Assassin's Creed Shadows Cafe Opens in Harajuku

Assassin's Creed Shadows launched on March 20th, 2025, and to celebrate, Ubisoft has set up an exciting themed cafe in Harajuku. Game8 was fortunate enough to be invited to preview the event, so continue reading to discover our detailed impressions of the venue, the delectable food, and the fascinating exhibitions.

Hidden Away from the Public

Something of a Secret

The weather in Harajuku had turned milder, a surprising shift from the heavy snow just two days before. Although it wasn't quite the warm spring we hoped for, signs of it were emerging, making it an ideal day to explore outdoors. Amidst the bustling crowds at Harajuku Station, where tourists and young people eagerly lined up for the latest in fashion and novelty, a quiet corner just off Takeshita Street offered a serene escape.

Here, tucked away from prying eyes, was the Assassin's Creed Shadows themed cafe, perfectly embodying the stealth and secrecy of the game. Ubisoft collaborated with Dante Carver, a major fan of the series, to bring this unique experience to life within the chic dotcom space Tokyo venue. Game8 was privileged to attend a media event before the public opening tonight, and we extend our gratitude to Ubisoft for the invitation. This article remains unbiased and unsponsored, shared simultaneously with everyone else.

The Venue

dotcom space Tokyo

The cafe's location was discreet, but once you found the entrance, the bold neon sign declaring "Assassin's Creed Shadows" left no doubt about the theme. The neon lights beautifully showcased the protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe, intertwined with the iconic Assassin's Brotherhood emblem.

This was my first visit to dotcom space Tokyo, and although the space was transformed for the event, it retained its modern, minimalist essence. The cafe featured bare white walls, exposed ceilings, and cracked floors (I nearly tripped on one!), complemented by sleek drink machines and angular beige furniture. Two long tables and several seating areas along the left wall could comfortably accommodate 40-50 guests.

The Assassin's Creed theme was evident through various decorations: posters of the series, scattered artworks, Ubisoft logo pillows, and encyclopedias and artbooks from previous games. A silent projector played a show from the Shadows event held in Kyoto in February, while classic BGM from the games added a fitting ambiance.

The back of the venue housed intriguing exhibits, which I'll delve into later. But first, let's explore the culinary offerings of this themed cafe.

The Menu

Pleasantly Affordable

The cafe's menu was surprisingly affordable for a themed venue. Drinks ranged from 650 to 750 yen ($4 to $5 USD), while food items were priced at 800 yen ($5.30 USD). Although a bit pricier than typical vending machine options, the specialty drinks and branded experience justified the cost. Additionally, each purchase included a free goodie bag (while supplies lasted) and an extra item, making it a fantastic deal for both casual and dedicated fans.

The drink menu offered 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

The food menu featured two options:

• Assassin’s Creed Dolce Set - 800円
• Assassin’s Creed Crest Toast - 800円

At the media event, we sampled both food items but had to choose one drink. Craving caffeine but wanting to stay true to the launch, I opted for the Shadows Lemonade. After a brief wait, my order arrived on a tray, complete with a tote bag of goodies, allowing me to find a spot and indulge in the influencer ritual of photographing my meal.

The Food

The Toast Tasted Terrific

The aroma of melted cheese filled the air, tempting me even before I saw the dish. The cheese-covered toast, adorned with the Assassin Brotherhood logo in what seemed like paprika, was served with a side of syrup. Despite some initial shock from American readers, this sweet and salty pairing is quite common in Japan and absolutely delicious. The only downside was that my toast had cooled to lukewarm after taking photos, making the crust a bit tough, but the soft, toasted interior was still delightful. Japanese bread's renowned fluffiness made every bite a treat.

I sipped my red lemonade, possibly just lemonade soda with red food coloring, though I detected a hint of cranberry tartness. My palate might not be expert, but it added an interesting twist to the drink.

Dolce Disappoints

The Dolce Set included a madeleine and a sugar-decorated cookie featuring the AC logo. The madeleine was moist with a pleasing almond aftertaste, though its density made me reach for my lemonade more often. It would have paired better with coffee, but I stuck with my choice. The cookie, while visually appealing in its teal hue, was tough due to the heavy frosting. My teeth struggled to break through, and while the cookie had a mild cocoa flavor, it didn't stand out.

The Exhibitions

Artwork and Replicas

After savoring my meal, I explored the exhibitions. Replicas of in-game items like Yasuke's mask and Naoe's Hidden Blade were on display, along with mannequins wearing faithful recreations of the protagonists' outfits. Though I hoped for live cosplayers, the mannequins were impressive enough. Detailed origami and figurines added to the visual feast, and a powerful painting of the protagonists captured the essence of the game.

Many of these items were available for purchase from PureArts, offering fans a chance to own a piece of the experience. For those on a budget, simply admiring the craftsmanship on display was a rewarding experience.

Is It Worth It?

If You Temper Your Expectations

It's difficult to predict the crowd size due to mixed opinions on the game and the venue's hidden location. However, themed cafes often draw a diverse crowd, and this event is limited to March 22nd to 23rd, from 11 am to 6:30 pm.

If you're an Assassin's Creed fan and approach the experience with realistic expectations, it's definitely worth a visit. Don't expect an immersive journey into the game's world; instead, enjoy the themed food, drinks, and merchandise. The affordable prices, tasty cheese toast, free gifts, and free access to art and exhibitions make it a worthwhile stop.

While live cosplayers would have added more excitement, these pop-up cafes don't always include such features. If you're in Harajuku this weekend and a fan of the series, spend about 30 minutes here before resuming your day. Non-fans might still enjoy the food and colorful drinks, but the full experience is best appreciated by enthusiasts.

For those unable to attend, we hope this article allows you to experience the event vicariously.

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)