Experiencing Assassin's Creed Shadows Cafe in Harajuku

Assassin's Creed Shadows launched on March 20th, 2025, and Ubisoft celebrated this milestone by setting up a themed cafe in Harajuku. Game8 was invited to a preview event, so here are our detailed impressions of the venue, food, and exhibitions.

Hidden Away from the Public

Something of a Secret

The weather was pleasantly mild today, a stark contrast to the heavy snow just two days prior. Though not quite warm enough for spring, the air hinted at its arrival, making it a perfect day to explore outdoors. The usual hustle and bustle at Harajuku Station was in full swing, with tourists and young people eagerly lining up at the cute and fashionable stalls and stores. Yet, just around the corner from Takeshita Street, the noise fades into a serene quiet.

Here, tucked away from prying eyes, lies a themed cafe dedicated to celebrating the launch of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Ubisoft partnered with renowned fan Dante Carver to transform the chic dotcom space Tokyo into this unique venue. Game8 received an exclusive media invite to experience the cafe before its public opening tonight. While this article isn't sponsored, Ubisoft will be seeing it simultaneously with our readers.

The Venue

dotcom space Tokyo

The cafe's location was somewhat of a secret, but once you spot the bold "Assassin’s Creed Shadows" sign in neon lights, there’s no mistaking its purpose. The neon display beautifully features the protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe, intertwined with the iconic Assassin’s Brotherhood emblem.

This was my first visit to dotcom space Tokyo, yet the transformation was subtle enough to recognize its original layout. The cafe boasts a hip, modern, and minimalist aesthetic: white walls, exposed ceilings, and cracked floors (I even stumbled on one), complemented by sleek drink machines and angular beige furniture. It features two long tables and several seating areas along the left wall, comfortably accommodating 40-50 guests.

The Assassin's Creed theme is present, albeit on a surface level: posters of various games in the series adorn the walls, alongside scattered artworks, Ubisoft logo pillows, encyclopedias, and artbooks from previous entries. A projector plays a silent show from the Shadows event in Kyoto, while classic Assassin's Creed background music fills the space with ambiance.

At the back, several exhibitions await, but first, let's delve into the cafe's culinary offerings.

The Menu

Pleasantly Affordable

For a themed cafe, the prices are remarkably reasonable. Drinks range from 650 to 750 yen (about $4 to $5 USD), and food items are priced at 800 yen (approximately $5.30 USD). While more expensive than vending machine options, the specialty drinks and themed branding justify the cost. Plus, every purchase comes with a free goodie bag (while supplies last) and an additional item, making it a fantastic deal for fans.

The drink menu offers five unique 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 features two items:
⚫︎ Assassin’s Creed Dolce Set - 800円
⚫︎ Assassin’s Creed Crest Toast - 800円

During the media event, we sampled both food options but had to select one drink. Needing a caffeine boost, I opted for the Shadows Lemonade. After a brief wait, my order arrived on a tray with a tote bag of goodies, and I found a spot to capture the culinary delights on camera.

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 (likely paprika, though my palate isn't refined enough to confirm), came with a side of syrup for dipping.

While Americans might recoil at the idea, in Japan, this pairing of salty cheese and sweet syrup is quite common and delightful. Unfortunately, spending too much time on photos meant my toast was lukewarm by the time I bit into it. The crust was a bit tough, but the soft, fluffy interior of the bread (known as the crumb) retained a delightful texture, even when not piping hot.

Sipping my red lemonade, which might have been flavored with cranberry, added a refreshing touch. While my taste buds couldn't discern the exact flavors, the drink was a nice complement to the meal.

Dolce Disappoints

The Dolce Set included a madeleine and a cookie, both featuring the AC logo in sugar. The madeleine was moist with a subtle almond aftertaste, though its density made it a bit heavy. It paired better with coffee, but I stuck with my lemonade choice.

The cookie, visually appealing with its teal color, was overly frosted, making it challenging to bite into. Once through the icing, the cookie itself was hard and lacked flavor, save for a mild cocoa hint. The madeleine clearly outshone its companion.

The Exhibitions

Artwork and Replicas

After enjoying my meal, I explored the exhibitions. On display were replicas of in-game items like Yasuke’s mask and Naoe’s Hidden Blade, alongside mannequins dressed in accurate reproductions of the protagonists' outfits. Though I had hoped for cosplayers to add to the experience, the mannequins were impressive nonetheless.

Detailed origami and figurines, along with a striking painting of Yasuke and Naoe, adorned the space. Many of these items are available for purchase from PureArts, such as the Hidden Blade and Yasuke’s helmet. For those on a budget, simply admiring the craftsmanship on display is rewarding.

Is It Worth It?

If You Temper Your Expectations

It's challenging to predict the cafe's popularity given the game's divisive reception and the venue's hidden location. However, themed cafes often draw both casual and dedicated fans, especially with the event's limited two-day run from March 22nd to March 23rd, from 11am to 6:30pm.

For Assassin's Creed enthusiasts, a visit is worthwhile if you set realistic expectations. Don't anticipate an immersive experience that transports you into the game's world; instead, expect a venue adorned with AC logos, offering food, drinks, and art exhibitions. The prices are reasonable, the cheese toast is delicious, and you'll receive gifts (while supplies last) without an entrance fee. While the addition of cosplayers would have enhanced the event, such amenities aren't typically promised at these pop-up cafes.

If you're a fan in or visiting Japan and exploring Harajuku this weekend, I recommend stopping by for about 30 minutes. For non-fans, the cheese toast and colorful drinks still hold appeal, though the full experience may be less engaging. For fans unable to attend, I hope this article offers 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)