"Exploring Assassin's Creed Shadows Cafe in Harajuku"

Assassin's Creed Shadows was released on March 20th, 2025, and Ubisoft is celebrating with a themed cafe in Harajuku. Game8 had the privilege of attending a pre-opening media event, and we're excited to share our insights on the venue, the culinary offerings, and the exhibitions.

Hidden Away from the Public

Something of a Secret

The weather in Harajuku had shifted dramatically, from heavy snow two days ago to a milder day with hints of spring. Amidst the usual bustle at Harajuku Station, where tourists and locals alike queued for trendy shops and stalls, a serene escape awaited just around the corner from Takeshita Street. Tucked away from the crowds, we discovered the Assassin's Creed Shadows themed cafe.

Ubisoft collaborated with renowned fan Dante Carver to transform the chic dotcom space Tokyo into a haven for fans. Game8 received an exclusive invite to the media event, and although this article is not sponsored, we're thrilled to share our experience with you.

The Venue

dotcom space Tokyo

The cafe's entrance was unmissable, illuminated by neon lights proclaiming "Assassin's Creed Shadows" and showcasing the protagonists Yasuke and Naoe alongside the iconic Assassin's Brotherhood emblem. dotcom space Tokyo retained its modern, minimalist aesthetic with white walls, exposed ceilings, and cracked floors, but was adorned with Assassin's Creed flair. Posters of the series, artwork, Ubisoft-branded pillows, encyclopedias, artbooks, and a silent projector displaying a Shadows event from Kyoto added to the theme. Classic Assassin's Creed background music provided a fitting ambiance.

With seating for around 40-50 people, the cafe was cozy yet spacious, featuring attractive drink machines and angular beige furniture. Towards the back, several exhibits awaited, which we'll explore soon. But first, let's delve into the cafe's menu.

The Menu

Pleasantly Affordable

The cafe's prices were surprisingly reasonable for a themed venue. Drinks ranged from 650 to 750 yen ($4 to $5 USD), while food items were 800 yen ($5.30 USD). These prices are competitive, especially considering the specialty items on offer and the themed branding. Plus, each purchase came with a free goodie bag (while supplies lasted) and an additional perk, making it a fantastic value for Assassin's Creed enthusiasts.

The drink menu featured 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 were two choices:
⚫︎ Assassin’s Creed Dolce Set - 800円
⚫︎ Assassin’s Creed Crest Toast - 800円

At the media event, we sampled both food options and chose one drink. Opting for the Shadows Lemonade in solidarity with the game's launch, we eagerly awaited our order and received a tote bag of goodies alongside our tray.

The Food

The Toast Tasted Terrific

The aroma of melted cheese filled the air, intensifying as the Assassin’s Creed Crest Toast was served. The toast was topped with melted cheese and adorned with the Assassin Brotherhood logo, possibly made with paprika. Accompanied by a side of syrup, the combination of salty cheese and sweet syrup was surprisingly delightful—a common pairing in Japan. Despite the toast cooling down a bit due to photo-taking, the bread's soft, fluffy interior and slightly toasted crust provided a satisfying bite.

The Shadows Lemonade, a refreshing red drink, might have been a lemonade soda with a hint of cranberry, adding a tart twist to the beverage.

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 it better suited for coffee rather than lemonade. The cookie, while visually appealing with its teal frosting, was tough to bite into due to the thick icing. The cookie's cocoa flavor was subtle but overshadowed by the sweetness of the icing, making the madeleine the clear favorite.

The Exhibitions

Artwork and Replicas

After enjoying our meal, we explored the exhibitions. Replicas of in-game items, such as Yasuke’s mask and Naoe’s Hidden Blade, were on display, alongside mannequins dressed in faithful recreations of the protagonists' outfits. While we hoped for live cosplayers, the mannequins were impressive. Detailed origami and figurines, along with a striking painting of the protagonists, added to the display's allure. Many of these items are available for purchase from PureArts, offering fans a chance to own a piece of the experience.

Is It Worth It?

If You Temper Your Expectations

The event's popularity is uncertain, given the game's mixed reception and the cafe's discreet location. However, themed cafes often draw both casual and dedicated fans, and this event is limited to two days: March 22nd to 23rd, from 11 am to 6:30 pm.

For Assassin's Creed fans, this cafe is worth a visit if you approach it with realistic expectations. It's not an immersive experience into the game's world but rather a themed venue with food, drinks, and merchandise. The reasonable prices, delicious cheese toast, complimentary gifts, and free access to the exhibitions make it a worthwhile stop. While the absence of cosplayers was a missed opportunity, the overall experience remains enjoyable.

If you're a fan in Japan this weekend, consider spending 30 minutes at the cafe while exploring Harajuku. For non-fans, the cheese toast and colorful drinks are still appealing, though the themed elements might be less engaging. And if you're not in Japan, we hope this article offers a glimpse into the 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)