Where to find Kuji-Kiri locations in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Kuji-kiri are a type of side activity in Assassin’s Creed Shadows that are, at least in part, essential for completing Naoe’s storyline.

Kuji-kiri are spots places where Naoe meditates, and tend to be tucked away in remote locations — which means that finding all Kuji-kiri locations in Assassin’s Creed Shadows mandates navigating some mountainous, uninhabited places.

In this in-progress Assassin’s Creed Shadows guide, we’ll go over what Kuji-kiri are and show you all the Kuji-kiri locations we’ve found so far.

Update (March 24): We’ve added additional Kuji-kiri locations.

How to complete Kuji-kiri in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Kuji-kiri are meditation spots used by Naoe, and you’ll need to complete at least four to finish the first part of her storyline. Interact with a Kuji-kiri to trigger a mini-game with a button-prompt sequence. Various button inputs will appear on the screen, and you’ll have to tap them in the correct order in the correct timing to complete the mini-game.

You’ll get one knowledge point for every Kuji-kiri you complete. Note, though, that Yasuke won’t be able to play these objectives — you must switch to Naoe to start a Kuji-kiri.

For the first four Kuji-kiri you complete will then automatically start a flashback quest, filling in the background of Naoe’s story. You must complete this quest (which will easily take between 10 and 30 minutes) before you return to the main open-world.

Below, we’ll detail all Kuji-kiri locations we’ve found so far, organized by province, in the general order in which you go through these provinces in the main story.

Izumi Settsu Kuji-Kiri locations

The first province in Assassin’s Creed Shadows contains five Kuji-kiri locations, which is more than you’ll find in the rest. You’ll find most of them in the hills east of Osaka. Take note that one of these Kuji-kiri locations is inside the Hideout, on the east side of the grassy field. Since this one is particularly effortless to reach, it’s a good place to start Naoe’s Journey.

Yamashiro Kuji-Kiri locations

The region north of Izumi Settsu, Yamashiro, has three Kuji-kiri locations. Luckily, they’re all fairly close to synchronization points, making them easier to reach via fast travel. Situated on a mountain, the Kuji-kiri west of Shoryuji is the trickiest to reach, but there’s a road you can follow from the castle. 

Omi Kuji-Kiri locations

No need to traverse that huge lake; the two Kuji-kiri locations in Omi, the northeastern region, are found on the western shore. Neither is particularly close to a viewpoint, but they are connected by a road, so there’s no treacherous climbing involved.

Iga Kuji-Kiri locations

If you’re up for a blast from the past in Naoe’s home region, the eastern province of Iga, the two Kuji-kiri locations you must find are located in the northeast and southwest. The one in the northeast is right next to Naoe’s house.

Harima Kuji-Kiri locations

The western province of Harima houses two Kuji-kiri locations, both found in the north. The one on Mount Sen is next to a viewpoint, so you can easily save it for later, but beware that the Kuji-kiri in the northwest is very remote, so it’s best to tackle it as soon as you’ve found it and save yourself a lengthy return trip.

Yamato Kuji-Kiri locations

There are two Kuji-kiri spots in the eastern province of Yamato. The one in Yoshino, the southeast, is especially interesting if you’re looking to boost your Knowledge Rank, as it’s right next to a Temple with Lost Pages and a Shrine. Luckily, both Kuji-kiri locations in Yamato are fairly close to a viewpoint, so you can easily teleport back if you’d rather tackle them later.

Wakasa Kuji-Kiri locations

You will find two Kuji-kiri locations in Wakasa, one of the two northern regions. One Kuji-kiri is south of Obama, on the shore, and the other is very close to Omi in the east. Beware that the one in the east is very remote, far from the nearest teleport waypoint, so it’s best to postpone a visit if you aren’t eager to use the Kuji-kiri spot right away.

Check back soon for more Kuji-kiri locations in Assassin’s Creed Shadows!

For more Assassin’s Creed Shadows guides, see our running lists of Lost Pages and armor locations. Or see our full Assassin’s Creed Shadows walkthrough, and our guides on how to get all companions and romance options.