Assassin's Creed Shadows Cafe Opens in Harajuku

Assassin's Creed Shadows launched on March 20th, 2025, and Ubisoft is celebrating with a themed cafe in Harajuku. Game8 was invited to preview the event, so read on for our detailed impressions of the venue, food, and exhibitions.

Hidden Away from the Public

Something of a Secret

The weather was pleasantly mild, a stark contrast to the heavy snow just two days prior. While not fully warm, the hints of spring made it an ideal day to explore Harajuku. The usual crowd filled Harajuku Station, eager to explore the trendy stalls and stores. Yet, just a short walk from Takeshita Street, the noise fades into a serene quiet.

Nestled in this tranquil area, away from prying eyes, Ubisoft has created an Assassin's Creed Shadows themed cafe in collaboration with series enthusiast Dante Carver. Game8 was invited to a media event ahead of the public opening tonight. This article is not sponsored, and Ubisoft will see it at the same time as the public.

The Venue

dotcom space Tokyo

Though the location is somewhat secretive, the entrance is unmistakable, with "Assassin's Creed Shadows" illuminated in vibrant neon lights. The display features the protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe, alongside the iconic Assassin's Brotherhood emblem.

My first visit to dotcom space Tokyo revealed a chic, minimalist cafe with white walls, exposed ceilings, and stylish drink machines. The space is accented with angular beige furniture, two long tables, and seating areas along the left wall, comfortably accommodating 40-50 people.

The Assassin's Creed theme is subtle: posters of the series adorn the walls, artwork is scattered throughout, and Ubisoft logo pillows add a touch of flair. Encyclopedias and artbooks from previous games are available, and a silent projector plays a Kyoto show from February. Classic game BGM provides a fitting ambiance.

The back of the venue hosts several exhibits, which I'll discuss later. First, let's delve into the cafe's culinary offerings.

The Menu

Pleasantly Affordable

For a themed cafe, the prices are remarkably reasonable. Drinks range from 650 to 750 yen ($4 to $5 USD), and food items are 800 yen ($5.30 USD). While pricier than typical vending machine drinks, 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 a fantastic deal for fans.

The drink menu includes 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 offers two choices:
⚫︎ 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. Opting for the Shadows Lemonade, I waited for my order and received a tray with food and a tote bag of goodies. I found a spot to enjoy my meal and capture the moment with photos.

The Food

The Toast Tasted Terrific

The aroma of melted cheese filled the air, becoming even more enticing when served on a thick slice of buttered toast. The toast was adorned with the Assassin Brotherhood logo, possibly using paprika, and came with a side of syrup. This unique pairing of salty cheese and sweet syrup is not uncommon in Japan and proved delightful. Unfortunately, my prolonged photo-taking session meant the toast was lukewarm by the time I ate it. The crust was slightly tough, but the inside remained soft and flavorful, showcasing the exceptional quality of Japanese bread.

My red lemonade drink, possibly flavored with cranberry, added a refreshing twist. Though my palate isn't refined enough to confirm, the tartness was a pleasant surprise.

Dolce Disappoints

The Dolce Set included a madeleine and a sugar-decorated cookie. The madeleine was moist with a subtle almond flavor, though its density made it better suited for coffee. The cookie, while visually appealing with its teal color, was overly hard due to the thick frosting. The cocoa flavor was faint, overshadowed by the sweetness, making the madeleine the clear favorite.

The Exhibitions

Artwork and Replicas

After enjoying my meal, I explored the exhibitions. Replicas of in-game items, such as Yasuke's mask and Naoe's Hidden Blade, were on display, alongside mannequins dressed in the protagonists' outfits. Though I had hoped for live cosplayers, the mannequins provided a good visual representation. Detailed origami and figurines were also showcased, along with a striking painting of the protagonists.

Many of these items are available for purchase from PureArts, but for those on a budget, the free display offers a chance to appreciate the craftsmanship.

Is It Worth It?

If You Temper Your Expectations

The venue's appeal may vary, given the mixed reception to the game and its hidden location. However, themed cafes often attract a wide range of fans, and the event is only available for a limited time—March 22nd to 23rd, from 11 am to 6:30 pm.

If you're an Assassin's Creed fan and set realistic expectations, it's worth a visit. Don't expect an immersive experience; instead, enjoy the themed food, drinks, and free exhibitions. The reasonable prices, delicious cheese toast, and complimentary gifts make it a worthwhile stop.

For those in Harajuku this weekend, consider a 30-minute visit. If you're not a fan, the food and drinks are still enjoyable, though the thematic elements might be less appealing. For fans unable to attend, 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)