Hey, fellow gamers! If you’ve been diving into the breathtaking world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows on Steam, you know it’s a masterpiece of feudal Japan vibes, stealthy shinobi action, and jaw-dropping visuals. Developed by Ubisoft and brought to life by xAI’s cutting-edge tech, this game drops you into the shoes of Naoe and Yasuke, two badasses navigating a war-torn landscape. One of the coolest side activities in this title? Kuji-kiri, a meditative mini-game exclusive to Naoe that’s as chill as it is rewarding. In this Kuji-kiri All Locations & Guide, I’m breaking down every single Kuji-kiri location and tossing in some pro tips to master this zen-like challenge. This article was updated on March 27, 2025, so you’re getting the freshest info straight from your pals at GamePulses!🎮
🥷What Is Kuji-kiri in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Let’s kick things off with the basics. Kuji-kiri is a unique side activity where Naoe sits down to meditate at specific spots scattered across the map. Think of it as her moment of peace amidst all the chaos of assassinations and epic battles. It’s not just fluff, though—the first four Kuji-kiri locations you complete unlock flashback quests that dive deep into Naoe’s backstory, making them a must-do for lore lovers. Plus, every Kuji-kiri spot you finish nets you 500 XP and 1 Knowledge Point, perfect for beefing up your skills.
The mini-game itself? It’s a rhythm-based quick-time event (QTE). You’ll press buttons in a set pattern, and as you get into the groove, the tempo speeds up, and the prompts fade away. It’s all about feeling the flow—super satisfying when you nail it! At GamePulses, we’re obsessed with helping you track down all these Kuji-kiri locations, so let’s get to the good stuff.
🕉️How to Find Kuji-kiri Locations
Before we jump into the full list, a quick heads-up: Kuji-kiri spots aren’t marked on your map until you’re close enough to spot the orange meditation icon. Keep an eye out for white question marks while exploring—they’re often a clue that a Kuji-kiri location is nearby. Oh, and heads up, Yasuke can’t interact with these, so switch to Naoe when you’re ready to meditate. Ready to hunt them down? Here’s your ultimate Kuji-kiri guide, province by province!
Kuji-kiri Locations in Izumi Settsu⛰️
Izumi Settsu is where your journey begins, and it’s packed with five Kuji-kiri locations—more than any other province. These spots are mostly clustered in the hills east of Osaka, so get ready to climb!
- Tomiko’s Homestead (Lost Hills)
- Head to the Hideout and swing east toward the small pond. This Kuji-kiri location overlooks the water, surrounded by waterfalls and a cherry tree. It’s a serene vibe and a great starting point.
- Sacred Bridge (Kawachi Heights)
- Southeast of the Hideout, this spot sits atop a hill near the Kawachi Heights Pagoda Viewpoint. You’ll find it along the path’s edge, with a killer view of the valley below.
- Eboshigata Hachiman Shrine (Kawachi Heights)
- Northwest of the Makinoodera Lookout, this Kuji-kiri location is perched under the shrine’s massive archway. It’s got a stunning overlook of the Osaka sub-region—perfect for a quick breather.
- Rolling Glen (Katano Foothills)
- Northeast of Tennoji Temple, this Kuji-kiri spot is tucked between two mountains. Look for it near a Torii gate with Osaka Castle in the distance. Pro tip: it’s on your way to the Hideout, so don’t miss it!
- Nakayama Peak Coast (Nakayama Peak)
- West of Amagasaki Kakurega, cross a small wooden bridge and find this Kuji-kiri location under a big tree overlooking the ocean. It’s a chill spot to soak in the coastal vibes.
Kuji-kiri Locations in Yamashiro🌄
Next up, Yamashiro, just north of Izumi Settsu, has three Kuji-kiri locations. These are nicely spaced out and close to fast travel points, so they’re a breeze to snag.
- Cliffs of Thought (Eagle’s Nest)
- West of Shoryuji Castle, this Kuji-kiri spot is on a mountain ridge. Follow the road from the castle—it’s a bit of a trek, but the view’s worth it.
- Ginkakuji Temple (Hills of Meeting)
- East of Kyoto, this Kuji-kiri location is right in the temple grounds. Head over the river from Shokokuji Temple, and you’ll stumble right into it.
- Kuramadera Temple (Genbu Highlands)
- Up in Yamashiro’s northern tip, this spot’s near a fast travel point. It’s a peaceful retreat with a highland backdrop—ideal for some quiet meditation.
Kuji-kiri Locations in Omi⛩️
Omi’s got two Kuji-kiri locations on the western shore of its massive lake. No need to swim—just stick to the roads!
- Himega Falls (Takashima Shores)
- Near the lake’s northern tip, this Kuji-kiri spot is a scenic gem. Use the Pathfinder feature if the terrain gets tricky—it’ll guide you right to it.
- Omi Trail (Mount Hiei)
- North of Mount Hiei, this one’s a bit remote. Watch out—a level 40 miniboss, “The Pond Yamabushi,” might ambush you here. Come prepared or sprint past if you’re under-leveled!
Kuji-kiri Locations in Iga🌸
Naoe’s home turf, Iga, has two Kuji-kiri locations tied to her roots. One’s a flashback must-do, but both are worth hitting.
- Fujibayashi Homestead (Mibuno Vale)
- Northeast of Ichinomiya, this Kuji-kiri spot auto-completes during your second meditation as part of a flashback quest. It’s Naoe’s home village in winter—super nostalgic.
- Cliffside Buddha (Nabari Wilds)
- Southwest of Iga, near the Yamato border, this spot’s next to a fast travel point. It’s a quick grab with a cool Buddha carving nearby.
Kuji-kiri Locations in Harima🦅
Harima, to the west, offers two Kuji-kiri locations in its northern reaches. One’s a hike, but the other’s a fast travel win.
- Harima’s Peak (Mount Kasagata)
- Northwest of Engyoji, this Kuji-kiri spot is a long climb. Mount up or sprint past enemies to save time.
- Mount Sen (Mount Kasagata)
- East of Harima’s Peak, this one’s right by a viewpoint. The giant Buddha carving makes it a standout meditation spot.
Kuji-kiri Locations in Yamato⚔️
Yamato’s two Kuji-kiri locations are perfect for Knowledge Point grinding, especially with nearby collectibles.
- Soni Highlands (Uda Matsuyama)
- East of Uda Matsuyama, near a small lake, this Kuji-kiri spot is close to two viewpoints. Easy access, big rewards.
- Nyoirinji Footpath (Yoshino)
- North of Yoshino, this spot’s nestled in forested paths near a temple. Pair it with a Shrine visit for extra loot!
Kuji-kiri Locations in Tamba🧘♀️
Tamba’s got two Kuji-kiri locations that are straightforward to snag—perfect for a quick meditation break.
- Annoji Temple (Kameyama)
- Hidden in the temple grounds, this Kuji-kiri spot’s a calm retreat. Look for it near the main structures.
- Sukyoji Bell (Miyazu Bay)
- Near an old Buddhist bell tower, this spot’s got a serene coastal feel. It’s an easy find with a big payoff.
Kuji-kiri Locations in Wakasa⭕
Wakasa, up north, has two Kuji-kiri locations—one’s chill, the other’s a trek.
- Pond of the Heron (Obama)
- South of Obama, this Kuji-kiri spot’s by a peaceful pond. It’s a relaxing stop on the shore.
- Kajii Monzeki Temple (Onyu Pass)
- Far east near Omi, this one’s remote. Tackle it early or save it for later with a fast travel hop.
Kuji-kiri Locations in Kii🕉️
Kii’s massive, but it’s got just two Kuji-kiri locations—both scenic as hell.
- Kumano Nachi Waterfall (Kumano Sanzan)
- Southeast of Kii, near the waterfall base. Drop south from Maruyama Shrine for a stunning approach.
- Shores of Kii (Sazae Oni Shores)
- Along the southern coast, this Kuji-kiri spot’s by the ocean. Hug the shoreline from the river mouth to find it.
🛡️Pro Tips for Mastering Kuji-kiri
Alright, you’ve got all 22 Kuji-kiri locations locked down—nice work! But how do you ace the mini-game itself? Here’s your GamePulses-approved Kuji-kiri guide:
- Feel the Rhythm: The button prompts fade, so focus on the timing. It’s like a musical beat—tap when the circle shrinks to the sweet spot.
- Auto Mode Hack: Struggling with QTEs? Head to Options > Gameplay > Quick Time Events and set it to Auto. It’ll breeze through every Kuji-kiri (and Yasuke’s Katas) without voiding the Zen Master trophy.
- Prep for Fights: That Omi Trail spot with the level 40 boss? Either level up or dodge like a pro—Naoe’s squishy early on.
⚔️Why Kuji-kiri Locations Matter
Tracking down all these Kuji-kiri locations isn’t just about the Zen Master trophy (though that’s a sweet flex). It’s about soaking in Naoe’s story and racking up those Knowledge Points to unlock killer skills. At GamePulses, we’re all about maxing out your Assassin’s Creed Shadows experience, and these meditation spots are a chill way to do it. So grab Naoe, hit the trails, and let’s get meditating!🎮
