Assassin's Creed Shadows launched on March 20th, 2025, and to celebrate, Ubisoft has set up a themed cafe in Harajuku. Game8 was invited to preview the event, so read on to discover our impressions of the venue, the food, and the exhibitions.
Hidden Away from the Public
Something of a Secret
The weather in Harajuku was much milder today, a surprising change from the heavy snowfall just two days prior. While it wasn't quite warm spring weather yet, hints of it were starting to peek through, making it a pleasant day to be outside. The usual hustle and bustle at Harajuku Station continued, with tourists and young people crowding in line to explore the fashionable stalls and stores. Yet, just around the corner from Takeshita Street, the noise quickly faded into silence.
In this quiet area, fittingly away from peering eyes, lies 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. Game8 received an invitation to experience the cafe at a media event ahead of the 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, once you find the entrance, the bold neon lights displaying "Assassin’s Creed Shadows" make it clear what this place is about. The lights showcase the two protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe, alongside the iconic Assassin’s Brotherhood emblem.
Having never visited dotcom space Tokyo before, I could still recognize its usual hip, modern, minimalist style: barren white walls, exposed ceilings, and cracked floors (I stumbled on one of the cracks). The space is outfitted with attractive drink machines and angular beige furniture, featuring two long tables and several seating areas against the left wall. By rough estimate, it can comfortably seat around 40-50 people.
The Assassin's Creed theme is evident through surface-level decorations: posters of the series lined up on the walls, artwork displayed throughout, pillows with Ubisoft’s logo, encyclopedias, and artbooks from previous entries. A projector played a show from Shadows in Kyoto from February, though without sound, it barely caught my attention. Instead, the venue used classic background music from the games to enhance the ambiance.
There were also several exhibits towards the back, but I'll get to those later. First, as it's a cafe, let's delve into the food.
The Menu
Pleasantly Affordable
For a themed cafe, the prices are very reasonable. Drinks range from 650 to 750 yen (roughly $4 to $5 USD), and food items cost 800 yen (roughly $5.30 USD). While more expensive than the 100 yen drinks from vending machines, they're quite reasonable considering the specialty offerings and branding. Plus, you get a free goodie bag (while supplies last) and an extra item for ordering either food or drinks, making it a great deal for fans of the series.
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 options:
- 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 choose one drink. Needing caffeine, I chose the Shadows Lemonade to celebrate the launch. After waiting for my number to be called, everything arrived on a tray with a tote bag of goodies, and I found a spot to snap photos of my food.
The Food
The Toast Tasted Terrific
The amazing smell of melted cheese filled the air as soon as I walked in, but it was even more tempting when laid out on a thick piece of buttered toast in front of me. The cheese-covered toast was decorated with the Assassin Brotherhood logo, possibly using paprika, though my palate wasn't discerning enough to be sure. It came with a side of syrup to pour over and enjoy together.
While some might find the combination unusual, in Japan, it's not uncommon, and it's quite good. The saltiness of the cheese pairs well with the sweetness of the syrup. Unfortunately, I spent too much time taking pictures, and it was lukewarm by the time I bit into it. The crust of the bread was a bit tough, but the crumb inside was incredibly soft with a nice bite from being toasted. Even lukewarm, it was delightful. Japanese bread's fluffiness is truly on another level.
I sipped my red lemonade drink, which might have been lemonade soda with red food coloring, but I thought I detected a hint of cranberry's tartness. Again, my palate isn't discerning enough, so if anyone can confirm, let me know in the comments.
Dolce Disappoints
The Dolce Set included two pastries: a madeleine and a cookie with the AC logo in sugar. The madeleine was moist with a pleasant, almond-y aftertaste. It was good but dense, making me reach for my lemonade after a few bites. It would have paired better with coffee, but I stuck with my choice.
The cookie, though visually appealing with its teal color, was less impressive. The frosting made it hard to bite into, and even after breaking through, the cookie itself was tough. The taste had a hint of cocoa but was nothing special. The madeleine was the clear winner between the two.
The Exhibitions
Artwork and Replicas
After finishing my plate, 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 cosplayers for photo opportunities, the mannequins were still impressive. There were also origami and detailed figurines on display, and a powerful painting of the two protagonists using broad strokes adorned one wall.
Many of these items would be fantastic collector's pieces, and you can order them from PureArts. For those on a budget, appreciating the intricacy of the items through the display is a great alternative.
Is It Worth It?
If You Temper Your Expectations
It's hard to predict how crowded the venue will be, as opinions on the game are divisive, and the location is somewhat hidden. However, themed cafes often attract both casual and diehard fans, and the event is only available for a limited time: March 22nd to the 23rd, from 11 am to 6:30 pm.
If you're an Assassin's Creed fan and go in knowing what to expect, it's definitely worth checking out. Don't expect an immersive experience that transports you into the game's world; you'll be disappointed. Instead, understand it's a place with food, drinks, and products featuring the AC logo, and you'll get exactly what you expect.
The prices are reasonable, the cheese toast is delicious, you'll receive gifts (while supplies last), and you can view the art and exhibitions without an entrance fee. While it would have been nice to have cosplayers, these pop-up cafes don't always promise such extras.
If you're a fan living or visiting Japan and exploring Harajuku this weekend, I recommend stopping by for 30 minutes or so. If you're not a fan, the cheese toast and colorful drinks are still enjoyable, but the experience might be lost on you. If you're a fan but not in Japan in the next two days, hopefully, you can live vicariously through this article.
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)
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