Assassin's Creed Shadows Cafe Opens in Harajuku

Assassin's Creed Shadows launched on March 20th, 2025, and to celebrate, Ubisoft has created a themed cafe in Harajuku. Game8 was given the privilege of previewing this event, and here are our impressions of the venue, the food, and the exhibitions.

Hidden Away from the Public

The weather in Harajuku was pleasantly mild, a stark contrast to the heavy snow just two days prior. Spring was starting to show its face, making it a perfect day to explore. Amidst the usual hustle and bustle near Harajuku Station, where tourists and locals alike thronged to fashionable stalls and stores, we slipped away from the crowd. Just around the corner from Takeshita Street, the noise faded into silence, leading us to a secluded spot perfect for a themed cafe celebrating Assassin's Creed Shadows.

Ubisoft collaborated with series enthusiast Dante Carver to bring this experience to life within the chic dotcom space Tokyo venue. Game8 received an exclusive invitation to a media event before the public opening tonight, and we appreciate Ubisoft's gesture. Rest assured, this article remains unbiased and is being published simultaneously for everyone to read.

The Venue

Finding the entrance to the cafe was a bit of a challenge, but once there, the neon lights boldly proclaiming "Assassin's Creed Shadows" left no doubt about its purpose. The lights showcased the protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe, intertwined with the iconic Assassin's Brotherhood emblem.

dotcom space Tokyo, a venue I hadn't visited before, retained its modern, minimalist charm. The cafe's white walls, exposed ceilings, and cracked floors (one of which tripped me up) were complemented by stylish drink machines and angular beige furniture. With seating for about 40-50 people, the space felt comfortably spacious.

The Assassin's Creed theme was subtly incorporated with posters of the series, scattered artwork, Ubisoft logo pillows, and encyclopedias and artbooks from previous games. A silent projector displayed footage from a Shadows event in Kyoto, while classic Assassin's Creed background music added a fitting ambiance.

At the back of the cafe, several exhibits awaited exploration, but first, let's delve into the culinary offerings.

The Menu

The cafe's pricing was pleasantly affordable for a themed experience. Drinks ranged from 650 to 750 yen (around $4 to $5 USD), and food items were priced at 800 yen (about $5.30 USD). While a bit pricier than typical vending machine offerings, the specialty drinks and themed branding justified the cost. Plus, each purchase came with a free goodie bag (while supplies lasted) and an extra perk, making it an excellent deal 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 offered:

• 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 just one drink. Needing caffeine, I opted for the Shadows Lemonade, which arrived alongside a tote bag of goodies after a short wait.

The Food

The aroma of melted cheese greeted me upon entering, and the Assassin Brotherhood logo on the cheese-covered toast, possibly dusted with paprika, looked enticing. Accompanied by a side of syrup, this unusual combination worked well—the saltiness of the cheese paired delightfully with the syrup's sweetness. Unfortunately, my enthusiasm for capturing photos delayed my enjoyment, leaving the toast lukewarm. The bread's crust was a bit tough, but the interior was wonderfully soft and had a satisfying bite, showcasing the renowned fluffiness of Japanese bread.

Sipping my red lemonade, which might have been lemonade soda with a hint of cranberry, added a refreshing touch to the meal. While my taste buds weren't refined enough to confirm, the drink's tartness complemented the food nicely.

The Dolce Set included a madeleine and a cookie adorned with the AC logo in sugar. The madeleine was moist with a pleasant almond aftertaste, though its density made it a bit heavy, prompting sips of my lemonade. The cookie, while visually appealing with its teal frosting, was disappointingly hard, requiring my molars to break through. Despite a subtle cocoa flavor, it didn't stand out, making the madeleine the clear winner.

The Exhibitions

After enjoying the food, I explored the exhibitions. Replicas of in-game items like Yasuke's mask and Naoe's Hidden Blade were on display, along with mannequins dressed in faithful recreations of the protagonists' outfits. While I had hoped for cosplayers to enhance the photo ops, the detailed mannequins were impressive nonetheless. Origami and figurines showcased intricate craftsmanship, and a striking painting of the protagonists added to the visual allure.

Many items on display were available for purchase from PureArts, such as the Hidden Blade and Yasuke's helmet. For those on a budget, simply admiring the detailed replicas was satisfying enough.

Is It Worth It?

Predicting the crowd at the venue is challenging, given the mixed opinions on the game and its somewhat hidden location. However, themed cafes often draw both casual and dedicated fans, especially during their limited run from March 22nd to 23rd, from 11 am to 6:30 pm.

For Assassin's Creed fans, this event is worth a visit, provided you temper your expectations. Don't expect an immersive experience; instead, view it as a themed cafe with food, drinks, and merchandise. The reasonable prices, delicious cheese toast, free gifts, and free access to the exhibitions make it worthwhile.

While the absence of cosplayers was a minor disappointment, the overall experience remains enjoyable. If you're a fan in or visiting Japan this weekend, take a 30-minute break from your Harajuku exploration to check it out. For non-fans, the food and drinks are still appealing, though the thematic elements might be less engaging. If you can't make it, hopefully, 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), 11:00 am to 6:30 pm (Last Order: 6:00 pm)