Assassin's Creed Shadows launched on March 20th, 2025, and Ubisoft is marking the occasion with a themed cafe in Harajuku. Game8 was invited to experience the event ahead of its public opening, and we're excited to share our impressions of the venue, the food, and the exhibitions.
Hidden Away from the Public
Something of a Secret
The weather was pleasantly mild today, a stark contrast from the heavy snowfall just two days ago. While not quite spring, hints of warmer days were evident, making it a great day to explore outdoors. Amidst the bustling crowds at Harajuku Station, where tourists and young locals queued for fashionable stores, a quiet corner near Takeshita Street offered a serene escape.
Here, tucked away from prying eyes, Ubisoft has created a themed cafe to celebrate Assassin's Creed Shadows, partnering with series enthusiast Dante Carver. The cafe is housed within the chic dotcom space Tokyo venue. Game8 was privileged to attend a media event before the public opening tonight. Please note, this article is not sponsored; Ubisoft will see our review at the same time as the public.
The Venue
dotcom space Tokyo
The cafe's location might be a bit secretive, but the neon-lit "Assassin’s Creed Shadows" sign at the entrance leaves no doubt about its purpose. The sign beautifully showcases the protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe, alongside the iconic Assassin's Brotherhood emblem.
My first visit to dotcom space Tokyo revealed a hip, modern, minimalist cafe. The space features stark white walls, exposed ceilings, and cracked floors (I nearly tripped on one), complemented by sleek drink machines and angular beige furniture. With two long tables and seating areas along one wall, the cafe can comfortably seat around 40-50 people.
The Assassin's Creed theme is evident in the decor: posters from various games line the walls, art pieces are scattered throughout, and Ubisoft logo pillows add a touch of brand identity. Encyclopedias and artbooks from previous entries are available, and a silent projector plays a Kyoto show from February. Classic game BGM sets a fitting ambiance.
At the back, several exhibits await exploration, but first, let's dive into the cafe's culinary offerings.
The Menu
Pleasantly Affordable
The themed cafe offers surprisingly reasonable prices. Drinks range from 650 to 750 yen (about $4 to $5 USD), and food items are priced at 800 yen (around $5.30 USD). While slightly more than vending machine prices, the specialty offerings and branding justify the cost. Plus, every purchase comes with a free goodie bag (while supplies last) and an additional item, making it an excellent value for fans.
For drinks, there are 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 options:
⚫︎ Assassin’s Creed Dolce Set - 800円
⚫︎ Assassin’s Creed Crest Toast - 800円
During the media event, we sampled both food options and chose one drink. Needing caffeine but choosing the Shadows Lemonade in solidarity with the launch, I waited for my order. It arrived on a tray with a tote bag of goodies, and I quickly found a spot to take some influencer-style food photos.
The Food
The Toast Tasted Terrific
The aroma of melted cheese filled the air, tempting from the moment I entered. The cheese-covered toast, adorned with an Assassin Brotherhood logo (possibly paprika), came with a side of syrup. Though it might shock some, in Japan, this combination is common and delicious. The saltiness of the cheese pairs wonderfully with the syrup's sweetness. Unfortunately, my toast cooled while I took photos, making the crust a bit tough, but the soft, toasted crumb was still delightful. Japanese bread's renowned fluffiness truly shines here.
My red lemonade, possibly just soda with food coloring, had a hint of cranberry's tartness, though my palate wasn't sure.
Dolce Disappoints
The Dolce Set included a madeleine and a cookie, both decorated with the AC logo in sugar. The moist madeleine had a pleasant almond aftertaste but was dense, making me reach for my lemonade. It would have paired better with coffee. The cookie, though visually appealing with its teal color, was hard to bite due to heavy frosting. The cocoa flavor was subtle but overshadowed by the sugar, making the madeleine the clear winner.
The Exhibitions
Artwork and Replicas
After enjoying the food, I explored the exhibitions. Replicas of in-game items, such as Yasuke’s mask and Naoe’s Hidden Blade, were displayed. Mannequins wearing faithful recreations of the protagonists' outfits added to the visual appeal, though I had hoped for cosplayers for photo ops. Origami and detailed figurines were also showcased, along with a striking painting of Yasuke and Naoe.
Many of these items are available for purchase from PureArts, like the Hidden Blade and Yasuke’s helmet. For those on a budget, simply admiring the displays is a treat.
Is It Worth It?
If You Temper Your Expectations
Predicting the cafe's popularity is tricky. The game's reception is mixed, and the venue's location is somewhat hidden, but themed cafes often draw both casual and hardcore fans. The event runs for just two days, March 22nd to 23rd, from 11am to 6:30pm.
For Assassin's Creed fans, it's worth a visit if you manage your expectations. Don't expect an immersive world experience; it's more about enjoying themed food, drinks, and merchandise. The prices are reasonable, the cheese toast is tasty, and you'll receive gifts (while supplies last). Viewing the exhibitions is free, though cosplayers would have added to the fun.
If you're in Japan this weekend and exploring Harajuku, consider stopping by for about 30 minutes. For non-fans, the food and drinks are still enjoyable, but the themed elements might not resonate. If you're not in Japan during this short event, hopefully, this article offers 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)
