Assassin's Creed Shadows launched on March 20th, 2025, and Ubisoft is celebrating with a themed cafe in Harajuku. Game8 was invited to preview this exclusive event, so let's dive into our impressions of the venue, food, and exhibitions.
Hidden Away from the Public
Something of a Secret
The weather in Harajuku was surprisingly mild today, a stark contrast to the heavy snow just two days ago. Although not quite spring yet, the hints of warmth were a welcome change, making it a perfect day to explore. The usual bustle around Harajuku Station was in full swing, with tourists and young locals lining up for the latest fashion finds. Yet, just around the corner from Takeshita Street, the noise faded into a serene silence.
Nestled in this quiet area, Ubisoft has partnered with the renowned fan Dante Carver to transform the chic dotcom space Tokyo into a themed cafe celebrating the launch of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Game8 received an exclusive invitation to experience this media event before its public opening tonight. This article is not sponsored, and Ubisoft will see our honest impressions at the same time as everyone else.
The Venue
dotcom space Tokyo
While the location is somewhat hidden, the entrance boldly proclaims "Assassin’s Creed Shadows" in neon lights, leaving no doubt about its purpose. The neon display features the protagonists Yasuke and Naoe, intertwined with the iconic Assassin’s Brotherhood emblem.
Entering dotcom space Tokyo for the first time, I noticed the cafe's minimalist aesthetic: white walls, exposed ceilings, and cracked floors (which I nearly tripped over). The space is equipped with sleek drink machines and angular beige furniture, including two long tables and several seating areas along the left wall. It comfortably seats about 40-50 people.
The Assassin’s Creed theme is subtly integrated with posters of the series lining the walls, various artwork, Ubisoft-logoed pillows, and encyclopedias and artbooks from past games. A projector silently played a previous Shadows event in Kyoto, while classic game BGM added ambiance.
At the back, several exhibits caught my eye, but more on that later. First, let's discuss the cafe's main attraction—the food.
The Menu
Pleasantly Affordable
The themed cafe offers surprisingly affordable 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). Although pricier than vending machine options, the specialty drinks and branded items make it a great value, especially with a free goodie bag (while supplies last) and additional perks for ordering.
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
The food options are:
- Assassin’s Creed Dolce Set - 800円
- Assassin’s Creed Crest Toast - 800円
During the media event, we sampled both food items but chose only one drink. Craving caffeine but in solidarity with the launch, I opted for the Shadows Lemonade. After a wait, my tray arrived with a tote bag of goodies, and I quickly found a spot to snap some influencer-style photos.
The Food
The Toast Tasted Terrific
The aroma of melted cheese filled the air, becoming even more enticing when presented on a thick piece of buttered toast. The toast featured an Assassin Brotherhood logo, likely made with paprika, served with a side of syrup to pour over.
I'm sure some might find the syrup unusual, but it's common in Japan and complements the cheese's saltiness beautifully. Unfortunately, my toast was lukewarm after taking too many photos, making the crust a bit tough, but the inside remained incredibly soft and flavorful, showcasing the unique fluffiness of Japanese bread.
My red lemonade, possibly just soda with food coloring, had a subtle cranberry tartness that I enjoyed. If anyone can confirm this, please share in the comments!
Dolce Disappoints
The Dolce Set included a madeleine and a cookie, both adorned with the AC logo in sugar. The madeleine was moist with a pleasant almond aftertaste, though a bit dense, pairing better with coffee than my lemonade. The cookie, while visually appealing with its teal color, was hard due to excessive frosting. It had a slight cocoa flavor, but the madeleine was the clear winner.
The Exhibitions
Artwork and Replicas
After finishing my meal, I explored the exhibitions, which featured replicas of in-game items like Yasuke’s mask and Naoe’s Hidden Blade, as well as mannequins dressed in the protagonists' outfits. Although I hoped for cosplayers for photo ops, the displays were impressive. Origami and detailed figurines were showcased, along with a striking painting of the protagonists.
Many of these items are available for purchase from PureArts, making them perfect collector's pieces. For those on a budget, appreciating the displays is still a treat.
Is It Worth It?
If You Temper Your Expectations
It's uncertain how busy the venue will be, given the divisive opinions on the game and its hidden location. However, themed cafes like this attract both casual and diehard fans, especially since it's only open for two days: March 22nd to the 23rd, from 11am to 6:30pm.
For Assassin’s Creed fans, it's worth a visit if you know what to expect. Don't anticipate an immersive experience; it's a cafe with themed food, drinks, and merchandise. The prices are reasonable, the cheese toast is delicious, and you'll receive gifts while supplies last. The art and exhibitions are free to view, though cosplayers would have added a fun touch.
If you're a fan in Japan this weekend, stop by for about 30 minutes. If not a fan, the cheese toast and colorful drinks are still enjoyable, but the themed elements might be lost on you. For those unable to attend, I hope 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)
