Assassin's Creed Shadows launched on March 20th, 2025, and to celebrate, Ubisoft has set up an exciting themed cafe. Game8 was invited to preview this unique 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 was pleasantly mild today, a stark contrast to the heavy snow just two days ago. Though not yet full spring, the warmth was starting to show, making it a great day to be out. Amid the usual hustle and bustle of Harajuku Station, where tourists and locals alike thronged the cute, fashionable stalls and stores, a quiet corner near Takeshita Street offered a serene escape.
Nestled away from prying eyes, this spot hosts a themed cafe celebrating the launch of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Ubisoft collaborated with renowned fan Dante Carver to transform the chic dotcom space Tokyo venue into this themed cafe. Game8 was graciously invited to a media event ahead of the 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
Finding the entrance was a bit secretive, but once there, the bold neon sign proclaiming “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” left no doubt about the theme. It showcased the protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe, alongside the iconic Assassin’s Brotherhood emblem.
Dotcom space Tokyo retains its hip, modern, minimalist aesthetic, featuring white walls, exposed ceilings, and cracked floors—watch your step! It's furnished with stylish drink machines and angular beige furniture, including two long tables and seating areas against the left wall, accommodating around 40-50 people comfortably.
The Assassin’s Creed theme was subtly integrated with posters of the series, artwork, Ubisoft logo pillows, encyclopedias, and artbooks. A silent projector played a show from the Shadows event in Kyoto, while classic game BGM added to the ambiance.
Exhibits at the back of the venue will be discussed later, but first, let's dive into the cafe experience with the food.
The Menu
Pleasantly Affordable
The cafe offers surprisingly reasonable prices for a themed establishment. Drinks range from 650 to 750 yen ($4 to $5 USD), and food is priced at 800 yen ($5.30 USD). While more expensive than typical vending machine options, the specialty drinks and branded experience justify the cost, especially with a free goodie bag and additional items for ordering food or drinks.
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 options are:
- Assassin’s Creed Dolce Set - 800円
- Assassin’s Creed Crest Toast - 800円
During the media event, we sampled both food options but had to choose one drink. Opting for the Shadows Lemonade, I waited for my number to be called, received my tray with a tote bag of goodies, and found a spot to enjoy and photograph my meal.
The Food
The Toast Tasted Terrific
The aroma of melted cheese filled the air, tempting even before the food arrived. The Assassin Brotherhood logo, possibly made with paprika, adorned the cheese-covered, buttered toast, served with a side of syrup. This unusual combination of salty cheese and sweet syrup is not uncommon in Japan and is quite delicious. The bread's crust was slightly tough due to my delay in eating, but the soft, toasted crumb was delightful.
My red lemonade drink, possibly enhanced with cranberry, was refreshing and added a nice contrast to the meal.
Dolce Disappoints
The Dolce Set featured a madeleine and a sugar-decorated cookie with the AC logo. The madeleine was moist with a pleasant almond flavor, though dense, pairing better with coffee than my lemonade choice. The cookie, visually appealing with its teal frosting, was hard to bite into, and its cocoa flavor was overshadowed by the icing.
The Exhibitions
Artwork and Replicas
After enjoying my meal, I explored the exhibitions. Replicas of in-game items like Yasuke’s mask and Naoe’s Hidden Blade were on display, along with mannequins dressed in the protagonists' outfits. Though I hoped for live cosplayers, the detailed origami, figurines, and a striking painting of Yasuke and Naoe were impressive. Many of these items are available for purchase from PureArts, but for those on a budget, the display itself was a treat.
Is It Worth It?
If You Temper Your Expectations
The event's popularity is hard to predict, given the game's mixed reception and the venue's discreet location. However, themed cafes often draw both casual and dedicated fans, and the event runs for only two days: March 22nd to 23rd, from 11am to 6:30pm.
If you're an Assassin’s Creed fan, this is definitely worth a visit, but manage your expectations. It's not an immersive experience but rather a themed cafe with branded food, drinks, and merchandise. The reasonable prices, tasty cheese toast, free gifts, and the chance to view art and exhibitions without an entry fee make it worthwhile. A short stop during a Harajuku visit is recommended for fans, while non-fans might still enjoy the food and drinks.
For those unable to attend, hopefully, this article provided a glimpse into 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)
