Assassin's Creed Shadows was released on March 20th, 2025, and to celebrate, Ubisoft has created a themed cafe in Harajuku. Game8 had the privilege of attending a preview event, and we're excited to share our impressions of the venue, the culinary offerings, and the exhibitions on display.
Hidden Away from the Public
Something of a Secret
The weather was much milder today, a stark contrast to the heavy snowfall just two days prior. While not yet fully warm, spring was beginning to show its colors, making it a pleasant day to be outdoors. The usual hustle and bustle of Harajuku Station surrounded us, with tourists and young locals eagerly exploring the fashionable stalls and stores along Takeshita Street. However, just around the corner, away from the crowds, the noise faded into a serene quietness.
In this tranquil spot, Ubisoft, in collaboration with renowned Assassin's Creed fan Dante Carver, unveiled a themed cafe within the chic dotcom space Tokyo. Game8 was invited to a media event ahead of the public opening, and we want to extend our gratitude to Ubisoft for the opportunity. Please note, this article remains unbiased and is being published simultaneously with the public.
The Venue
dotcom space Tokyo
Despite its secretive location, the entrance boldly announced its purpose with bright neon lights displaying the title "Assassin's Creed Shadows" and the iconic silhouettes of protagonists Yasuke and Naoe, merged with the Assassin's Brotherhood emblem.
The cafe retained the essence of dotcom space Tokyo's usual hip and modern minimalist aesthetic, featuring white walls, exposed ceilings, and cracked floors (I stumbled upon one such crack). The space was equipped with sleek drink machines and angular beige furniture, including two long tables and several seating areas against the left wall. It comfortably accommodates around 40-50 guests.
The Assassin's Creed theme was apparent but somewhat superficial, with posters of various series entries lining the walls, scattered artwork, Ubisoft logo pillows, and encyclopedias and artbooks from previous games. A silent projector showcased a Kyoto event related to Shadows, while classic game BGM added a fitting ambiance.
At the back, several exhibits awaited, but let's first dive into the culinary offerings of this themed cafe.
The Menu
Pleasantly Affordable
The cafe's prices were surprisingly affordable for a themed venue. Drinks ranged from 650 to 750 yen (approximately $4 to $5 USD), while food items were priced at 800 yen (around $5.30 USD). Although more expensive than the 100 yen drinks from vending machines, the specialty offerings and branded experience justify the cost. Additionally, purchasing food or drinks comes with a free goodie bag (while supplies last) and an extra item, making it an excellent value for Assassin's Creed fans.
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
Food choices were:
- Assassin’s Creed Dolce Set - 800円
- Assassin’s Creed Crest Toast - 800円
At the media event, we sampled both food options but chose one drink. In celebration of the launch, I opted for the Shadows Lemonade. After a short wait, my order arrived with a tote bag of goodies, and I found a spot to capture the influencer-worthy photos.
The Food
The Toast Tasted Terrific
The irresistible aroma of melted cheese filled the air, intensifying as I approached my table. The cheese-covered toast, adorned with the Assassin Brotherhood logo in what I believe was paprika, came with a side of syrup to drizzle over it—a common practice in Japan that surprisingly enhances the flavor. The saltiness of the cheese complemented the sweetness of the syrup beautifully. Unfortunately, my toast had cooled somewhat after taking photos, making the crust slightly tough, but the inside remained delightfully soft and flavorful. Japanese bread's renowned fluffiness truly elevated the experience.
My red lemonade, possibly just lemonade soda with red coloring, had a subtle tartness reminiscent of cranberry, though my palate couldn't confirm it definitively.
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 it more suitable for pairing with coffee. The cookie, while visually appealing with its teal frosting, was challenging to bite into due to the hard icing. Once through, the cookie offered a mild cocoa flavor but was otherwise unremarkable. The madeleine stood out as the better choice between the two.
The Exhibitions
Artwork and Replicas
After savoring the food, I explored the exhibitions. Replicas of in-game items, such as Yasuke's mask and Naoe's Hidden Blade, were displayed, alongside mannequins dressed in faithful recreations of the protagonists' outfits. While I had hoped for live cosplayers, the mannequins were impressive. Detailed origami and figurines adorned the space, and a powerful painting of the protagonists in broad strokes captured attention. Many displayed items were available for purchase through PureArts, though the exhibitions offered a satisfying glimpse for those not looking to buy.
Is It Worth It?
If You Temper Your Expectations
Predicting attendance is challenging; the game's reception is mixed, and the cafe's location is somewhat hidden. Yet, themed cafes often draw both casual and dedicated fans, and this event runs for only two days: March 22nd to 23rd, from 11am to 6:30pm.
For Assassin's Creed enthusiasts, the experience is worthwhile if expectations are managed. It's not an immersive journey into the game's world but rather a themed venue offering food, drinks, and merchandise. The affordable prices, delicious cheese toast, free gifts (while supplies last), and free access to the exhibitions make it a compelling visit. The absence of cosplayers was a minor disappointment, but overall, it's a fun stop for fans exploring Harajuku.
If you're not a fan, the cheese toast and colorful drinks still offer a pleasant experience, though the themed elements might be less appealing. For fans unable to attend, we 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), 11:00am to 6:30pm (Last Order: 6:00pm)
