Assassin's Creed Shadows Cafe Opens in Harajuku

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

Hidden Away from the Public

Something of a Secret

Today's weather in Harajuku was pleasantly mild, a stark contrast to the heavy snowfall just days ago. Although not quite spring, the air hinted at warmer days ahead, making it a perfect day to explore. Amidst the usual hustle and bustle near Harajuku Station, where tourists and young locals queued up at trendy stalls and shops, a quiet corner just off Takeshita Street offered a serene escape.

Tucked away from the crowds, the Assassin's Creed Shadows themed cafe was discovered. Ubisoft collaborated with Dante Carver, a major fan of the series, to transform the chic dotcom space Tokyo into a celebration of the game's launch. Game8 received an exclusive invitation to this media event, and while this article isn't sponsored, it's our pleasure to share our experience.

The Venue

dotcom space Tokyo

The cafe's entrance, boldly displaying "Assassin's Creed Shadows" in neon lights, was impossible to miss once found. The lights featured the protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe, alongside the iconic Assassin's Brotherhood emblem. The venue retained its usual modern, minimalist charm with white walls, exposed ceilings, and angular beige furniture, accommodating around 40-50 guests comfortably.

The Assassin's Creed theme was subtle yet effective. Posters from the series adorned the walls, artwork was scattered throughout, and pillows bore the Ubisoft logo. Encyclopedias and artbooks from past games were available, and a projector showcased a previous Shadows event in Kyoto, though without sound. Instead, classic Assassin's Creed background music filled the space, adding to the ambiance.

Towards the back, various exhibitions awaited, which we'll cover shortly. But first, let's delve into the cafe's offerings.

The Menu

Pleasantly Affordable

For a themed cafe, the prices were surprisingly reasonable. Drinks ranged from 650 to 750 yen ($4 to $5 USD), and food was priced at 800 yen ($5.30 USD). These were higher than typical vending machine prices but justified given the specialty items and branding. Plus, each purchase came with a free goodie bag (while supplies lasted) and an additional item, making it a great deal for fans.

The 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 Lemonade - 700円
• Valhalla Lemonade - 700円
• Odyssey Lemonade - 700円

Food choices were limited but enticing:

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

At the media event, we sampled both food items but chose one drink. Opting for the Shadows Lemonade for a caffeine-free experience, I eagerly awaited my order, which arrived with a tote bag of goodies. Settling in, I snapped some photos before digging in.

The Food

The Toast Tasted Terrific

The aroma of melted cheese was irresistible from the moment I entered. The Assassin's Creed Crest Toast, adorned with the Brotherhood logo in what I guessed was paprika, was served on a thick slice of buttered bread with a side of syrup. Pouring the syrup over the toast might surprise some, but it's a common practice in Japan, and the salty cheese complemented the sweet syrup beautifully. The toast was lukewarm by the time I ate it due to photo-taking, but the bread's softness and toasted texture still impressed.

My Shadows Lemonade, tinted red, had a subtle cranberry tartness that enhanced the drink's appeal.

Dolce Disappoints

The Dolce Set included a madeleine and a sugar-decorated cookie. The madeleine was moist with a pleasant almond aftertaste, though its density made it a better match for coffee than lemonade. The cookie, while visually appealing in teal, was overly hard due to the thick frosting. Once past the icing, the cookie's cocoa flavor was subtle but not particularly memorable, making the madeleine the clear winner.

The Exhibitions

Artwork and Replicas

After enjoying the food, I explored the exhibitions. Replicas of in-game items, including Yasuke's mask and Naoe's Hidden Blade, were on display, alongside mannequins dressed in the protagonists' outfits. While I hoped for live cosplayers, the mannequins provided a good visual. Detailed origami and figurines added to the experience, and a powerful painting of Yasuke and Naoe graced one wall.

Many displayed items were available for purchase from PureArts, such as the Hidden Blade and Yasuke's helmet. For those on a budget, simply viewing these intricate pieces was rewarding.

Is It Worth It?

If You Temper Your Expectations

Whether the cafe will be crowded is uncertain, given the mixed reviews of the game and its hidden location. However, themed cafes typically draw both casual and dedicated fans, and the event is only open for two days: March 22nd to 23rd, from 11 am to 6:30 pm.

For Assassin's Creed fans, this event is worth a visit if you know what to expect. Don't anticipate an immersive experience; rather, enjoy the themed food, drinks, and merchandise. The reasonable prices, delicious cheese toast, free gifts, and free access to the exhibitions make it worthwhile.

If you're not a fan, the cheese toast and colorful drinks are still enjoyable, though the themed aspect might be lost on you. For fans unable to attend, 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), 11:00 am to 6:30 pm (Last Order: 6:00 pm)