Assassin's Creed Shadows launched on March 20th, 2025, and to celebrate, Ubisoft has set up an exciting themed cafe in Harajuku. Game8 had the privilege of attending a media preview event, and we're here to share our detailed impressions of the venue, the delectable food, and the intriguing exhibitions.
Hidden Away from the Public
Something of a Secret
The weather was surprisingly mild today, a stark contrast to the heavy snowfall just two days prior. It wasn't quite warm spring weather, but there were hints of it, making it a pleasant day to be outside. The usual hustle and bustle of Harajuku Station surrounded us, with tourists and young people eagerly lining up to explore the cute, fashionable stalls and stores. Yet, just around the corner from Takeshita Street, the noise faded into silence.
In this quiet area, away from prying eyes, lies a themed cafe dedicated to celebrating the launch of Assassin's Creed Shadows. Ubisoft has partnered with series enthusiast Dante Carver to transform the chic dotcom space Tokyo venue. Game8 received an invitation to experience the cafe before its public opening tonight. While this article is not sponsored, we extend our gratitude to Ubisoft for the opportunity.
The Venue
dotcom space Tokyo
The location was somewhat of a secret, but once you find the entrance, the bold neon lights proclaiming "Assassin’s Creed Shadows" leave no doubt about its purpose. The display features 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: white walls, exposed ceilings, and cracked floors (I actually stumbled on one of the cracks). The space is equipped with attractive drink machines and angular beige furniture, including two long tables and several seating areas against the left wall. It comfortably accommodates around 40-50 people.
The Assassin's Creed theme was evident, though somewhat superficial: posters from various games in the series lined the walls, artwork was scattered around, and pillows featured Ubisoft's logo. Encyclopedias and artbooks from previous entries were displayed, and a projector played a silent show from Shadows in Kyoto from February, adding to the ambiance with classic background music from the games.
Several exhibits were set up at the back, which I'll discuss later. But first, let's dive into the cafe's culinary offerings.
The Menu
Pleasantly Affordable
For a themed cafe, the prices were remarkably reasonable. Drinks ranged from 650 to 750 yen (roughly $4 to $5 USD), and food items were priced at 800 yen (about $5.30 USD). While more expensive than the typical 100 yen drinks from vending machines, the specialty drinks and branding justify the cost. Plus, you receive a free goodie bag (while supplies last) and an additional item with each food or drink order, making it an excellent value for fans.
The drink options included:
- 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:
- 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 opted for the Shadows Lemonade in solidarity with the game's launch. After a short wait, my order arrived on a tray, complete with a tote bag of goodies. I 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 even before I sat down. The cheese-covered toast, adorned with an Assassin Brotherhood logo made from what I believe was paprika, was served with a side of syrup. Pouring the syrup over the toast created a delightful contrast between the salty cheese and sweet syrup.
Though I spent too much time taking photos, and the toast was lukewarm by the time I bit into it, the crust was slightly tough, while the crumb of the bread was incredibly soft and toasty. Japanese bread's renowned fluffiness truly shines here.
I sipped my red lemonade, which might have been lemonade soda with red food coloring, though I detected a hint of cranberry's tartness. If anyone can confirm, please leave a comment.
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. It would have paired better with coffee.
The cookie, while visually appealing with its teal frosting, was hard to bite into. The royal icing made it challenging, and even after breaking through, the cookie itself was tough. Though it had a slight cocoa flavor, it was nothing special. The madeleine was the clear winner.
The Exhibitions
Artwork and Replicas
After finishing my meal, I explored the exhibitions. Replicas of in-game items like Yasuke’s mask and Naoe’s Hidden Blade were displayed, along with mannequins dressed in faithful recreations of the protagonists' outfits. While I had hoped for cosplayers for photo ops, the mannequins were impressive. Origami and detailed figurines were showcased, and a powerful painting of the two protagonists adorned one wall.
Many of these items are available for purchase from PureArts, but for those on a budget, the display alone was a treat.
Is It Worth It?
If You Temper Your Expectations
It's challenging to predict attendance; opinions on the game vary, the venue is hidden, and themed cafes often attract both casual and dedicated fans. The event runs for just two days: March 22nd to 23rd, from 11 am to 6:30 pm.
If you're an Assassin's Creed fan and set realistic expectations, the cafe is worth visiting. Don't expect an immersive experience; it's primarily a venue with food, drinks, and AC-branded products. The prices are reasonable, the cheese toast is delicious, and you'll receive gifts (while supplies last) without an entrance fee. Cosplayers would have been a nice touch, but these pop-up cafes don't always include them.
If you're a fan in Japan 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 thematic experience might be lost on you. For fans unable to attend, I hope this article provides 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)
