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 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 today was surprisingly mild, a stark contrast to the heavy snow just two days ago. Although not fully spring-like, the day hinted at the warmth to come, making it perfect for exploring. The usual hustle and bustle at Harajuku Station continued, with tourists and locals lining up at fashionable stalls and stores. However, just around the corner from Takeshita Street, the noise faded into silence.

Here, tucked away from prying eyes, Ubisoft and Dante Carver, a major fan of the series, have transformed the chic dotcom space Tokyo into a themed cafe celebrating the launch of Assassin's Creed Shadows. Game8 was invited to a media event ahead of the public opening tonight. While this article isn't sponsored, we appreciate Ubisoft's invitation, and they'll see our impressions at the same time as everyone else.

The Venue

dotcom space Tokyo

The location might be a bit of a secret, but once you spot the entrance with "Assassin’s Creed Shadows" in bright neon lights, the purpose is unmistakable. The lights showcase the protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe, alongside the iconic Assassin's Brotherhood emblem.

dotcom space Tokyo retains its modern, minimalist aesthetic, with white walls, exposed ceilings, and cracked floors. The space features attractive drink machines and angular beige furniture, including two long tables and several seating areas, comfortably accommodating around 40-50 people.

The Assassin's Creed theme is evident in the posters of various games, scattered artwork, Ubisoft logo pillows, and encyclopedias and artbooks from previous entries. A silent projector plays a Shadows show from Kyoto, while classic game BGM adds ambiance.

Exhibits at the back of the venue are noteworthy, but first, let's dive into the cafe's offerings.

The Menu

Pleasantly Affordable

The cafe's prices are surprisingly reasonable for a themed venue. Drinks range from 650 to 750 yen (about $4 to $5 USD), while food items are priced at 800 yen (about $5.30 USD). Though pricier than typical vending machine drinks, the specialty offerings and branding justify the cost. Plus, you receive a free goodie bag (while supplies last) and an extra item with any food or drink purchase, making it a great deal for fans.

Drink options include:
⚫︎ 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

Food choices are:
⚫︎ 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 only one drink. Needing caffeine, I opted for the Shadows Lemonade. After a short wait, my order arrived on a tray, complete with a tote bag of goodies, and I found a spot to enjoy and photograph my meal.

The Food

The Toast Tasted Terrific

The aroma of melted cheese filled the air, tempting me as soon as I entered. The cheese-covered toast, adorned with an Assassin Brotherhood logo in what I believe was paprika, was served with a side of syrup. While some might find the combination unusual, it's quite common in Japan, and the salty cheese paired well with the sweet syrup. Unfortunately, my toast had cooled slightly from my photo-taking, making the crust a bit tough, but the soft, toasted crumb was delightful. Japanese bread's unique fluffiness added to the experience.

My red lemonade, possibly a mix of lemonade soda and red food coloring, hinted at cranberry's tartness. Though my palate isn't expert, I enjoyed the refreshing drink.

Dolce Disappoints

The Dolce Set included a madeleine and a sugar-decorated cookie with the AC logo. The madeleine was moist with a pleasant almond aftertaste, though its density made me reach for my lemonade. It would have paired better with coffee. The cookie, while visually appealing in teal, was hard to bite through due to the heavy frosting. Once past the icing, the cookie's cocoa flavor was mild but not memorable. The madeleine was the clear winner.

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 displayed, along with mannequins wearing faithful recreations of the protagonists' outfits. While I had hoped for live cosplayers, the mannequins were impressive. Detailed origami and figurines, and a striking painting of the protagonists, added to the display. Many items, like the Hidden Blade and Yasuke’s helmet, are available for purchase from PureArts, offering fans a chance to own these collector's items. For those on a budget, simply appreciating the displays is a treat.

Is It Worth It?

If You Temper Your Expectations

The cafe's popularity is uncertain, given the game's divisive reception and its hidden location. However, themed cafes often draw both casual and dedicated fans, and this event is limited to March 22nd to 23rd, from 11am to 6:30pm.

For Assassin's Creed fans, visiting with tempered expectations is recommended. Don't expect an immersive experience; it's primarily a venue with themed food, drinks, and merchandise. The reasonable prices, delicious cheese toast, free gifts, and free access to art and exhibitions make it worthwhile. Cosplayers would have been a nice touch, but the pop-up nature of such events doesn't always include them.

If you're a fan in or visiting Japan this weekend, consider stopping by for about 30 minutes. The cheese toast and colorful drinks are enjoyable for non-fans, though the full experience might be lost on them. If you're not in Japan, hopefully, this article lets you experience it 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)