Assassin's Creed Shadows Cafe Opens in Harajuku

Assassin's Creed Shadows launched on March 20th, 2025, and to celebrate, Ubisoft has created an immersive themed cafe in Harajuku. Game8 was fortunate enough to preview this event, so read on for our detailed impressions of the venue, food, and exhibitions.

Hidden Away from the Public

A Hidden Gem

The day of our visit was surprisingly mild, a stark contrast to the heavy snow just days before. Although not quite spring yet, the air hinted at warmer days to come, making it a pleasant day to be out and about. Harajuku Station buzzed with its usual crowd of tourists and locals eager to explore the fashionable streets. Yet, tucked away from the bustling Takeshita Street, the noise quickly faded into a serene quiet.

In this secluded area, Ubisoft, in collaboration with series enthusiast Dante Carver, has transformed the chic dotcom space Tokyo into a themed cafe celebrating the launch of Assassin's Creed Shadows. Game8 was invited to a pre-opening media event, and we extend our thanks to Ubisoft for the opportunity. This article is not sponsored, and Ubisoft will see it at the same time as our readers.

The Venue

dotcom space Tokyo

Finding the cafe is an adventure in itself, but once you spot the entrance adorned with bright neon lights proclaiming "Assassin's Creed Shadows," there's no doubt about what awaits inside. The lights showcase the game's protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe, intertwined with the iconic Assassin's Brotherhood emblem.

Although new to dotcom space Tokyo, I could still recognize its usual minimalist style. The cafe boasts barren white walls, exposed ceilings, and cracked floors (watch your step!), complemented by sleek drink machines and angular beige furniture. Two long tables and various seating areas against the left wall provide space for about 40-50 guests.

The Assassin's Creed theme is evident through various elements: posters from the series, scattered artwork, Ubisoft logo pillows, and encyclopedias from past games. A silent projector played a previous Shadows event in Kyoto, adding to the ambiance. The venue's classic BGM from the games further enhanced the atmosphere.

Exhibits at the back caught my eye, 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 (roughly $4 to $5 USD), and food is priced at 800 yen (about $5.30 USD). While more expensive than typical vending machine drinks, the specialty offerings and branding make it a great value, especially with the added bonus of a free goodie bag (while supplies last) and an extra item for ordering either food or drinks.

The drink menu features 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

During the media event, we sampled both food options but chose one drink. Needing caffeine, I opted for the Shadows Lemonade in solidarity with the launch. After a short wait, my tray arrived with the food, drink, and 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 greeted me upon entering, but it was even more enticing on the thick, buttered toast before me. Adorned with the Assassin Brotherhood logo in what seemed like paprika, the toast came with a side of syrup to enhance the flavors.

While some might find the combination unusual, it works well in Japan. The salty cheese paired beautifully with the sweet syrup, though my prolonged photo session meant the toast was lukewarm by the time I ate it. The crust was slightly tough, but the interior (or crumb) was wonderfully soft and toasty, showcasing the exceptional fluffiness of Japanese bread.

Sipping the red lemonade, which might have been lemonade soda with red food coloring, I detected a hint of cranberry tartness, though my palate isn't the most discerning.

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 had me reaching for my drink. It would have paired better with coffee, but I stuck with my lemonade choice.

The cookie, while visually appealing with its teal color, was less impressive. The thick frosting made it challenging to bite into, and the cookie itself was hard, though flavored with a subtle cocoa taste. The madeleine was the clear winner between the two.

The Exhibitions

Artwork and Replicas

After enjoying the food, I explored the exhibitions. Replicas of in-game items like Yasuke's mask and Naoe's Hidden Blade were displayed, along with mannequins wearing faithful recreations of the protagonists' outfits. While I had hoped for cosplayers for photo ops, the mannequins were a good substitute. Detailed origami and figurines, along with a striking painting of the protagonists, added to the experience.

Many displayed items would make fantastic collector's pieces, available for purchase from PureArts. For those on a budget, simply appreciating the craftsmanship on display is a worthwhile experience.

Is It Worth It?

If You Temper Your Expectations

It's difficult to predict the crowd size given the game's mixed reception and the venue's hidden location. However, themed cafes often attract both casual and dedicated fans, and the event is limited to two days: March 22nd to the 23rd, from 11am to 6:30pm.

For Assassin's Creed fans, it's worth a visit if you set realistic expectations. Don't expect a fully immersive experience; instead, anticipate a themed space with food, drinks, and branded merchandise. The prices are reasonable, the cheese toast is delicious, and you'll receive gifts (while supplies last) without an entrance fee. Cosplayers might have added more excitement, but such events don't always include them.

If you're a fan in or visiting Japan and exploring Harajuku this weekend, I recommend a 30-minute stop. For non-fans, the cheese toast and colorful drinks still make it a pleasant visit, though the themed elements might not resonate as much. For fans not in Japan over the next two days, I hope this article provided 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), 11:00am to 6:30pm (Last Order: 6:00pm)