Assassin's Creed Shadows, launched on March 20th, 2025, has sparked a wave of excitement among fans. To celebrate this milestone, Ubisoft has set up a themed cafe in Harajuku, and Game8 was fortunate enough to be invited for a sneak peek. Dive into our detailed impressions of the venue, the culinary offerings, and the captivating exhibitions that await visitors.
Hidden Away from the Public
Something of a Secret
The weather in Harajuku was surprisingly mild on the day of our visit, a stark contrast to the heavy snowfall just days before. As spring begins to show its first signs, it was a perfect day to explore the bustling streets. Amid the usual crowd at Harajuku Station, where tourists and young locals eagerly line up for fashionable stalls and stores, we found a quieter path. Just around the corner from Takeshita Street, the noise fades into a serene silence.
In this secluded spot, we discovered the Assassin's Creed Shadows themed cafe, perfectly hidden from the public eye. Ubisoft collaborated with series enthusiast Dante Carver to transform the chic dotcom space Tokyo into a haven for fans. We're grateful to Ubisoft for the media event invitation, allowing us to share our unsponsored impressions with you.
The Venue
dotcom space Tokyo
Though the location is somewhat secretive, the entrance boldly announces its purpose with neon lights displaying "Assassin's Creed Shadows" alongside the iconic figures of Yasuke and Naoe, fused with the Assassin's Brotherhood emblem. The cafe retains its inherent modern and minimalist aesthetic: white walls, exposed ceilings, and stylish beige furniture, accommodating around 40-50 guests comfortably.
The Assassin's Creed theme is evident through posters of the series, art displays, Ubisoft logo pillows, and game encyclopedias. A projector silently showcases a Kyoto event for Shadows, while classic BGM from the games adds a fitting ambiance. The back of the venue hosts intriguing exhibits, which we'll explore shortly.
The Menu
Pleasantly Affordable
The cafe's menu is surprisingly affordable for a themed experience. Drinks range from 650 to 750 yen (approximately $4 to $5 USD), while food items are priced at 800 yen (about $5.30 USD). These prices are reasonable, especially considering the unique offerings and the free goodie bag (while supplies last) that comes with your order.
Drink options include:
- 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 choices are:
- Assassin’s Creed Dolce Set - 800円
- Assassin’s Creed Crest Toast - 800円
During our visit, we sampled both food options and chose the Shadows Lemonade for a drink, embracing the launch theme. After a brief wait, our order arrived with a tote bag of goodies, allowing us to settle in and capture the moment with photos.
The Food
The Toast Tasted Terrific
The aroma of melted cheese greeted us upon entering, and the sight of the Assassin Brotherhood logo on the cheese-covered toast was enticing. The logo, possibly made with paprika, comes with a side of syrup, a common pairing in Japan that balances the saltiness of the cheese with sweetness. Although it cooled to lukewarm while we took photos, the bread's soft, toasted crumb and slightly tough crust were delightful.
The red lemonade, possibly a mix of soda and cranberry, offered a refreshing contrast. While my palate couldn't confirm the cranberry, the drink was enjoyable nonetheless.
Dolce Disappoints
The Dolce Set included a madeleine and a sugar-decorated cookie. The madeleine's moist texture and almond aftertaste were pleasant, though its density called for a coffee pairing, which I had forgone for the lemonade. The cookie, while visually appealing with its teal frosting, was hard to bite into, and its flavor, though hinting at cocoa, was underwhelming compared to the madeleine.
The Exhibitions
Artwork and Replicas
After enjoying our meal, we 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. Though no live cosplayers were present, the detailed origami, figurines, and a powerful painting of Yasuke and Naoe added to the allure. Many of these items are available for purchase from PureArts, offering collectors a chance to own a piece of the experience.
Is It Worth It?
If You Temper Your Expectations
Whether the venue will attract crowds remains to be seen, given the game's divisive reception and the cafe's hidden location. This event, running only from March 22nd to 23rd, from 11am to 6:30pm, is a brief opportunity for fans to immerse themselves in Assassin's Creed culture.
For fans, the experience is worthwhile if approached with the right expectations. It's not an immersive journey into the game's world but rather a place to enjoy themed food, drinks, and merchandise. The reasonable prices, tasty cheese toast, free gifts, and free access to art and exhibitions make it a compelling visit.
If you're in Japan this weekend and exploring Harajuku, consider stopping by for about 30 minutes. For non-fans, the cheese toast and colorful drinks are still appealing, though the themed elements might not resonate as deeply. For fans unable to visit, we hope this article has offered a glimpse into the event.
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)
