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 for our impressions of the venue, the food, and the exhibitions.
Hidden Away from the Public
Something of a Secret
The weather was surprisingly mild today, a stark contrast to the heavy snow just two days prior. While not quite warm spring weather, hints of it were starting to emerge, making it a pleasant day to be outdoors. The usual hustle and bustle at Harajuku Station was in full swing, with tourists and young people lining up to explore the cute, fashionable stalls and stores. However, just around the corner from Takeshita Street, the noise quickly faded into silence.
In this quiet area, fittingly hidden from prying eyes, lies a themed cafe celebrating the launch of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Ubisoft partnered with a major fan of the series, Dante Carver, to create this themed cafe within the chic dotcom space Tokyo venue. Game8 received an invitation to experience the cafe at a media event ahead of the public opening tonight. A big thank you to Ubisoft for the opportunity. This article is not sponsored, and Ubisoft will see it at the same time as everyone else.
The Venue
dotcom space Tokyo
While the location was a bit of a secret, the entrance boldly displays "Assassin’s Creed Shadows" in bright neon lights, leaving no doubt about the purpose of the place. The lights showcase the two protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe, fused with the iconic Assassin’s Brotherhood emblem.
I had never visited dotcom space Tokyo before, but it retained its hip, modern, minimalist style: barren white walls, exposed ceilings, and cracked floors (I actually stumbled on one of the cracks). The cafe is outfitted with attractive drink machines and angular beige furniture, featuring two long tables and several seating areas against the left wall. By a rough estimate, it can comfortably seat about 40-50 people.
The Assassin’s Creed theme is evident through posters of the series lining the walls, artwork displayed throughout, pillows with Ubisoft’s logo, encyclopedias, and artbooks from previous entries. A projector played a show they had done for Shadows in Kyoto back in February, though without sound, it was barely noticeable. Instead, the venue played classic BGM from the games to create ambiance.
There were also several exhibits towards the back, but more on those later. First, let's dive 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 are priced at 800 yen (roughly $5.30 USD). While more expensive than the 100 yen drinks from vending machines, the specialty drinks and branding make it a great deal, especially with a free goodie bag (while supplies last) and an extra item for ordering either food or drinks.
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 options:
- Assassin’s Creed Dolce Set - 800円
- Assassin’s Creed Crest Toast - 800円
As part of the media event, we were given both food options but had to choose one drink. In solidarity with the launch, I opted for the Shadows Lemonade. After waiting for my number to be called, everything arrived on a tray, along with a tote bag of goodies, and I quickly found a spot to sit and 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, and it was even more tempting when laid out on a thick piece of buttered toast. The cheese-covered toast was decorated with an Assassin Brotherhood logo, possibly using paprika, though my palate wasn't discerning enough to be sure. It comes with a side of syrup to pour over it.
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 by the time I bit into it, it was lukewarm. The crust of the bread was a bit tough, but the crumb (the inside part of the bread) was incredibly soft with a nice bite from being toasted. Even lukewarm, it was quite enjoyable. If you've ever had Japanese bread, you know its fluffiness is 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 to tell, so if anyone can, please share 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 quite dense, making me reach for my lemonade after a few bites. It would have paired better with coffee, but I had already made my choice.
The cookie, on the other hand, wasn't as good. It looked nice, with a luck-of-the-draw color (mine was a pleasant teal), but the heavy frosting made it hard to bite into. I tried using my front teeth first but switched to my molars for better results. Once through the royal icing, the cookie was still tough, with a slight hint of cocoa flavor, but nothing remarkable. The madeleine was definitely the better of the two.
The Exhibitions
Artwork and Replicas
After finishing my plate, I explored the exhibitions. There were replicas of in-game items on display, including Yasuke’s mask and Naoe’s Hidden Blade. Two mannequins wore faithful recreations of the protagonists' outfits. While I had hoped for cosplayers for photo opportunities, the mannequins were a good substitute. There were also detailed origami and figurines on display, and a powerful painting of the two protagonists using broad strokes.
Many of the displayed items would make great collector's pieces, and you can order some, like the Hidden Blade and Yasuke’s helmet, from PureArts. For those on a budget, appreciating the items through the display is a good alternative.
Is It Worth It?
If You Temper Your Expectations
It's hard to predict how busy the venue will be, given the divisive opinions on the game and its hidden location. 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 11am to 6:30pm.
If you're an Assassin’s Creed fan and go in with realistic expectations, it's definitely worth checking out. Don't expect an immersive experience that transports you into the world of Assassin’s Creed; you'll be disappointed. Instead, understand that it's a place with food, drinks, and products featuring the AC logo.
The prices are reasonable, the cheese toast is good, you'll get gifts for attending (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 themed cafes don't always promise such features.
If you're a fan living or visiting Japan and exploring Harajuku this weekend, I recommend stopping by for about 30 minutes before resuming your civilian life. If you're not a fan, the cheese toast and colorful drinks are still enjoyable, though the bulk of the experience might be lost on you.
If you're a fan but not in Japan and won't be 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), 11:00am to 6:30pm (Last Order: 6:00pm)
