"Assassin's Creed Shadows Cafe Opens in Harajuku"

Assassin's Creed Shadows launched on March 20th, 2025, and to celebrate, Ubisoft has created an immersive themed cafe in Harajuku. Game8 was invited to preview the event, and here are our impressions of the venue, the food, and the exhibitions.

Hidden Away from the Public

Something of a Secret

The weather in Harajuku had turned surprisingly mild after heavy snow just days before. Although it wasn't fully spring, the emerging warmth made it a pleasant day to be outdoors. Amidst the usual bustle of tourists and young locals at Harajuku Station, the area around Takeshita Street offered a quiet escape, perfect for the Assassin's Creed Shadows themed cafe.

Ubisoft teamed up with series enthusiast Dante Carver to bring this themed cafe to life within the chic dotcom space Tokyo venue. Game8 received an invitation to experience the cafe ahead of its public opening tonight, and we're grateful to Ubisoft for this opportunity. This article is not sponsored, and Ubisoft will see it simultaneously with the public.

The Venue

dotcom space Tokyo

Although the cafe's location was somewhat secretive, the entrance was unmistakable with "Assassin's Creed Shadows" boldly displayed in bright neon lights, showcasing the protagonists Yasuke and Naoe alongside the iconic Assassin's Brotherhood emblem.

The dotcom space Tokyo retained its hip, modern, minimalist aesthetic with white walls, exposed ceilings, and cracked floors. The space included attractive drink machines and angular beige furniture, with seating for around 40-50 people.

The Assassin's Creed theme was evident through posters of the series, scattered artwork, Ubisoft logo pillows, encyclopedias, and artbooks. A silent projector played footage from a Shadows event in Kyoto, while classic Assassin's Creed background music added ambiance to the venue.

The back of the venue featured several exhibits, which we'll explore later. First, let's dive into the cafe's menu.

The Menu

Pleasantly Affordable

The cafe's prices were surprisingly reasonable for a themed venue. Drinks ranged from 650 to 750 yen (approximately $4 to $5 USD), and food items were priced at 800 yen (about $5.30 USD). These prices are more than the typical 100 yen vending machine options but are justified by the specialty drinks and branding. Visitors also receive a free goodie bag (while supplies last) and an additional item with each food or drink purchase, making it an excellent value for fans.

The 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

The food menu featured:

• 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 just one drink. Craving caffeine but choosing to support the launch, I selected the Shadows Lemonade. After a short wait, my tray arrived with a tote bag of goodies, and I found a spot to enjoy my meal and snap some photos.

The Food

The Toast Tasted Terrific

The aroma of melted cheese filled the air, tempting me from the moment I entered. The cheese-covered toast, adorned with an Assassin Brotherhood logo, was a delight. The logo might have been made with paprika, though my taste buds weren't certain. Accompanied by a side of syrup, this unusual but delicious combination of salty cheese and sweet syrup was a hit. The only downside was that it had cooled a bit by the time I ate it, making the crust slightly tough. However, the inside of the bread was wonderfully soft and fluffy, a hallmark of Japanese bread.

My red lemonade drink, possibly a lemonade soda with red food coloring, had a subtle hint of cranberry tartness. Though my taste buds weren't refined enough to be sure, it was refreshing nonetheless.

Dolce Disappoints

The Dolce Set included a madeleine and a cookie, both featuring the AC logo in sugar. The madeleine was moist with a pleasant almond aftertaste but quite dense, making it better suited for coffee rather than my chosen lemonade. The cookie, while visually appealing with its teal color, was overly frosted, making it hard to bite into. The flavor had a slight cocoa hint but was overshadowed by the sugary icing, making the madeleine the clear winner.

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 on display, along with mannequins wearing faithful recreations of the protagonists' outfits. Though I wished for live cosplayers, the mannequins still offered a great photo opportunity. Origami, detailed figurines, and a powerful painting of the protagonists added to the display. Many of these items are available for purchase from PureArts, making them ideal for collectors, though simply admiring them at the venue is satisfying enough for those on a budget.

Is It Worth It?

If You Temper Your Expectations

It's difficult to predict the cafe's popularity, given the divisive opinions on the game and its hidden location. However, themed cafes often draw both casual and dedicated fans, and the event is only available for two days: March 22nd to the 23rd, from 11am to 6:30pm.

For Assassin's Creed fans, this cafe is worth visiting if you manage your expectations. Don't expect an immersive experience that transports you into the game's world; instead, enjoy a cafe with themed food, drinks, and products. The reasonable prices, delicious cheese toast, free gifts, and free entry to view the art and exhibitions make it a worthwhile stop.

If you're in Harajuku this weekend and are a fan, I recommend spending about 30 minutes at the cafe before resuming your day. For non-fans, the cheese toast and colorful drinks are still enjoyable, though the themed experience may be less impactful. If you're not in Japan during these two days, I hope this article provided a glimpse into the event.

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)