Dive into the world of *Assassin's Creed Shadows* with Ubisoft's themed café experience in Harajuku. Launched to celebrate the game's release on March 20th, 2025, this pop-up café offers a glimpse into the beloved series, blending gaming culture with café ambiance. Game8 had the opportunity to preview the event before its public debut, and here’s what we discovered.
A Hidden Gem in Harajuku
Nestled quietly away from the bustling crowds of Takeshita Street, the café exudes exclusivity. Once you locate the entrance, bold neon lights announce “Assassin’s Creed Shadows,” making it impossible to overlook. Inside, the dotcom space Tokyo retains its modern minimalist charm, with white walls, exposed ceilings, and angular furniture creating an inviting yet sleek atmosphere. The venue is estimated to comfortably seat around 40-50 guests at a time.
Themed Touches
While the decor leans more toward surface-level themes, the café doesn’t skimp on Ubisoft pride. Posters of various *Assassin's Creed* games adorn the walls, along with artwork, encyclopedias, and artbooks from previous installments. A projector loops footage from *Shadows in Kyoto*, adding subtle ambiance. Background music from the games complements the space, enhancing the gaming vibe without overwhelming visitors.
Behind the Scenes: Exhibits
Further into the café, exhibits showcase replicas of in-game items such as Yasuke’s mask and Naoe’s Hidden Blade. Faithful recreations of the protagonists’ outfits are displayed on mannequins. For those seeking collectibles, many items, like the Hidden Blade and Yasuke’s helmet, are available for purchase through PureArts. Original origami pieces and detailed figurines add to the artistic flair.
The Menu
Priced reasonably, the menu caters to both budget-conscious and indulgent gamers. Drinks range from 650 to 750 yen ($4-$5 USD), while food items cost 800 yen ($5.30 USD). As a bonus, visitors receive a free goodie bag (while supplies last) and an additional treat for ordering food or drinks.- Drinks: Choose from a latte, mocha, or lemonades inspired by various languages and cultures.
- Food: Two options—a dolce set featuring pastries or a crest toast topped with cheese.
Tasting the Experience
The *Assassin’s Creed Crest Toast* stood out, boasting a delightful balance of salty and sweet flavors. Melted cheese atop buttered toast, decorated with a Brotherhood logo, proved irresistible. The accompanying syrup elevated the dish further, though its lukewarm temperature detracted slightly from perfection. The bread’s texture was superb—soft yet slightly chewy.On the other hand, the Dolce Set felt underwhelming. While the madeleine was moist and flavorful, its density required pairing with coffee rather than lemonade. The accompanying cookie, though visually appealing, lacked substance in both taste and texture.
Worth the Visit?
If you’re an *Assassin’s Creed* fan, the café offers a worthwhile experience. Reasonable pricing, engaging exhibits, and thematic details make it a memorable stop. However, expectations should remain tempered. It’s not an immersive adventure but rather a themed café with food, drinks, and merchandise. Cosplay or live interactions would have added flair, but the current setup remains enjoyable nonetheless.
Event Details:
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).
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