Assassin's Creed Shadows, launched on March 20th, 2025, has been celebrated with a unique themed cafe in Harajuku. Game8 was fortunate enough to be invited to a preview 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 had shifted from heavy snowfall to a milder day, hinting at the arrival of spring. Amidst the usual hustle and bustle near Harajuku Station, the themed cafe for Assassin's Creed Shadows was tucked away discreetly around the corner from Takeshita Street. Ubisoft collaborated with fan Dante Carver to bring this themed experience to life in the chic dotcom space Tokyo venue. Game8 attended a media event ahead of the public opening, and we want to extend our thanks to Ubisoft for the invitation. This article is not sponsored, and Ubisoft will be seeing this at the same time as everyone else.

The Venue

dotcom space Tokyo

Finding the cafe was a bit of a secret, but once you spot the bold "Assassin's Creed Shadows" neon lights, the theme is unmistakable. The venue features the protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe, intertwined with the Assassin's Brotherhood emblem. The dotcom space Tokyo retains its hip, modern, minimalist aesthetic with white walls, exposed ceilings, and cracked floors. It's equipped with stylish drink machines and angular beige furniture, accommodating around 40-50 guests comfortably.

The Assassin's Creed theme was evident through posters of the series, artwork, Ubisoft logo pillows, and encyclopedias. A projector played a silent show from Kyoto, and classic BGM from the games filled the space, creating an ambient atmosphere.

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

The Menu

Pleasantly Affordable

The themed cafe boasts surprisingly reasonable prices. Drinks range from 650 to 750 yen (about $4 to $5 USD), and food items are priced at 800 yen (about $5.30 USD). These prices are a great value, especially considering the specialty items and the themed branding. Plus, patrons receive a free goodie bag (while supplies last) and an additional item with any food or drink purchase.

For drinks, there are 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

For food, there are two options:

• 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 choose one drink. Opting for the Shadows Lemonade, I waited for my number to be called, received a tray with my order and a tote bag of goodies, and found a spot to enjoy and photograph my meal.

The Food

The Toast Tasted Terrific

The aroma of melted cheese filled the air, and the Assassin’s Creed Crest Toast was a delight. The thick, buttered toast was adorned with the Assassin Brotherhood logo, possibly made with paprika. It came with syrup, a common pairing in Japan that surprisingly complemented the cheesy toast well. Despite cooling a bit from my photo-taking, the bread's crust was slightly tough, but the inside remained soft and fluffy, characteristic of Japanese bread.

The red Shadows Lemonade was refreshing, with a hint of cranberry tartness, though it might have just been colored lemonade soda.

Dolce Disappoints

The Dolce Set included a madeleine and a cookie, both adorned with the AC logo in sugar. The madeleine was moist with an almond aftertaste but dense, making me wish I had chosen a coffee drink instead. The cookie, while visually appealing in teal, was hard due to excessive frosting. The cocoa flavor was subtle but not remarkable, making the madeleine the better of the two.

The Exhibitions

Artwork and Replicas

After savoring 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 dressed in the protagonists' outfits. While I had hoped for live cosplayers, the detailed origami, figurines, and a powerful painting of the protagonists were impressive. Many items are available for purchase from PureArts, but viewing the detailed displays was satisfying enough for those on a budget.

Is It Worth It?

If You Temper Your Expectations

The event's popularity is uncertain, given the game's divisive reception and the venue's hidden location. However, themed cafes attract both casual and dedicated fans, and this event is only available for two days, from March 22nd to March 23rd, from 11 am to 6:30 pm.

For Assassin's Creed fans, it's worth a visit with tempered expectations. It's not an immersive experience but rather a themed cafe with food, drinks, and merchandise. The prices are reasonable, the cheese toast is delicious, and you'll receive gifts while supplies last. The absence of cosplayers was a minor disappointment, but the art and exhibitions are free to view.

If you're a fan in Japan or visiting Harajuku this weekend, consider stopping by for a short visit. Even if you're not a fan, the cheese toast and colorful drinks are still enjoyable. For fans unable to attend, hopefully, this article provided a glimpse into the 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)