"Assassin's Creed Shadows Cafe Opens in Harajuku"

Assassin's Creed Shadows launched on March 20th, 2025, and Ubisoft celebrated with a themed cafe in Harajuku. Game8 was invited to preview this 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 in Harajuku was surprisingly milder than the heavy snow just two days prior, hinting at the arrival of spring. The usual hustle and bustle at Harajuku Station filled the air with tourists and young people lining up for the latest fashionable stalls and stores. However, just around the corner from Takeshita Street, the noise quickly faded into silence.

In this quiet area, Ubisoft, in collaboration with fan Dante Carver, set up an Assassin's Creed Shadows themed cafe within the chic dotcom space Tokyo. Game8 received an invitation to experience the cafe before its 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

The entrance to the cafe was marked by bold neon lights displaying "Assassin's Creed Shadows" alongside the protagonists Yasuke and Naoe, fused with the iconic Assassin's Brotherhood emblem. The dotcom space Tokyo venue maintained its hip, modern, minimalist style with white walls, exposed ceilings, and cracked floors. It was outfitted with attractive drink machines and angular beige furniture, including two long tables and several seating areas, comfortably fitting about 40-50 people.

The Assassin's Creed theme was evident through posters of the series, artwork, Ubisoft logo pillows, encyclopedias, and artbooks from previous entries. A silent projector played a show from Shadows in Kyoto, while classic BGM from the games provided ambiance. Several exhibits were set up at the back, which we'll explore later. But first, let's delve into the cafe's offerings.

The Menu

Pleasantly Affordable

The cafe's prices were quite reasonable, with drinks ranging from 650 to 750 yen (roughly $4 to $5 USD) and food at 800 yen (about $5.30 USD). These prices are higher than typical vending machine offerings, but the specialty drinks and branded experience justify the cost. Plus, each purchase comes with a free goodie bag (while supplies last) and an extra item, making it a great deal 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 featured:

• 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 chose one drink. Needing caffeine, I opted for the Shadows Lemonade, and after a short wait, my tray arrived with a tote bag of goodies. I found a spot to enjoy and photograph my meal.

The Food

The Toast Tasted Terrific

The aroma of melted cheese filled the air, enhancing the appeal of the Assassin Brotherhood logo-decorated toast. The cheese-covered toast, seasoned possibly with paprika, came with syrup to pour over it—a common and delicious pairing in Japan, despite surprising some. The toast was slightly lukewarm due to my photo-taking delay, but the soft, fluffy Japanese bread remained delightful.

My red lemonade drink, possibly infused with cranberry, provided a refreshing complement to the toast.

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 drink. The cookie, while visually appealing with its teal color, was overly hard due to the thick frosting. The cocoa flavor was subtle but overshadowed by the sugar, making the madeleine the clear winner.

The Exhibitions

Artwork and Replicas

After finishing my meal, I explored the exhibitions featuring replicas of in-game items like Yasuke's mask and Naoe's Hidden Blade, as well as mannequins dressed in the protagonists' outfits. I had hoped for live cosplayers, but the mannequins were impressive. Origami, detailed figurines, and a striking painting of the protagonists added to the display. Many items were available for purchase from PureArts, but the free exhibition was a treat for those on a budget.

Is It Worth It?

If You Temper Your Expectations

The event's appeal is hard to predict due to its hidden location and the game's divisive reception, but themed cafes often draw both casual and diehard fans. The event runs for only two days, March 22nd to 23rd, from 11am to 6:30pm.

For Assassin's Creed fans, the experience is worth it if you manage your expectations. It's not an immersive world but rather a themed space with food, drinks, and merchandise. The reasonable prices, tasty cheese toast, free gifts, and free access to art and exhibitions make it worthwhile. The absence of cosplayers was a missed opportunity, but overall, it's a fun stop for fans visiting Harajuku this weekend.

For non-fans, the cheese toast and colorful drinks might still appeal, though the themed experience might be less engaging. For fans unable to attend, this article offers a glimpse into the event.

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)