Assassin's Creed Shadows Cafe Opens in Harajuku

Assassin's Creed Shadows launched on March 20th, 2025, and to celebrate, Ubisoft has set up a themed cafe in Harajuku. Game8 was invited to preview the event, so read on for our impressions of the venue, the food, and the exhibitions.

Hidden Away from the Public

Something of a Secret

The weather was surprisingly mild today, a stark contrast to the heavy snowfall just two days prior. While it wasn't quite warm spring weather, hints of spring were starting to peek through, making it a perfect day to be outdoors. Harajuku Station was bustling as usual, with tourists and young locals crowding the fashionable stalls and stores along Takeshita Street. However, just around the corner, the bustling crowd fades into silence, leading to a quiet area where Ubisoft has cleverly hidden the Assassin's Creed Shadows themed cafe.

Ubisoft partnered with a major fan of the series, Dante Carver, to create this themed cafe within the chic dotcom space Tokyo venue. Game8 received an invitation to experience the cafe at a media event ahead of its public opening tonight. A big thank you to Ubisoft for the opportunity. Note that this article is not sponsored, and Ubisoft will see this at the same time as everyone else.

The Venue

dotcom space Tokyo

Though the location is somewhat of a secret, the entrance boldly displays "Assassin's Creed Shadows" in neon lights, leaving no doubt about its purpose. The lights feature the two protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe, alongside the iconic Assassin's Brotherhood emblem.

Having never been to dotcom space Tokyo before, I could still recognize its usual hip, modern, and minimalist style. The cafe boasts barren white walls, exposed ceilings, and cracked floors (I stumbled on one of the cracks), complemented by sleek drink machines and angular beige furniture. Two long tables and several seating areas against the left wall provide comfortable seating for around 40-50 people.

The Assassin's Creed theme is apparent but relatively surface-level: posters of the different games in the series line the walls, artwork is displayed throughout, and pillows feature Ubisoft's logo. Encyclopedias and artbooks from previous entries add to the ambiance, while a projector plays a silent show from Shadows in Kyoto from February. Classic BGM from the games provides the venue with a fitting atmosphere.

Several exhibits are located towards the back, but let's first discuss the food, as it is a cafe after all.

The Menu

Pleasantly Affordable

For a themed cafe, the prices are remarkably reasonable. Drinks range from 650 to 750 yen (roughly $4 to $5 USD), and food items cost 800 yen (roughly $5.30 USD). While more expensive than typical 100 yen 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 your order, making it a great deal for fans.

The 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 options are limited to:

• 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. Needing caffeine, I chose the Shadows Lemonade in solidarity with the launch. After waiting for my number to be called, my tray arrived with both food items and a tote bag of goodies. I quickly found a spot to sit and captured photos of my food, embracing the influencer vibe.

The Food

The Toast Tasted Terrific

The aroma of melted cheese filled the air as soon as I walked in, but it was even more tempting when laid out on a thick piece of buttered toast. The cheese-covered toast featured an Assassin Brotherhood logo, possibly made with paprika, though my palate couldn't confirm. It came with a side of syrup for pouring over the toast, creating a delightful contrast between the saltiness of the cheese and the sweetness of the syrup.

While Americans might gasp in horror, this combination is not unusual in Japan and is quite tasty. Unfortunately, I spent too much time taking pictures, and by the time I bit into it, the toast was lukewarm. The crust had hardened slightly, but the crumb (the inside part of the bread) remained incredibly soft with a pleasant bite from being toasted. Even lukewarm, it was a satisfying bite, showcasing the unique fluffiness of Japanese bread.

Sipping my red lemonade, which might have been lemonade soda with red food coloring, I thought I detected a hint of cranberry's tartness. However, my palate isn't discerning enough to be sure, so if anyone can confirm, please share in the comments.

Dolce Disappoints

The Dolce Set included two pastries: a madeleine and a cookie, both adorned with the AC logo in sugar. The madeleine was moist with a pleasant almond aftertaste, though its dense texture made me reach for my lemonade after a few bites. It would have paired better with the coffee options, but I had already made my choice.

The cookie, while visually appealing with its teal color, was less enjoyable. Achieving the nice appearance required a lot of frosting, making it hard to bite into. I tried with my front teeth first but quickly switched to my molars to break through the royal icing. The cookie itself was not much gentler, with a hint of cocoa flavor that barely cut through the sugary icing. The madeleine was the clear winner between the two.

The Exhibitions

Artwork and Replicas

After finishing my meal, I explored the exhibitions more closely. On display were replicas of in-game items, including Yasuke’s mask and Naoe’s Hidden Blade. Two mannequins showcased faithful recreations of the protagonists' outfits. While I had hoped for cosplayers to add to the photo opportunities, the mannequins were a decent substitute. Detailed origami and figurines were also on display, along with a powerful painting of the two protagonists using broad strokes.

Many of the displayed items would make excellent collector's pieces, and you can order some, like the Hidden Blade and Yasuke's helmet, from PureArts. For those on a budget, simply appreciating the items' intricacies through the display is worthwhile.

Is It Worth It?

If You Temper Your Expectations

It's difficult to predict how crowded the venue will be. The game has mixed reviews, the location is somewhat hidden, but themed cafes typically attract both casual and diehard fans, especially since the event is only for a limited time. The event runs for just two days: March 22nd to the 23rd, from 11 am to 6:30 pm.

If you're an Assassin's Creed fan and go in with realistic expectations, it's definitely worth checking out. Don't expect an immersive experience that transports you into the world of Assassin's Creed; you'll be disappointed. Instead, view it as a place with food, drinks, and products featuring the AC logo, and you'll get what you expect.

The prices are reasonable, the cheese toast is delicious, and you'll receive gifts for attending (while supplies last). You can also enjoy the art and exhibitions without paying an entrance fee. While it would have been nice to see cosplayers, pop-up themed cafes don't always promise such features.

So, if you're a fan living in or visiting Japan and exploring Harajuku this weekend, I recommend stopping by for about 30 minutes before resuming your civilian life. If you're not a fan, the cheese toast and colorful drinks are still enjoyable, though the bulk of the experience might be lost on you.

If you're a fan but not in Japan in the next two days, hopefully, this article allowed you to live vicariously through our 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)