Experiencing Assassin's Creed Shadows Cafe in Harajuku

Assassin's Creed Shadows launched on March 20th, 2025, and to celebrate, Ubisoft has created a themed cafe experience in Harajuku. Game8 had the privilege of previewing this event, and 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 had shifted from heavy snow just two days prior to a milder, almost spring-like atmosphere, making it a perfect day to explore. The usual hustle and bustle of Harajuku Station, filled with tourists and young locals, contrasted sharply with the quiet corner just off Takeshita Street. Here, tucked away from the public eye, lies the Assassin's Creed Shadows themed cafe, perfectly embodying the stealth and mystery of the game.

Ubisoft teamed up with renowned fan Dante Carver to transform the chic dotcom space Tokyo into this themed haven. Game8 was invited to a media preview ahead of the public opening tonight. This article is not sponsored, and Ubisoft will see it alongside everyone else.

The Venue

dotcom space Tokyo

The entrance to the cafe is marked by neon lights boldly displaying "Assassin's Creed Shadows" and showcasing the protagonists Yasuke and Naoe alongside the iconic Assassin's Brotherhood emblem. The venue maintains its original hip, modern, minimalist aesthetic with white walls, exposed ceilings, and cracked floors. It's outfitted with stylish drink machines and angular beige furniture, accommodating around 40-50 guests comfortably.

The Assassin's Creed theme is evident through posters of the series, displayed artwork, Ubisoft logo pillows, and various game encyclopedias and artbooks. A silent projector played a previous Shadows event in Kyoto, while classic BGM from the games provided ambient sound. Towards the back, several exhibits awaited, but first, let's delve into the cafe's culinary offerings.

The Menu

Pleasantly Affordable

The cafe's prices are surprisingly reasonable for a themed venue. Drinks range from 650 to 750 yen ($4 to $5 USD), and food items are priced at 800 yen ($5.30 USD). These prices are a bargain, especially considering the specialty drinks and the free goodie bag (while supplies last) and additional items with each purchase.

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 menu offers:

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

During the media event, we sampled both food options and chose one drink. I opted for the Shadows Lemonade to stay in theme, and after a short wait, my tray arrived complete with a tote bag of goodies.

The Food

The Toast Tasted Terrific

The aroma of melted cheese filled the air, even more enticing when presented on a thick slice of buttered toast adorned with the Assassin Brotherhood logo, possibly with paprika. Accompanied by a side of syrup, this unusual yet delightful combination of salty cheese and sweet syrup was a hit. The only downside was that my toast had cooled slightly after photo-taking, making the crust a bit tough, but the soft, fluffy interior of the bread was still a delight.

My red lemonade, perhaps a mix of lemonade and cranberry, added a refreshing touch to the meal. While my palate might not be the most discerning, the tartness was pleasantly noticeable.

Dolce Disappoints

The Dolce Set included a madeleine and a cookie, both featuring the AC logo in sugar. The madeleine was moist with a pleasing almond aftertaste, though its density made it best paired with coffee. The cookie, while visually appealing with its teal frosting, was overly hard and not as flavorful as hoped, with a subtle cocoa taste hidden beneath the sugar.

The Exhibitions

Artwork and Replicas

After enjoying the food, I explored the exhibitions. On display were replicas of in-game items like Yasuke's mask and Naoe's Hidden Blade, alongside mannequins dressed in the protagonists' outfits. Though I had hoped for cosplayers, the detailed origami, figurines, and a powerful painting of Yasuke and Naoe were impressive. Many of these items are available for purchase from PureArts, offering fans a chance to own a piece of the game.

Is It Worth It?

If You Temper Your Expectations

The cafe's appeal may vary due to the game's divisive reception and its hidden location, but themed cafes often attract a wide range of fans, especially with its limited run from March 22nd to 23rd, 11am to 6:30pm.

For Assassin's Creed fans, this cafe offers a worthwhile visit if you set your expectations correctly. It's not an immersive experience into the game's world but rather a place to enjoy themed food, drinks, and view exhibitions without an entry fee. The cheese toast is delicious, and the free gifts add value. While cosplayers would have enhanced the experience, the cafe still delivers a fun, themed outing.

If you're in Harajuku this weekend, fans should definitely stop by for about 30 minutes. For non-fans, the cheese toast and colorful drinks remain appealing, though the full experience is best appreciated by enthusiasts. If you can't make it to Japan in the next two days, 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)