for photo ops, the mannequins sufficed. Detailed origami and figurines, along with a striking painting of the protagonists, added to the visual feast. Many of these items are available for purchase from PureArts, but for those on a budget, simply admiring the craftsmanship is rewarding.
Is It Worth It?
If You Temper Your Expectations
Predicting the cafe's popularity is challenging, given the game's divisive reception and the venue's discreet location. However, themed cafes often attract both casual and diehard fans, and this event is only available for a limited time: March 22nd to 23rd, from 11am to 6:30pm.
For Assassin's Creed fans, this is definitely worth a visit if you know what to expect. Don't anticipate an immersive experience that transports you into the game's world; instead, view it as a place offering 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 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 about 30 minutes. For non-fans, the cheese toast and colorful drinks are still enjoyable, though the themed experience might be less impactful. If you're a fan but not in Japan during these two days, hopefully, this article lets 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)
