Assassin's Creed Shadows, launched on March 20th, 2025, is being celebrated with an exclusive themed cafe in Harajuku. Ubisoft invited Game8 to a preview event, and we're here to share our detailed impressions of the venue, the culinary offerings, and the exhibitions on display.
Hidden Away from the Public
Something of a Secret
The weather in Harajuku had shifted from heavy snowfall to a mild, almost spring-like atmosphere, making it a perfect day to explore. Amidst the usual crowd at Harajuku Station, a quieter corner near Takeshita Street housed a secretive gem: the Assassin's Creed Shadows themed cafe. Ubisoft collaborated with series enthusiast Dante Carver to transform the chic dotcom space Tokyo into a haven for fans. Game8 was privileged to attend a media event before the public opening, and we're excited to share our unsponsored insights with you.
The Venue
dotcom space Tokyo
The cafe's entrance, marked by vibrant neon lights displaying the Assassin's Creed Shadows title and the iconic protagonists Yasuke and Naoe, was anything but subtle. Inside, the venue retained its hip, modern, minimalist charm with white walls, exposed ceilings, and angular beige furniture. While accommodating about 40-50 guests comfortably, the space was adorned with Assassin's Creed memorabilia, from game posters and artwork to Ubisoft-logoed pillows and a silent projector showcasing a Kyoto event. The ambient sound was filled with classic Assassin's Creed background music, setting a thematic tone without overwhelming the space.
The back of the venue featured intriguing exhibits, which we'll explore shortly. But first, let's delve into what a themed cafe is all about—the food.
The Menu
Pleasantly Affordable
The cafe's pricing was surprisingly reasonable for a themed experience, with drinks ranging from 650 to 750 yen (around $4 to $5 USD) and food items at 800 yen (roughly $5.30 USD). Each purchase came with a free goodie bag (while supplies lasted) and an additional item, making it a fantastic value for fans.
For drinks, the choices were:
- 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 options included:
- 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. I opted for the Shadows Lemonade, craving a refreshing twist. After a short wait, my tray arrived with my chosen items and a tote bag of goodies, and I settled in to savor and photograph the experience.
The Food
The Toast Tasted Terrific
The aroma of melted cheese filled the air, and it was even more enticing up close. The Assassin Brotherhood logo, possibly made with paprika, adorned the cheese-covered toast, served with a side of syrup—a common and delightful pairing in Japan. The saltiness of the cheese complemented the sweetness of the syrup beautifully. Though my toast had cooled slightly from taking photos, the bread's soft interior and toasted crust still delivered a satisfying bite.
My Shadows Lemonade, possibly a lemonade soda with red food coloring, hinted at cranberry tartness, adding a refreshing touch to the meal.
Dolce Disappoints
The Dolce Set included a moist madeleine with an almond aftertaste and a sugar-decorated cookie. While the madeleine was dense and better suited to coffee, it paired adequately with my lemonade. The cookie, however, was less impressive. Its hard royal icing and dense texture made it challenging to eat, though the cocoa flavor was pleasant.
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, alongside mannequins dressed in the protagonists' outfits. While I wished for cosplayers for a more immersive experience, the detailed origami, figurines, and a striking painting of Yasuke and Naoe were captivating. 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
The event's popularity is hard to predict, given the game's divisive reception and the cafe's discreet location. However, themed cafes often draw both casual and dedicated fans, especially with a limited two-day run from March 22nd to 23rd, from 11am to 6:30pm.
If you're an Assassin's Creed fan and manage your expectations, the visit is worthwhile. It's not an immersive world but rather a themed space with food, drinks, and merchandise. The prices are reasonable, the cheese toast is delicious, and you'll receive gifts while supplies last. While cosplayers would have been a nice touch, the cafe still offers a unique experience.
For fans in or visiting Japan this weekend, a 30-minute stop in Harajuku is recommended. For non-fans, the food and drinks are still enjoyable, though the thematic elements might be less appealing. If you're not in Japan, hopefully, this article gives you a taste of the 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)
