Experiencing Assassin's Creed Shadows Cafe in Harajuku

Assassin's Creed Shadows launched on March 20th, 2025, and Ubisoft is celebrating with a themed cafe in Harajuku. Game8 was invited to preview the 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 was pleasantly mild today, a stark contrast to the heavy snow just two days prior. Though not quite warm, the early hints of spring made it a perfect day to explore. Amidst the usual hustle and bustle around Harajuku Station, where tourists and young people flock to fashionable stalls and stores, a quiet corner near Takeshita Street offered a serene escape. Here, tucked away from the crowds, lies a themed cafe celebrating the launch of Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

Ubisoft collaborated with series enthusiast Dante Carver to transform the chic dotcom space Tokyo venue into this themed experience. Game8 was invited to a media event before the public opening tonight, and we're grateful to Ubisoft for the opportunity. This article is not sponsored, and Ubisoft will see it at the same time as everyone else.

The Venue

dotcom space Tokyo

The cafe's location is a bit of a secret, but once you find the entrance, the bold neon lights proclaiming "Assassin’s Creed Shadows" leave no doubt about the theme. The lights beautifully showcase the two protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe, alongside the iconic Assassin’s Brotherhood emblem.

My first visit to dotcom space Tokyo revealed a hip, modern, minimalist cafe space. The venue boasts white walls, exposed ceilings, and cracked floors (watch your step!). Attractive drink machines and angular beige furniture, including two long tables and several seating areas along the left wall, offer seating for about 40-50 people comfortably.

The Assassin's Creed theme is evident but not overwhelming. Posters of the series line the walls, artwork is displayed, and Ubisoft logo pillows add a touch of brand identity. Encyclopedias and artbooks from previous games are scattered around, and a projector silently plays a Kyoto show from February. Classic Assassin's Creed background music creates a fitting ambiance.

The back of the venue hosts several exhibits, which I'll discuss later. But first, let's dive into the cafe aspect and talk about the food.

The Menu

Pleasantly Affordable

The themed cafe offers surprisingly reasonable prices. Drinks range from 650 to 750 yen (about $4 to $5 USD), and food items are priced at 800 yen (around $5.30 USD). While pricier than the 100 yen drinks from vending machines, the specialty drinks and branding justify the cost. Plus, every purchase comes with a free goodie bag (while supplies last) and an additional item, 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

For food, there are two choices:

• 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 but wanting to celebrate the launch, I opted for the Shadows Lemonade. After waiting for my number to be called, I received my tray of food and drink, along with a tote bag of goodies, and found a spot to snap some influencer-worthy photos.

The Food

The Toast Tasted Terrific

The aroma of melted cheese filled the air, making the Assassin’s Creed Crest Toast even more enticing. The thick, buttered toast was topped with cheese and adorned with the Assassin Brotherhood logo, possibly made with paprika. It's served with a side of syrup, a common pairing in Japan that surprisingly complements the salty cheese. Though my toast cooled slightly while I took photos, the bread's crust was still a bit tough, but the inside remained wonderfully soft and fluffy, a hallmark of Japanese bread.

I sipped my red Shadows Lemonade, which might have been lemonade soda with red food coloring, though I thought I detected a hint of cranberry. My palate isn't refined enough to be sure, so let me know in the comments if you can confirm.

Dolce Disappoints

The Dolce Set included a madeleine and a cookie, both sporting the Assassin's Creed logo in sugar. The madeleine was moist with a pleasant almond aftertaste, though its density had me reaching for my drink after a few bites. It would have paired better with the coffee options, but I made my choice and stuck with it.

The cookie, however, was less impressive. Its teal color was visually appealing, but the heavy frosting made it tough to bite into. Even after breaking through the icing, the cookie itself was hard and only mildly flavored with cocoa, making the madeleine the clear winner.

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, alongside mannequins wearing faithful recreations of the protagonists' outfits. I had hoped for cosplayers for photo ops, but the mannequins were a good substitute. Detailed origami and figurines were also showcased, along with a striking painting of the two protagonists.

Many of the displayed items are available for purchase from PureArts, including the Hidden Blade and Yasuke’s helmet. For those on a budget, simply admiring the craftsmanship on display is a treat in itself.

Is It Worth It?

If You Temper Your Expectations

The event's popularity is hard to predict. The game's reception is mixed, the venue is tucked away, but themed cafes often draw both casual and dedicated fans, especially given its limited two-day run from March 22nd to the 23rd, from 11am to 6:30pm.

If you're an Assassin's Creed fan and go in with realistic expectations, the cafe is worth a visit. Don't expect an immersive world; it's primarily a place to enjoy themed food, drinks, and merchandise. The prices are fair, the cheese toast is delicious, and you'll receive gifts (while supplies last) without an entrance fee. Cosplayers would have been a nice touch, but these pop-up cafes rarely promise that.

If you're in Japan and exploring Harajuku this weekend, consider stopping by for about 30 minutes. If you're not a fan, the cheese toast and colorful drinks are still enjoyable, but the full experience might be lost on you. For fans unable to attend, I hope 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)