"Assassin's Creed Shadows Cafe Opens in Harajuku"

Assassin's Creed Shadows launched on March 20th, 2025, and to celebrate, Ubisoft has opened a themed cafe in Harajuku. Game8 was invited to preview this unique event, and we're excited to share our impressions of the venue, food, and exhibitions.

Hidden Away from the Public

Something of a Secret

The weather in Harajuku today was unexpectedly mild, a stark contrast to the heavy snowfall just days before. While it's not quite spring yet, the hints of warmth made it a perfect day to explore. Amidst the usual bustle of Harajuku Station, where tourists and fashion enthusiasts crowded around Takeshita Street, we discovered a serene corner housing the Assassin's Creed Shadows themed cafe.

Ubisoft collaborated with series enthusiast Dante Carver to transform the chic dotcom space Tokyo into this secret gem. Game8 was privileged to attend a pre-opening media event, and although this article isn't sponsored, we appreciate Ubisoft's invitation.

The Venue

dotcom space Tokyo

The cafe's entrance is unmissable, with "Assassin's Creed Shadows" displayed in bold neon lights featuring protagonists Yasuke and Naoe alongside the iconic Assassin's Brotherhood emblem. While the dotcom space Tokyo retains its minimalist, modern aesthetic with white walls, exposed ceilings, and cracked floors, the Assassin's Creed theme is evident through posters of the series, Ubisoft logo pillows, and artbooks. A projector silently plays a Kyoto show from February, while classic game BGM adds ambiance. The venue can comfortably seat 40-50 people.

Towards the back, various exhibits await, but first, let's delve into the cafe's offerings.

The Menu

Pleasantly Affordable

The menu at the Assassin's Creed Shadows cafe is surprisingly affordable. Drinks range from 650 to 750 yen ($4 to $5 USD), while food items are priced at 800 yen ($5.30 USD). Considering the themed nature of the cafe, these prices are quite reasonable. Plus, every purchase comes with a free goodie bag (while supplies last) and an extra item, making it a fantastic deal for fans.

The drink menu includes:

• 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 chose one drink. Opting for the Shadows Lemonade, I waited eagerly for my tray of goodies and a tote bag, then found a spot to capture the culinary experience.

The Food

The Toast Tasted Terrific

The aroma of melted cheese greeted us upon entry, and the Assassin’s Creed Crest Toast lived up to its scent. The toast, topped with cheese and adorned with the Assassin Brotherhood logo in what seemed like paprika, came with syrup for a delightful sweet-salty pairing. Although it cooled slightly as I took photos, the bread's fluffy yet toasted texture was a highlight.

My Shadows Lemonade was a vibrant red, possibly with a hint of cranberry, adding a refreshing touch to the meal.

Dolce Disappoints

The Dolce Set included a madeleine and a sugar-iced cookie, both featuring the AC logo. The madeleine was moist with a subtle almond flavor, though its density paired better with coffee than my chosen lemonade. The cookie, while visually appealing with its teal icing, was overly hard and lacked a distinctive taste beyond the sugar and cocoa hints.

The Exhibitions

Artwork and Replicas

After enjoying the food, 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 the protagonists' outfits. While I wished for live cosplayers, the detailed origami, figurines, and a powerful painting of Yasuke and Naoe were impressive. Many displayed items are available for purchase from PureArts, but the exhibits alone offered a rich appreciation of the game's artistry.

Is It Worth It?

If You Temper Your Expectations

Whether the cafe will attract a crowd is uncertain, given the mixed opinions on the game and its hidden location. However, themed cafes often draw both casual and dedicated fans, especially with the event running for just two days, March 22nd to 23rd, from 11am to 6:30pm.

For Assassin's Creed enthusiasts, this cafe is worth a visit if you manage your expectations. It's not an immersive experience into the game's world, but rather a themed venue with food, drinks, and merchandise. The reasonable prices, delicious cheese toast, free gifts, and the chance to view art and exhibitions without an entry fee make it an appealing stop. While cosplayers would have enhanced the experience, the cafe still offers a unique glimpse into the Assassin's Creed universe.

If you're a fan in Japan this weekend, consider stopping by for a quick visit. For those not in Japan, hopefully, this article provided 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)