Assassin's Creed Shadows launched on March 20th, 2025, and Ubisoft celebrated the occasion with a themed cafe in Harajuku. Game8 was invited to preview the event, so read on for our impressions of the venue, food, and exhibitions.
Hidden Away from the Public
Something of a Secret
The weather was much milder today, a pleasant surprise considering it was snowing heavily just two days prior. Although it wasn't quite warm spring weather, the hints of spring made it a good day to be outside. The usual hustle and bustle at Harajuku Station continued with tourists and young people crowding around the cute and fashionable stalls and stores on Takeshita Street. Yet, just around the corner, the buzz of the public quickly faded into silence.
In this quiet area, fittingly away from peering eyes, Ubisoft partnered with Dante Carver, a major fan of the series, to create a themed cafe within the chic dotcom space Tokyo venue. Game8 received an invitation to experience the cafe at a media event before its public opening tonight. This article is not sponsored, and Ubisoft will see it at the same time as everyone else.
The Venue
dotcom space Tokyo
The location was a bit of a secret, but once you find the entrance, the bold neon lights displaying "Assassin's Creed Shadows" and the two protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe, fused with the iconic Assassin's Brotherhood emblem, leave no doubt about the theme.
This was my first visit to dotcom space Tokyo, and while it hadn't been transformed beyond recognition, its hip, modern, minimalist style was clear: barren white walls, exposed ceilings, cracked floors (I stumbled on one of the cracks), and attractive drink machines. The space was outfitted with angular beige furniture, including two long tables and several seating areas against the leftmost wall, comfortably seating 40-50 people.
The Assassin's Creed theme was evident in surface-level touches: posters of the different games lined the walls, artwork was displayed throughout, and pillows featured Ubisoft's logo. Encyclopedias and artbooks from previous entries were scattered around, and a projector played a show from the Shadows event in Kyoto back in February, though without sound. Instead, classic background music from the games provided ambiance.
Several exhibits were set up towards the back, which I'll discuss later. First, let's delve into the food offerings.
The Menu
Pleasantly Affordable
The cafe's prices were very reasonable for a themed venue. Drinks ranged from 650 to 750 yen (roughly $4 to $5 USD), and food items were priced at 800 yen (roughly $5.30 USD). Although more expensive than the 100 yen drinks from vending machines, the specialty offerings and branding make it a great value, especially with a free goodie bag (while supplies last) and an extra item for ordering either food or drinks.
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 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 were two options:
- Assassin’s Creed Dolce Set - 800円
- Assassin’s Creed Crest Toast - 800円
At the media event, we sampled both food options but had to choose one drink. Needing caffeine, I opted for the Shadows Lemonade. After a short wait, my tray arrived with the food, drink, and a tote bag of goodies, and I quickly found a spot to snap 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 cheese-covered toast was adorned with an Assassin Brotherhood logo, possibly made with paprika, though my palate wasn't refined enough to confirm. It came with a side of syrup, which you pour over the toast before eating.
While some might find the combination unusual, in Japan, it's quite common and delicious. The saltiness of the cheese paired well with the sweetness of the syrup. Unfortunately, having spent too much time taking pictures, the toast was lukewarm by the time I bit into it. The crust was a bit tough, but the crumb of the bread remained incredibly soft with a nice bite from being toasted. Even lukewarm, it was a delightful treat. Japanese bread's fluffiness is truly on another level.
I sipped my red lemonade, which might have been lemonade soda with red food coloring, though I thought I detected a hint of cranberry tartness. My palate isn't discerning enough to be certain, so I'd love to hear others' thoughts in the comments.
Dolce Disappoints
The Dolce Set included two pastries: a madeleine and a cookie, both adorned with the AC logo in sugar. The madeleine was moist with a pleasant almond aftertaste, though quite dense, prompting me to reach for my lemonade. It would have paired better with the coffee options, but I stuck with my choice.
The cookie, however, was less impressive. It looked nice, with the luck of the draw determining the color (mine was a pleasant teal), but the heavy frosting made it hard to bite into. Even after breaking through the royal icing with my molars, the cookie itself was tough. The cocoa flavor was subtle but nothing special. The madeleine was the clear winner.
The Exhibitions
Artwork and Replicas
After finishing my meal, I explored the exhibitions. Replicas of in-game items, such as Yasuke's mask and Naoe's Hidden Blade, were on display, along with two mannequins dressed in faithful recreations of the protagonists' outfits. While I had hoped for cosplayers for photo opportunities, the mannequins were a nice touch. Detailed origami and figurines were showcased, and a powerful painting of the two protagonists adorned one wall.
Many of the displayed items would make excellent collector's pieces, available for order from PureArts, like the Hidden Blade and Yasuke's helmet. For those on a budget, simply appreciating the intricate details of these items through the display was satisfying.
Is It Worth It?
If You Temper Your Expectations
It's difficult to predict how busy the venue will be, given the divisive opinions on the game and its somewhat hidden location. However, themed cafes often attract both casual and diehard fans, and this event is limited to just two days: March 22nd to the 23rd, from 11am to 6:30pm.
For Assassin's Creed fans, it's worth visiting if you know what to expect. Don't anticipate an immersive experience that transports you into the game's world; you'll be disappointed. Instead, come prepared for a venue with food, drinks, and products featuring the AC logo. The prices are reasonable, the cheese toast is delicious, you'll receive gifts (while supplies last), and you can enjoy the art and exhibitions without an entrance fee. While cosplayers would have been a nice addition, these pop-up themed cafes don't typically promise such features.
If you're a fan in Japan or visiting Harajuku this weekend, I recommend stopping by for about 30 minutes. For non-fans, the cheese toast and colorful drinks are still worth trying, though the full experience may be less appealing. If you're a fan but not in Japan during these two days, hopefully, this article allows you to live vicariously through our 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)
