TL;DR
- Kuji-kiri are meditation mini-games exclusive to Naoe that unlock her backstory through flashback quests
- Complete at least four Kuji-kiri to advance Naoe’s main storyline and earn knowledge points
- Locations are hidden in remote mountainous areas, with five spots in the first province alone
- Switch to Naoe character specifically as Yasuke cannot access these meditation activities
- Each completed Kuji-kiri triggers 10-30 minute flashback quests before returning to open world
Discover Naoe’s personal history while accumulating valuable knowledge points through specialized meditation activities.
Kuji-kiri represent a distinctive side activity within Assassin’s Creed Shadows that play a crucial role in advancing Naoe’s character narrative. These meditation sequences aren’t merely optional content—they’re integral to understanding her complete story arc.
Kuji-kiri locations serve as meditation zones specifically for Naoe, typically concealed in isolated, hard-to-reach areas. Finding every Kuji-kiri spot requires thorough exploration of mountainous terrain and uninhabited regions throughout the game world.
This comprehensive Assassin’s Creed Shadows guide explains Kuji-kiri mechanics and reveals every known Kuji-kiri location available in the game.
Recent Update (April 4): Our team has discovered and verified additional Kuji-kiri meditation spots.
Kuji-kiri function as Naoe’s personal meditation stations, with completion of at least four required to finish the initial segment of her storyline. When you interact with a Kuji-kiri, it activates a timing-based mini-game featuring sequential button prompts. The challenge involves precisely tapping displayed button inputs in both correct sequence and proper timing to successfully complete the meditation sequence.
Each completed Kuji-kiri rewards you with one knowledge point. Importantly, Yasuke cannot participate in these activities—you must specifically switch to playing as Naoe to initiate any Kuji-kiri session.
The initial four Kuji-kiri completions automatically trigger flashback quests that expand upon Naoe’s background story. You’ll need to finish these narrative segments (typically requiring 10-30 minutes each) before regaining access to the main open-world gameplay.
Below, we detail all confirmed Kuji-kiri locations organized by provincial regions, following the general progression sequence of the main storyline.
The opening province in Assassin’s Creed Shadows features five separate Kuji-kiri locations, representing the highest concentration you’ll encounter in any single region. Most cluster within the eastern hills surrounding Osaka. Particularly noteworthy is one Kuji-kiri situated inside the Hideout, positioned on the eastern edge of the grassy field. This easily accessible location makes an ideal starting point for Naoe’s personal journey.
Expert Navigation Strategy: When searching for Kuji-kiri spots, prioritize high elevation points and secluded forest areas. These meditation sites often blend naturally with the environment, requiring careful observation rather than relying solely on map markers. Use your eagle vision frequently to highlight interactive elements in difficult terrain.
Province Progression Tips: Later provinces contain fewer Kuji-kiri locations but often require more complex navigation puzzles to access. Plan your route to combine Kuji-kiri exploration with main story objectives in each region to maximize efficiency. For comprehensive gameplay strategies, consult our Complete Guide to master similar exploration challenges.
Character Management: Many players forget that Kuji-kiri are exclusively available to Naoe. Before embarking on meditation hunts, ensure you’ve switched characters at a safe house. Attempting to access these spots with Yasuke will prove frustratingly impossible. For optimal character selection strategies, reference our Class Guide which covers similar specialization principles.
Timing Challenge Mastery: The button-sequence mini-games require precise timing rather than rapid tapping. Watch for visual cues and rhythm patterns—rushing typically leads to failure. Practice the timing with the easier Hideout location before attempting more remote spots.
Quest Integration Planning: Since flashback quests trigger immediately after Kuji-kiri completion and block open-world access, schedule these sessions when you have 15-45 minutes uninterrupted. The initial four flashbacks are essential narrative elements, while subsequent completions focus on knowledge point accumulation. For weapon strategies that complement this gameplay style, explore our Weapons Unlock guide.
Common Pitfalls: Avoid attempting multiple Kuji-kiri in quick succession without completing the intervening flashback quests. The game may not properly track your progress if you stack activations. Always finish one flashback completely before seeking the next meditation spot.
Action Checklist
- Switch to Naoe character at safe house before Kuji-kiri hunting
- Start with Hideout location for practice with timing mechanics
- Complete first four Kuji-kiri to unlock essential story flashbacks
- Use eagle vision frequently in mountainous areas to spot hidden locations
- Schedule Kuji-kiri sessions when you have time for immediate flashback quests
No reproduction without permission:Game Guides » Kuji-Kiri locations list in Assassin’s Creed Shadows Master Kuji-kiri meditation spots in Assassin's Creed Shadows to unlock Naoe's backstory and earn valuable knowledge points
