Assassin's Creed Shadows launched on March 20th, 2025, and to celebrate, Ubisoft has set up a themed cafe. Game8 was invited to preview the event, so read on to hear our impressions of the venue, the food, and the exhibitions.
Hidden Away from the Public
Something of a Secret
The weather in Harajuku was surprisingly mild today, a stark contrast to the heavy snowfall just two days prior. While it wasn't quite spring yet, there were hints of warmer days to come, making it perfect for outdoor exploration. The usual hustle and bustle at Harajuku Station continued, with tourists and young locals lining up to explore the trendy stalls and shops. However, just around the corner from Takeshita Street, the noise of the crowd faded into a peaceful silence.
Tucked away from prying eyes, a themed cafe celebrating the launch of Assassin's Creed Shadows awaited. Ubisoft collaborated with a major fan of the series, Dante Carver, to transform the chic dotcom space Tokyo venue into this unique experience. Game8 received an invitation to attend a media event before the public opening tonight, and we're grateful 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
Finding the entrance to the cafe was a bit of a secret, but once there, the bold neon lights proudly displaying "Assassin's Creed Shadows" left no doubt about the theme. The lights showcased the two protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe, alongside the iconic Assassin's Brotherhood emblem.
I had never visited dotcom space Tokyo before, but its transformation for the event was evident yet tasteful. The cafe retained its hip, modern, minimalist style with white walls, exposed ceilings, and cracked floors (one of which I stumbled on). The space featured sleek drink machines and angular beige furniture, with two long tables and several seating areas against the left wall. I estimated it could comfortably seat around 40-50 people.
The Assassin's Creed theme was subtly integrated with posters of various games in the series adorning the walls, scattered artwork, pillows bearing Ubisoft's logo, and encyclopedias and artbooks from previous entries. A projector silently played a show from the Shadows event in Kyoto back in February, while classic background music from the games filled the venue with ambiance.
At the back, several exhibits caught my eye, but first, let's discuss the food, as it is a cafe, after all.
The Menu
Pleasantly Affordable
For a themed cafe, the prices were surprisingly reasonable. Drinks ranged from 650 to 750 yen (approximately $4 to $5 USD), while food items were priced at 800 yen (about $5.30 USD). Although more expensive than the typical 100 yen drinks from vending machines, the specialty offerings and branding made it a great value. Plus, every order came with a free goodie bag (while supplies lasted) and an additional item, making it an excellent deal for fans of the series.
The drink menu offered five options:
- Cafe Latte for the Assassin who Serves the Light - 650円
- Cafe Mocha for the Assassin who Works in the Dark - 750円
- Shadows Lemonade - 700円
- Valhalla Lemonade - 700円
- Odyssey Lemonade - 700円
The food menu featured two choices:
- Assassin’s Creed Dolce Set - 800円
- Assassin’s Creed Crest Toast - 800円
During the media event, we were provided with both food options but had to select one drink. In solidarity with the launch, I chose the Shadows Lemonade. After a brief wait, my order arrived on a tray, accompanied by a tote bag of goodies. I found a spot to sit and captured the moment with photos, as any good influencer would.
The Food
The Toast Tasted Terrific
The aroma of melted cheese filled the air, becoming even more enticing when presented on a thick slice of buttered toast. The toast was adorned with the Assassin Brotherhood logo, possibly made with paprika, though my taste buds couldn't confirm. It came with a side of syrup, which might raise eyebrows among some, but in Japan, it's a common pairing. The saltiness of the cheese complemented the sweetness of the syrup beautifully. Unfortunately, my photo-taking delayed my enjoyment, and the toast was lukewarm by the time I tasted it. The crust was a bit tough, but the inside was incredibly soft and had a satisfying bite. Japanese bread's fluffiness truly is unmatched.
My red lemonade, possibly just lemonade soda with red coloring, had a hint of cranberry tartness that I enjoyed. My palate may not be the most discerning, so feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.
Dolce Disappoints
The Dolce Set included a madeleine and a cookie, both featuring the AC logo in sugar. The madeleine was moist with a pleasant almond aftertaste, though its density made it a better match for coffee than my lemonade. The cookie, while visually appealing in its teal color, was overly hard due to the thick frosting. It required some effort to bite into, and once through the icing, the cookie itself was not much softer. The taste was mildly cocoa-flavored but nothing special. The madeleine was the clear winner between the two.
The Exhibitions
Artwork and Replicas
After finishing my meal, I explored the exhibitions in more detail. On display were replicas of in-game items, including Yasuke's mask and Naoe's Hidden Blade. Two mannequins wore faithful recreations of the protagonists' outfits, though I had hoped for live cosplayers for better photo ops. The displays also featured intricately detailed origami and figurines, and a powerful painting of the two protagonists adorned one wall.
Many of these items would make fantastic collector's pieces, and you can order some of them from PureArts, such as the Hidden Blade and Yasuke's helmet. For those on a budget, simply appreciating the craftsmanship on display is a rewarding experience.
Is It Worth It?
If You Temper Your Expectations
It's challenging to predict how busy the venue will be. Opinions on the game are divided, and the cafe is somewhat hidden, yet themed cafes often attract both casual and dedicated fans, especially with the event's limited two-day run from March 22nd to 23rd, from 11am to 6:30pm.
For Assassin's Creed fans, it's worth checking out 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, understand that it's a venue with themed food, drinks, and merchandise. 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. Cosplayers would have been a nice touch, but these pop-up events don't always promise such extras.
If you're a fan in Japan or visiting during this weekend, I recommend stopping by for about 30 minutes before resuming your regular activities. If you're not a fan, the cheese toast and colorful drinks are still enjoyable, though the full experience might be lost on you. For fans unable to attend, I hope 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)
