Ubisoft unveiled the Assassin's Creed Shadows Cafe in Harajuku on March 20, 2025, coinciding with the game's official launch. Game8 had the exclusive opportunity to preview this temporary pop-up experience firsthand - join us as we explore the venue, menu offerings, and special exhibitions.
A Hidden Gem in Harajuku
Discovering the Secret Venue
The afternoon carried a pleasant chill - surprising considering the heavy snowfall just two days prior. While not quite spring weather yet, hints of warmer days ahead made this ideal for urban exploration. Harajuku Station buzzed with its usual energy, packed with tourists and trendsetters lining up for popular boutiques along Takeshita Street. Yet turning down an unassuming side street, the crowd noise faded into quietude.
Tucked discreetly away stood Ubisoft's temporary Assassin's Creed Shadows Cafe - fittingly hidden like the franchise's signature stealth missions.
Developed in collaboration with franchise superfan Dante Carver, this limited-time experience occupies dotcom space Tokyo's minimalist venue. Game8 attended a special media preview ahead of tonight's public opening (thank you Ubisoft!). While this article represents our genuine impressions, Ubisoft will be reading it alongside everyone else.
Venue Design
dotcom space Tokyo Transformed
The entrance leaves no doubt about its purpose - "Assassin's Creed Shadows" shines boldly in neon, flanked by protagonists Yasuke and Naoe integrated with the Brotherhood emblem.
dotcom space Tokyo retains its signature minimalist aesthetic: exposed ceilings, white walls, and industrial-chic cracked concrete floors (watch your step!). Modern drink stations and angular furniture complement the space, which seats approximately 40-50 guests comfortably.
Assassin's Creed theming appears through curated details: series posters lining walls, Ubisoft-branded pillows, art books from previous installments, and subtly looping Shadows promotional footage (silent projection requires close attention). The venue soundtrack features classic game BGMs for atmospheric immersion.
The rear houses special exhibitions we'll explore shortly - but first, let's examine the cafe menu.
Menu Highlights
Surprisingly Budget-Friendly
Themed cafe pricing proves reasonable here: beverages range ¥650-¥750 ($4-$5), while food items cost ¥800 ($5.30). Beyond standard vending machine prices, certainly - but consider the specialty drinks, branded presentation, and complimentary bonus items (while supplies last). Even casual fans will find this a worthwhile experience.
Five drink options await:
⚫︎ "Cafe Latte: Assassin Who Serves the Light" - ¥650
⚫︎ "Cafe Mocha: Assassin Who Works in Darkness" - ¥750
⚫︎ "Shadows Lemonade" (檸檬水) - ¥700
⚫︎ "Valhalla Sitronbrus" (Norwegian Lemonade) - ¥700
⚫︎ "Odyssey λεμονάδα" (Greek Lemonade) - ¥700
Food offerings simplify to two choices:
⚫︎ Assassin's Creed Dolce Set - ¥800
⚫︎ Assassin's Creed Crest Toast - ¥800
For our preview, we sampled both food items but selected just one beverage. Though craving caffeine, I opted for the Shadows Lemonade to celebrate the launch. After receiving everything on branded trays (plus bonus tote bag), I followed standard influencer protocol - photographing everything before eating.
Culinary Impressions
Surprisingly Satisfying Toast
The venue smelled heavenly upon arrival - melted cheese wafting from thick buttered toast topped with paprika-dusted Brotherhood insignias. Served with syrup (yes, syrup!), this Japanese specialty balances savory cheese and sweet syrup remarkably well. Though cooled slightly during photo-taking, the toast retained perfect texture - crisp exterior giving way to impossibly fluffy interior, demonstrating Japan's legendary bread craftsmanship.
My vibrant red Shadows Lemonade offered refreshing tartness with possible cranberry notes (though perhaps imagined). If anyone identifies additional flavors, feel free to comment!
Desserts Divide Opinions
The Dolce Set presents two pastries: a dense almond-flavored madeleine (best paired with coffee) and an excessively frosted cinnamon cookie. While visually striking (particularly the teal-colored variety I received), the cookie's rock-hard icing forced cautious chewing to avoid dental disaster. The madeleine emerges as the clear dessert favorite.
Exhibition Collection
Replicas and Art Displays
The exhibition area showcases Shadows memorabilia including Yasuke's mask replica, Naoe's Hidden Blade prop, and protagonist costume displays on mannequins (cosplayers would have enhanced photo opportunities). Detailed origami artworks and striking character paintings add visual interest. Many displayed items appear available through PureArts collectibles - though simply appreciating their craftsmanship onsite makes worthwhile viewing.
Final Verdict
Managing Expectations
This limited two-day event (March 22-23, 11am-6:30pm) balances accessibility and exclusivity perfectly. Approach expecting branded cafe fare rather than immersive experience, and you'll leave satisfied. Consider these highlights:
- No entrance fee
- Reasonable themed food/drink pricing
- Quality cheese toast
- Free bonus items (while available)
- Engaging exhibition displays
For local fans visiting Harajuku this weekend, we recommend a 30-minute detour. International fans can enjoy vicariously through this preview.
Event Details
⚫︎ Location: dotcom space Tokyo (1-19-19 Erindale Jingumae B1F, Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001)
⚫︎ Date/Time: March 22-23, 2025, 11:00am-6:30pm (Last Order: 6:00pm)
