Assassin's Creed Shadows launched on March 20th, 2025, and in celebration, Ubisoft has set up a themed cafe in Harajuku. Game8 was invited to preview this exciting event, and we're thrilled to share our impressions of the venue, the food, and the exhibitions with you.

Hidden Away from the Public

Something of a Secret

The weather was pleasantly mild today—a stark contrast from the heavy snow just two days ago. Though it wasn't quite warm spring weather yet, there were hints of it peeking through, making it a perfect day to be outdoors. The usual hustle and bustle at Harajuku Station was evident, with tourists and young people crowding to explore the cute, fashionable stalls and stores along Takeshita Street. But as we ventured around the corner, the noise quickly faded into silence.

In this quiet area, fittingly away from peering eyes, we found a themed cafe celebrating the launch of Assassin's Creed Shadows. Ubisoft partnered with a major fan of the series, Dante Carver, to create this 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. A big thank you to Ubisoft for the opportunity! This article is not sponsored, and Ubisoft will see it at the same time as everyone else.

The Venue

dotcom space Tokyo

While the location was somewhat secretive, the entrance boldly displayed "Assassin's Creed Shadows" in bright neon lights, making it clear what this place is all about. The neon lights beautifully showcased the two protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe, alongside the iconic Assassin's Brotherhood emblem.

I had never visited dotcom space Tokyo before, but it retained its hip, modern, minimalist style. The cafe featured barren white walls, exposed ceilings, and cracked floors (I stumbled on one of the cracks). It was outfitted with attractive drink machines and angular beige furniture, with two long tables and several seating areas against the left wall. By my rough estimate, it could comfortably seat about 40-50 people at a time.

The Assassin's Creed theme was evident but fairly surface-level: posters of all the different games lined the walls, artwork was displayed throughout, and pillows featured Ubisoft's logo. There were also encyclopedias and artbooks from previous entries, and a projector played a show they had done for Shadows in Kyoto back in February. However, it had no sound, so I barely noticed it. Instead, the venue played classic BGM from the games to create a fitting ambiance.

There were several exhibits towards the back, but first, let's talk about the food, as it is a cafe after all.

The Menu

Pleasantly Affordable

The prices at the themed cafe were surprisingly reasonable. Drinks ranged from 650 to 750 yen (roughly $4 to $5 USD), while food items were priced at 800 yen (roughly $5.30 USD). Although more expensive than the 100 yen drinks from vending machines, these prices are quite reasonable considering the specialty drinks and branding. Plus, you get a free goodie bag (while supplies last) and an extra item for ordering either food or drinks, making it a great deal for fans of the series.

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

As part of the media event, we were given both food options, but had to choose just one drink. Desperately needing caffeine, I opted for the Shadows Lemonade in solidarity with the launch. After a short wait for my number to be called, everything arrived on a tray, along with a tote bag of goodies. I quickly found a spot to sit and snapped some photos of my food, as any influencer would.

The Food

The Toast Tasted Terrific

The amazing smell of melted cheese filled the air as soon as I walked in, and it was even more tempting when laid out on a thick piece of buttered toast in front of me. The cheese-covered toast was decorated with an Assassin Brotherhood logo, possibly using paprika, though my palate wasn't discerning enough to be sure. It came with a side of syrup to pour over it.

While some Americans might be horrified at the idea, in Japan, it's not unusual, and it's quite good. The saltiness of the cheese pairs well with the sweetness of the syrup. Unfortunately, I spent too much time taking pictures, so it was lukewarm by the time I bit into it. The crust of the bread was a bit tough at that point, but the crumb (the inside part of the bread) was incredibly soft and had a nice bite from being toasted. Even lukewarm, it was quite delicious. Japanese bread's fluffiness is truly on another level.

I sipped my red lemonade drink, which might have been lemonade soda with red food coloring, but I thought I could taste a hint of cranberry's tartness. If anyone with a more discerning palate can confirm, please let me know in the comments.

Dolce Disappoints

The Dolce Set included two pastries: a madeleine and a cookie with the AC logo in sugar. The madeleine was moist with a pleasant almond-y aftertaste. It was good but quite dense, making me reach for my definitely-cranberry-lemonade after a few bites. It would have paired better with coffee, but I had already chosen my drink.

The cookie, on the other hand, wasn't as good. It looked nice with its teal color, but the thick layer of frosting made it hard to bite into. I initially tried using my front teeth but switched to my molars to break through the royal icing. Once I did, the cookie wasn't much gentler on the teeth. It had a slight hint of cocoa flavor, but nothing to write home about. The madeleine was the clear winner of the two.

The Exhibitions

Artwork and Replicas

After finishing my plate, I explored the exhibitions more closely. There were replicas of in-game items on display, including Yasuke's mask and Naoe's Hidden Blade. Two mannequins were dressed in faithful recreations of the protagonists' outfits. While I had hoped for cosplayers for photo opportunities, the mannequins were still impressive. There were detailed origami and figurines on display, and one wall featured a powerful painting of the two protagonists using broad strokes.

Many of the displayed items would make excellent collector's items, and you can order some, like the Hidden Blade and Yasuke's helmet, from PureArts. For those on a budget, appreciating the intricate details through the display might be enough.

Is It Worth It?

If You Temper Your Expectations

It's hard to predict whether the venue will be packed. Opinions on the game are divisive, the venue is somewhat hidden, but themed cafes often attract both casual and diehard fans. The event runs for only two days: March 22nd to the 23rd, from 11 am to 6:30 pm.

If you're an Assassin's Creed fan and you know what to expect, it's definitely worth checking out. Don't expect an immersive experience that transports you into the world of Assassin's Creed; you'll be disappointed. Instead, understand it's a place with food, drinks, and products featuring the AC logo.

The prices are reasonable, the cheese toast is delicious, you'll get gifts for attending (while supplies last), and you can enjoy the art and exhibitions without an entrance fee. Cosplayers would have added a nice touch, but these pop-up themed cafes don't always include them.

If you're a fan living in or visiting Japan and exploring Harajuku this weekend, I recommend stopping by for about 30 minutes before continuing your civilian life. If you're not a fan, the cheese toast and colorful drinks are still enjoyable, though the bulk of the experience might be lost on you. For fans not in Japan over the next two days, I hope this article allows you to live vicariously through 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), 11:00 am to 6:30 pm (Last Order: 6:00 pm)