Assassin's Creed Shadows launched on March 20th, 2025, and to celebrate, Ubisoft has created an exclusive themed cafe in Harajuku. Game8 had the privilege of attending a preview event, so here are our impressions of the venue, the culinary offerings, and the exhibits showcased.

Hidden Away from the Public

Something of a Secret

The day of our visit was surprisingly mild, a stark contrast to the heavy snowfall just days before. While not quite spring, the air hinted at warmer days ahead, making it pleasant to be outdoors. Amidst the usual buzz of Harajuku Station, filled with tourists and fashion enthusiasts, we navigated through the crowds and turned a corner off Takeshita Street. The noise faded into a serene quiet, leading us to the Assassin's Creed Shadows themed cafe, cleverly tucked away from the public eye.

Ubisoft collaborated with avid series fan Dante Carver to transform the chic dotcom space Tokyo into this themed venue. We at Game8 were invited to experience it before its public opening tonight. This article is not sponsored, and Ubisoft will discover our impressions alongside our readers.

The Venue

dotcom space Tokyo

The cafe's location was a bit elusive, but once you spot the entrance with "Assassin's Creed Shadows" illuminated in bold neon lights, its purpose is unmistakable. The neon showcases protagonists Yasuke and Naoe, intertwined with the iconic Assassin's Brotherhood emblem.

My first visit to dotcom space Tokyo revealed a hip, modern, minimalist cafe space. The venue features stark white walls, exposed ceilings, and cracked floors (I nearly tripped on one!), complemented by sleek drink machines and angular beige furniture. It comfortably seats about 40-50 people, with long tables and seating areas along the left wall.

The Assassin's Creed theme was more of a surface-level overlay: posters of the series adorned the walls, alongside scattered artworks, Ubisoft logo pillows, and encyclopedias from previous games. A projector played a silent showcase from the Shadows event in Kyoto, while classic game background music added to the ambiance.

The back of the venue housed intriguing exhibits, which we'll explore later. First, let's delve into the food offerings.

The Menu

Pleasantly Affordable

The cafe's prices were pleasantly surprising for a themed venue. Drinks ranged from 650 to 750 yen ($4 to $5 USD), and food items were priced at 800 yen ($5.30 USD). These are more expensive than typical vending machine offerings, but the specialty drinks and themed branding justify the cost. Plus, each order comes with a free goodie bag (while supplies last) and an additional item, making it a fantastic deal for fans.

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

Food choices were limited to:

• Assassin’s Creed Dolce Set - 800円
• Assassin’s Creed Crest Toast - 800円

At 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 and received my tray of food along with a tote bag filled with goodies. I then found a spot to snap some photos, as any good influencer would.

The Food

The Toast Tasted Terrific

The aroma of melted cheese filled the air, tempting me as soon as I entered. The cheese-covered toast, adorned with the Assassin Brotherhood logo in what I believe was paprika, came with a side of syrup. While the combination might shock some, it's not unusual in Japan, and the salty cheese paired delightfully with the sweet syrup. Unfortunately, my toast had cooled a bit after taking photos, making the crust slightly tough. However, the inside remained incredibly soft yet toasty, showcasing the unique fluffiness of Japanese bread.

Sipping my red lemonade, which seemed like a lemonade soda with a hint of cranberry, added a refreshing touch to the meal. Though my palate isn't the most discerning, the tartness was appreciated.

Dolce Disappoints

The Dolce Set included a madeleine and a cookie, both featuring the AC logo in sugar. The madeleine was moist with a pleasant almond aftertaste, though its density made it heavy. It paired better with coffee, but I stuck with my lemonade. The cookie, despite its attractive teal color, was a challenge to bite into due to its hard frosting. Once through the icing, the cookie itself was unremarkable, with a mild cocoa flavor overshadowed by the sugar.

The Exhibitions

Artwork and Replicas

After enjoying 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 wearing faithful recreations of the protagonists' outfits. While I hoped for live cosplayers, the mannequins sufficed. Detailed origami and figurines adorned the space, and a powerful painting of the protagonists captured my attention. Many of these items are available for purchase from PureArts, offering fans a chance to own a piece of the experience.

Is It Worth It?

If You Temper Your Expectations

It's challenging to predict the venue's popularity given the mixed reviews of the game and its somewhat hidden location. However, themed cafes often attract both casual and diehard fans, especially with its limited two-day run from March 22nd to 23rd, 11am to 6:30pm.

For Assassin's Creed fans, it's definitely worth a visit if you know what to expect. Don't anticipate an immersive world; rather, it's a place with themed food, drinks, and merchandise. The prices are reasonable, the cheese toast is delectable, and you'll receive gifts (while supplies last). The art and exhibitions are free to view, adding value to the experience. While cosplayers would have enhanced the atmosphere, these pop-up cafes don't typically promise such features.

If you're a fan in Japan or visiting Harajuku this weekend, I recommend a 30-minute stop. For non-fans, the cheese toast and colorful drinks might still be appealing, though the themed elements won't resonate as much. If you're a fan but can't make it to Japan in the next two days, hopefully, this article provides 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)