Experiencing Assassin's Creed Shadows Cafe in Harajuku

Assassin's Creed Shadows launched on March 20th, 2025, and to celebrate, Ubisoft created a themed cafe in Harajuku. Game8 was lucky enough to get a sneak peek, so read on for our thoughts on the venue, food, and exhibits.

Hidden Gem in Harajuku

A Secret Oasis

The weather was surprisingly mild, a welcome change after a recent snowstorm. Harajuku Station bustled with its usual crowd, but tucked away from Takeshita Street's vibrant energy, a tranquil escape awaited. This quiet corner housed the Assassin's Creed Shadows themed cafe, a perfect hidden location.

Ubisoft partnered with Dante Carver, a dedicated Assassin's Creed fan, to transform the chic dotcom space Tokyo venue. Game8 attended a media preview, thanks to Ubisoft. This review is independent and unbiased.

The Venue: dotcom space Tokyo

Modern Minimalism with an Assassin's Touch

The cafe's entrance boldly declared its theme with neon Assassin's Creed Shadows signage, featuring Yasuke and Naoe alongside the Brotherhood emblem.

dotcom space Tokyo provided a stylish backdrop: minimalist white walls, exposed ceilings, and industrial-chic flooring. The space comfortably accommodates 40-50 guests, with a mix of seating arrangements.

The Assassin's Creed theme was subtly integrated: posters showcasing the series' history, artwork, Ubisoft-branded pillows, and art books from previous games. A projector displayed footage from a February Kyoto event, though without sound, it served mainly as a visual element. Instead, classic Assassin's Creed music created a fitting atmosphere. Exhibits towards the back added to the immersive experience.

But first, let's talk about the food!

The Menu: Surprisingly Affordable

Delicious Deals

The prices were remarkably reasonable for a themed cafe. Drinks ranged from 650 to 750 yen (approximately $4-$5 USD), and food items were 800 yen ($5.30 USD). While slightly pricier than vending machine drinks, the specialty drinks and branded experience justified the cost. A free goodie bag (while supplies lasted) and bonus items with food or drink purchases added extra value.

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

Food choices were: ⚫︎ Assassin’s Creed Dolce Set - 800円
⚫︎ Assassin’s Creed Crest Toast - 800円

As media guests, we sampled both food options and chose a drink. Opting for the Shadows Lemonade, I waited for my order, collected my goodies, and found a spot to photograph my meal.

The Food: A Toasty Triumph

Toasty Perfection, Dolce Dilemma

The aroma of melted cheese was irresistible. The cheese toast, featuring an Assassin's Brotherhood logo (possibly paprika), was served with syrup. While some might find the syrup-cheese combination unusual, it's surprisingly delicious in Japan. The slightly tough crust contrasted beautifully with the soft, fluffy crumb of the Japanese bread. Unfortunately, my photography session delayed consumption, resulting in a lukewarm but still enjoyable experience.

My Shadows Lemonade, possibly lemonade soda with red food coloring, had a subtle cranberry tartness.

The Dolce Set included a moist madeleine with an almond aftertaste and a cookie with the AC logo. The madeleine was dense but enjoyable, while the cookie, though visually appealing, had overly hard icing and a somewhat unremarkable taste. The madeleine was the clear winner.

The Exhibitions: A Collector's Dream

Immersive Displays

After my meal, I explored the exhibits featuring replicas of Yasuke's mask and Naoe's Hidden Blade, along with mannequins dressed in accurate recreations of the protagonists' outfits. Origami, figurines, and a striking painting completed the display. Many items were available for purchase through PureArts, but the exhibits themselves provided a satisfying visual experience.

Is It Worth Visiting?

A Limited-Time Treat

The cafe's success is uncertain, depending on fan reception and its hidden location. The two-day event (March 22nd-23rd, 11am-6:30pm) limits accessibility.

For Assassin's Creed fans, it's a worthwhile experience. Don't expect an immersive simulation, but appreciate the themed food, drinks, merchandise, and exhibits. The reasonable prices, delicious toast, free gifts, and engaging displays make it a memorable visit. While cosplayers would have enhanced the atmosphere, the overall experience is enjoyable.

If you're in Harajuku this weekend, it's worth a 30-minute stop. Even non-fans might enjoy the cheese toast and colorful drinks. For those unable to attend, hopefully, this article provided a taste of 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)