In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the AC Shadows Kuji Kiri locations are more than collectibles, they’re gateways to mastering the game’s most spiritual and stealth-driven mechanics. These mystical seals are scattered all across Japan, tucked away in shrines, forests, and ancient temples. Each one sharpens your Shinobi or Samurai abilities, deepening your connection with the world’s hidden traditions. If you want to find all Kuji Kiri without missing any secret spots, this complete guide has you covered.
What Are Kuji Kiri in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Kuji Kiri, translated as “Nine Hand Seals,” are ancient symbols tied to ninja and samurai traditions. In the game, they appear as collectible seals representing spiritual focus and discipline. Collecting them enhances your character’s progression and may unlock unique visual upgrades or stat bonuses, depending on your path. You’ll often spot them near meditation areas, shrines, or after completing stealth missions that demand patience and timing.
How Kuji Kiri Work
Each Kuji Kiri corresponds to one of the nine ninja hand signs: Rin, Pyo, To, Sha, Kai, Jin, Retsu, Zai, and Zen. Discovering a seal grants XP, along with boosts to stealth, stamina, or awareness. Completing the entire sequence unlocks a special meditation technique that reshapes your combat rhythm and style.
Kuji Kiri Locations Overview
The Kuji Kiri are spread across several provinces, each offering distinct exploration challenges. Whether you’re navigating stealth-heavy fortresses or spiritual shrines, these areas contain every seal you’ll need to complete your collection. Here’s how they’re distributed across the main regions in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, based on verified AC Shadows Kuji Kiri locations from official guides.
Kyoto Region: The spiritual heart of the land hides several seals near temples and shrines. Check the Fushimi Inari Shrine’s upper terrace for one behind a line of fox statues. Another is near the Kiyomizu Temple waterfall path, accessible after completing a local monk’s side quest.
Iga Province: The home of the Shinobi arts features multiple Kuji Kiri inside forest compounds. The first lies in a bamboo grove east of Iga Village, marked by prayer ribbons. Another can be found in a small cave behind the Blacksmith’s Dojo, guarded by bandits.
Azuchi Castle Area: Within Oda Nobunaga’s domain, stealth is critical. One seal is hidden in the rear garden beside the koi pond, while another rests in a tower room accessible only via Naoe’s grappling ability. Completing this infiltration silently can reward you with both seals in one run.
Mount Ibuki: High-altitude seals test your endurance. The first sits near the mountain’s base shrine, while the second is on the peak among the wind shrines. Follow fox spirits, they often lead you to secret routes.
Nara Plains: The open fields conceal Kuji Kiri within ruined monasteries. One lies inside the collapsed chamber of Tōdai-ji Monastery. Another is hidden behind a waterfall cave, accessible after solving a torch puzzle.
Sakai Port: The southern city hides one Kuji Kiri behind the merchant quarter, inside a locked storehouse. Another appears after completing a stealth contract involving a smuggler ring in the same area.
Tips for Finding Every Kuji Kiri
To complete your collection efficiently, start with synchronization points. Most Kuji Kiri locations are visible from major landmarks once you synchronize a region. Use Naoe’s Eagle Vision to detect golden spiritual trails. Listen for a faint chime sound, it signals a nearby seal.
Equip light gear and stealth charms to move faster through hidden areas. Some seals require solving environment puzzles involving mirrors, pressure plates, or candles. Others demand silent eliminations before unlocking. When clues run thin, check local rumor boards or talk to monks and informants for cryptic hints.
Benefits of Completing All Kuji Kiri
Collecting every Kuji Kiri offers more than bragging rights. Completing the full set unlocks the Path of the Nine Spirits technique, a unique meditation stance that enhances focus and slows enemy perception in combat. It also improves stealth recovery speed and stamina regeneration, making missions smoother and faster. Players who love exploration and silent takedowns will find the rewards especially satisfying.
Final Thoughts
The AC Shadows Kuji Kiri locations reflect the heart of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, a perfect balance of discipline, mystery, and discovery. Exploring these sacred places reveals Japan’s ancient traditions while sharpening your skills as a silent warrior. Whether you’re uncovering seals in Kyoto’s temples or Iga’s forests, every find brings you closer to becoming a true master of shadows.
Read More: Face the Kappa in AC Shadows: Secret Location and How to Beat It
