Experiencing Assassin's Creed Shadows Cafe in Harajuku

Assassin's Creed Shadows launched on March 20th, 2025, and to celebrate this exciting release, Ubisoft has created a themed cafe in Harajuku. Game8 was fortunate enough to receive an invitation to preview the event, and we're excited to share our impressions of the venue, the food, and the exhibitions with you.

Hidden Away from the Public

Something of a Secret

The weather in Harajuku was surprisingly mild, a stark contrast to the heavy snow from just two days prior. While it wasn't quite spring yet, the warmth was starting to show, making it a perfect day to be outdoors. The usual bustle of Harajuku Station filled the air, with tourists and young locals eagerly exploring the trendy shops and stalls. However, just a short walk away from the lively Takeshita Street, the noise faded into a peaceful silence.

Tucked away in this quiet corner, perfectly hidden from the prying eyes of the public, lies a chic themed cafe celebrating the launch of Assassin's Creed Shadows. Ubisoft teamed up with a major fan of the series, Dante Carver, to transform the dotcom space Tokyo venue into this exciting cafe. We at Game8 were invited to experience the cafe before its public opening tonight, and we extend our gratitude to Ubisoft for the opportunity. Please note, this article is not sponsored, and Ubisoft will see it simultaneously with our readers.

The Venue

dotcom space Tokyo

Though finding the entrance might feel like a secret mission, the bold neon lights displaying "Assassin's Creed Shadows" leave no doubt about the cafe's purpose. The neon art features the two protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe, intertwined with the iconic Assassin's Brotherhood emblem.

Having never visited dotcom space Tokyo before, I noticed that the cafe retained its usual modern, minimalist aesthetic: white walls, exposed ceilings, and cracked floors (I actually stumbled on one of the cracks). The space is equipped with sleek drink machines and angular beige furniture, featuring two long tables and several seating areas along the left wall. By my estimate, the venue can comfortably seat around 40-50 people.

The Assassin's Creed theme is subtly integrated: posters of the series line the walls, artwork is scattered throughout, and Ubisoft's logo adorns the pillows. Encyclopedias and artbooks from previous games are displayed, and a projector plays a silent video of an event held in Kyoto for Shadows back in February. Classic background music from the games adds a pleasant ambiance to the venue.

Several exhibits are positioned towards the back, but let's first delve into the cafe's menu.

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), and food items are priced at 800 yen (around $5.30 USD). While these are higher than the 100 yen drinks from vending machines, the specialty drinks and branded experience justify the cost. Plus, with a free goodie bag (while supplies last) and an additional item for ordering either food or drinks, it's an excellent deal for fans.

The drink menu offers 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 is simpler, with two choices:
⚫︎ Assassin’s Creed Dolce Set - 800円
⚫︎ Assassin’s Creed Crest Toast - 800円

During the media event, we were offered both food options but had to select one drink. Craving caffeine but choosing solidarity with the launch, I opted for the Shadows Lemonade. After a brief wait, my order arrived on a tray, complete 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, becoming even more enticing when laid out on a thick, buttered slice of toast. The toast was adorned with the Assassin Brotherhood logo, possibly made with paprika, though my palate wasn't refined enough to confirm. Accompanied by syrup for pouring, this combination might shock some Americans, but in Japan, it's a delightful pairing. The saltiness of the cheese complements the sweetness of the syrup perfectly. Unfortunately, my delay in taking photos left the toast lukewarm, with the crust slightly tough, but the inside was wonderfully soft and retained a satisfying bite. Japanese bread's exceptional fluffiness truly enhances the experience.

My red lemonade, possibly a mix of lemonade soda and red food coloring, hinted at cranberry's tartness, though my palate couldn't confirm it definitively.

Dolce Disappoints

The Dolce Set included a madeleine and a cookie, both decorated with the AC logo in sugar. The madeleine was moist with a pleasant almond aftertaste, though its density made me reach for my lemonade frequently. It would have paired better with coffee, but I stuck with my choice. The cookie, while visually appealing in its teal color, was challenging to eat due to the thick frosting. Once past the icing, the cookie's cocoa flavor was noticeable but not remarkable. The madeleine was the clear winner here.

The Exhibitions

Artwork and Replicas

After savoring 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. Though I had hoped for live cosplayers for photo ops, the mannequins were a fine substitute. Detailed origami and figurines were also on display, along with a striking painting of the two protagonists.

Many of the displayed items would make excellent collector's pieces, and some can be ordered from PureArts, including the Hidden Blade and Yasuke's helmet. For those on a budget, appreciating these items through the display is a satisfying experience.

Is It Worth It?

If You Temper Your Expectations

Predicting the venue's attendance is tricky due to the game's divisive reception and its hidden location. However, themed cafes often attract both casual and dedicated fans, and this event is only available for a limited time—March 22nd to 23rd, from 11am to 6:30pm.

If you're an Assassin's Creed fan and approach with realistic expectations, the cafe is definitely worth a visit. Don't expect an immersive experience; instead, come prepared for a venue offering food, drinks, and merchandise adorned with the AC logo. The prices are reasonable, the cheese toast is delicious, and you'll receive gifts (while supplies last) and free access to the exhibitions.

While the inclusion of cosplayers would have been a nice touch, these pop-up cafes don't always promise such features. If you're a fan in Japan or visiting Harajuku this weekend, I recommend spending around 30 minutes at the cafe before resuming your regular activities. For non-fans, the cheese toast and colorful drinks are still enjoyable, though the themed experience may be less appealing.

For fans unable to visit Japan within the next two days, hopefully, this article offers 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)