Assassin's Creed Shadows launched on March 20th, 2025, and to celebrate, Ubisoft has created a themed cafe in Harajuku. Game8 had the opportunity to preview this event, so here are our impressions of the venue, the food, and the exhibitions.
Hidden Away from the Public
Something of a Secret
The weather was milder today, a stark contrast to the heavy snow just two days prior. Though not yet warm spring weather, hints of it were starting to emerge, making it a pleasant day to be outdoors. Harajuku Station buzzed with its usual crowd of tourists and young people eager to explore the fashionable stalls and stores. Yet, just around the corner from Takeshita Street, the noise faded into silence, revealing a quiet area perfect for the Assassin's Creed Shadows themed cafe.
Ubisoft collaborated with a major fan, Dante Carver, to transform the chic dotcom space Tokyo venue into this themed cafe. 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 everyone else.
The Venue
dotcom space Tokyo
The cafe's entrance was marked by bright neon lights displaying "Assassin's Creed Shadows" and the protagonists Yasuke and Naoe, alongside the iconic Assassin's Brotherhood emblem. dotcom space Tokyo, a hip, modern, minimalist cafe, retained its characteristic barren white walls, exposed ceilings, and cracked floors (I stumbled on one of the cracks). The space was outfitted with attractive drink machines and angular beige furniture, including two long tables and several seating areas against the left wall. It can comfortably seat about 40-50 people.
The Assassin's Creed theme was evident through posters of the series, displayed artwork, Ubisoft logo pillows, encyclopedias, artbooks, and a silent projector showing a Shadows event from Kyoto in February. Classic BGM from the games filled the space, adding to the ambiance.
The back of the venue housed several exhibits, but first, let's dive into the food.
The Menu
Pleasantly Affordable
The cafe's prices were surprisingly reasonable. Drinks ranged from 650 to 750 yen (about $4 to $5 USD), and food items were 800 yen (around $5.30 USD). Although pricier than the 100 yen vending machine drinks, the specialty offerings and themed branding justify the cost. Plus, every purchase came with a free goodie bag (while supplies lasted) and an additional item, making it a great deal for fans.
The drink menu included 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 offered 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. Needing caffeine, I opted for the Shadows Lemonade. After a wait, my order arrived with a tote bag of goodies, and I found a spot to snap some influencer-style food photos.
The Food
The Toast Tasted Terrific
The aroma of melted cheese filled the air as soon as I entered, and it was even more tempting on a thick piece of buttered toast. Decorated with the Assassin Brotherhood logo in what seemed like paprika, it came with a side of syrup for drizzling. Despite the initial shock for some, this sweet and salty combination is common in Japan and quite delicious. Unfortunately, spending too much time on photos meant my toast was lukewarm by the time I ate it. The crust was a bit tough, but the inside remained soft and fluffy, as Japanese bread often is.
My red lemonade, possibly just lemonade soda with food coloring, had a hint of cranberry tartness that added a nice twist.
Dolce Disappoints
The Dolce Set included a madeleine and a cookie, both adorned with the AC logo in sugar. The madeleine was moist with an almond aftertaste but quite dense, better suited to coffee than my lemonade. The cookie, though visually appealing in its teal color, was hard to bite into due to the thick frosting. Once past the icing, the cookie itself was not particularly memorable, with a slight cocoa flavor overshadowed by sweetness. The madeleine was the clear winner here.
The Exhibitions
Artwork and Replicas
After enjoying my meal, I explored the exhibitions. Replicas of in-game items like Yasuke's mask and Naoe's Hidden Blade were displayed, along with mannequins dressed in the protagonists' outfits. While I wished for cosplayers to enhance the photo ops, the mannequins were impressive. Origami and detailed figurines were also showcased, along with a powerful painting of Yasuke and Naoe. Many of these items are available for purchase from PureArts, but for those on a budget, the displays were a treat in themselves.
Is It Worth It?
If You Temper Your Expectations
The event's popularity is hard to predict due to the game's mixed reception and the venue's hidden location. However, themed cafes often attract both casual and dedicated fans, and this event runs for only two days: March 22nd to the 23rd, from 11am to 6:30pm.
For Assassin's Creed fans, it's worth a visit if you know what to expect. Don't anticipate an immersive experience; it's more about themed food, drinks, and products. The prices are reasonable, the cheese toast is delicious, and you'll receive gifts (while supplies last). The art and exhibitions are free to view, adding value to the visit. Though cosplayers would have been a nice touch, these pop-up cafes rarely promise such extras.
If you're a fan in or visiting Japan this weekend, spend about 30 minutes at the cafe before resuming your regular activities. For non-fans, the cheese toast and colorful drinks are still enjoyable, but the themed elements might not resonate as much. If you're a fan but can't make it to Japan in the next two days, hopefully, this article gives you a taste of the 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)
