Assassin’s Creed Shadows Guide
How To Open Every Kuji-Kiri Meditation Location In Assassin’s Creed Shadows
There are 22 Kuji-Kiri meditation locations in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and they can only be completed while playing as Naoe.
Quick Answer
There are 22 Kuji-Kiri meditation locations in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and they can only be completed while playing as Naoe. Each meditation spot appears as an orange meditation icon after discovering nearby white question marks on the map.
To complete a Kuji-Kiri, sit on the meditation mat and finish the rhythm-based QTE sequence. If the button prompts become too difficult to memorize, you can enable Auto Quick Time Events in the gameplay settings to automatically complete every meditation challenge.
Finishing all 22 Kuji-Kiri locations unlocks the Zen Master trophy and rewards knowledge points used for upgrading your skill tree.
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Full Guide
All Kuji-Kiri Locations In Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Kuji-Kiri are meditation spots tied to Naoe and her memories. The first four you complete trigger special flashback sequences tied to her story, while the remaining locations reward XP and knowledge points.
All meditation spots remain available after the story, so nothing here is missable.
How The Kuji-Kiri Meditation Minigame Works
Every Kuji-Kiri begins with a rhythm-based quick-time event where you repeat a sequence of button presses.
The challenge becomes harder over time because:
- The timing circles shrink
- The rhythm speeds up
- The button prompts eventually disappear entirely
You must memorize the pattern and continue tapping to the rhythm even without visual prompts.
If you struggle with the timing, open:
System → Options → Gameplay → Quick Time Events → Auto
This automatically completes all Kuji-Kiri inputs and still counts toward the trophy.
Izumi Settsu Kuji-Kiri Locations
Eboshigata Hachiman Shrine
Found in Kawachi Heights near the western side of the shrine grounds.
Sacred Bridge
Located high in the mountains southeast of Naoe’s Hideout in Kawachi Heights.
Katano Foothills
Found along the eastern road leading toward Osaka.
League Hideout
Located east of the hideout near Tomiko’s Homestead in Lost Hills.
Windy Shores
Found along the southern shoreline of Nakayama Peak.
Yamashiro Kuji-Kiri Locations
The Cliffs of Thought
Located in the Eagle’s Nest region.
Kuramadera Temple
Found in the Genbu Highlands near the temple grounds.
Ginkakuji Garden
Located near the ponds and gardens in the Hills of Meeting.
Omi Kuji-Kiri Locations
Himega Falls
Found in the Takashima Shores region.
Omi Trail
Located on Mount Hiei. Be careful here because a powerful level 40 enemy called The Pond Yamabushi can ambush you during meditation.
If the enemy has a skull icon, leave and return later unless you enjoy getting deleted in one hit.
Iga Kuji-Kiri Locations
Fujibayashi Homestead
Found in Mibuno Vale. This one automatically completes during Naoe’s second meditation flashback sequence.
Cliffside Buddha
Located in the Nabari Wilds region.
Harima Kuji-Kiri Locations
Harima’s Peak
Found in Mount Kasagata.
Mount Sen
Also located within Mount Kasagata.
Yamato Kuji-Kiri Locations
Soni Highlands
Located in Uda Matsuyama.
Nyoirinji Footpath
Found in the Yoshino region.
Kii Kuji-Kiri Locations
Kumano Nachi Waterfall
Located in Kumano Sanzan.
Shores of Kii
Found near the shoreline of Sazae Oni Shores close to a Torii gate.
Tamba Kuji-Kiri Locations
Annoji Temple
Located in Kameyama.
Sukyoji Bell
Found north of the main building in Miyazu Bay.
Wakasa Kuji-Kiri Locations
Kajii Monzeki Temple
Located in the Onyu Pass region.
Pond of the Heron
Found southwest of Obama.
Why Kuji-Kiri Are Worth Completing
Besides unlocking the Zen Master trophy, Kuji-Kiri meditations are one of the fastest ways to earn knowledge points early in the game.
The first four also expand Naoe’s backstory and are required to fully progress her narrative during the later acts of the game.
They are quick, relaxing, and honestly a nice break from stealth assassinations and accidental rooftop swan dives.
Video
Step-by-Step
- Switch to Naoe
- Explore white question marks on the map
- Locate the orange meditation icon
- Sit on the meditation mat
- Complete the rhythm-based QTE
- Repeat until all 22 locations are finished
What You Need
- Play as Naoe
- Access to regional exploration
- Basic map synchronization for easier travel
- Optional: Auto QTE enabled in settings
Best Strategy
Focus on completing nearby Kuji-Kiri while clearing viewpoints and castles in each region. Most meditation spots are close to roads, shrines, or major landmarks, making them easy to combine with normal exploration.
If you only care about the Zen Master trophy, turn on automatic quick-time events immediately. Your thumbs will thank you later.
Warnings
The Omi Trail meditation can trigger a level 40 miniboss encounter with The Pond Yamabushi. Low-level players should leave and return later unless they want a very short meditation session.
Rewards
- Zen Master trophy
- Knowledge Points
- XP rewards
- Additional Naoe flashback memories
Tips
The first four Kuji-Kiri you complete always trigger flashback quests regardless of location order. Don’t stress about following a perfect route early on.
Also, yes, turning on Auto QTE still counts. Gami fully supports working smarter, not harder.
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