Deep in the forests of Japan, Makino Kurumazuka Kofun holds more than just old stone—it hides puzzles, traps, and treasure that challenge both the mind and reflexes. In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, this ancient tomb is one of the more engaging underground areas. It tests your ability to stay alert, read your environment, and make smart choices.

This guide breaks down how to find, enter, and complete the kofun. From traps to treasure, here’s everything you need to know to finish it with confidence.

Makino Kurumazuka Kofun is east of Takatsuki, close to the edge of the Yawata Plains. You’ll likely spot it while exploring Izumi Settsu or taking on the side mission called “Whispers of the Dead.”

Quick Tips:

• Activate the Eagle Shrine Fast Travel Point nearby to make return visits easier.

• Bring at least two lockpicks, a melee weapon for breakable doors, and some torch oil.

• Watch for explosive barrels—they help reveal shortcuts and secret areas.

• Prepare a bow or teppo for ranged puzzle triggers and trap disarming.

Nearby points of interest like Cutter’s Watchtower give you a visual overview of the terrain. From there, it’s easy to scout the tomb entrance and surrounding paths.

Look for the circular hill surrounded by torii gates and lanterns. A weak wall blocks the way—use your bow, teppo, or sword to break it. Light the torch near the entrance to open the door.

Stepping inside triggers the mission “Complete the Makino Kurumazuka.” 

There are three major parts to this kofun:

1. The trap chamber with spike plates and dart launchers.

2. A symbol lock puzzle where you rotate disks.

3. The treasure room with glyph-based doors.

Each room also hides additional side paths where you can find another wooden platform , smash destructible walls, and grab extra knowledge points or lore scrolls.

This chamber is about timing and movement. Once you light the torch, traps will activate. You’ll need to step only on tiles marked with fox paw prints.

Tip:

• Watch the flame. When it flickers, it signals the traps will reset. That’s your time to move.

• If you hit a dead end, check for cracks in the wall and use explosive barrels to clear blocked hallways.

• Look for scrolls containing XP boosts and kofun rewards like crafting materials.

The next room features a large stone door with rotating symbols. Nearby, a fallen shrine holds a clue in red ink. It lists five natural elements: fox, river, wind, flame, and moon.

Rotate the discs to match those symbols. When correct, the door opens, and you gain a passive bonus that boosts stealth called Clear Mind , which directly extends the Clear Mind ability tree if you've unlocked Yasuke.

This last area holds three glyph doors. Each one represents a theme:

• Ancestry (spiral symbols)

• Sacrifice (blood drop symbols)

• Rebirth (lotus petals)

Solve each one by placing matching stone slabs nearby. When done, a legendary chest appears.

Inside, you’ll find:

• Kofun Relic Blade , a powerful melee weapon.

• A scroll tied to the Blush of the Earth legendary bow —completing this starts the quest to complete the Blush of the Earth legendary bow .

• Crafting items and gear upgrades.

The tomb is believed to house Takamoto Kuruma , a warrior who later became a monk. The puzzles reflect that dual life—first challenging your fighting instincts, then your focus and patience.

Reading the final scroll adds this tomb to your lorebook under “Complete Makino Kurumazuka Kofun Walkthrough.”

The environment echoes his legacy: serene one moment, deadly the next. It’s this contrast that makes this kofun more memorable than others.

• Equip a bow or teppo for ranged puzzle switches.

• Use explosive barrels to bypass blocked passages.

• Return after unlocking Yasuke for new dialogue and insight.

• Explore back corridors for secret lore tied to Settsu’s Rebellion .

• Completing this kofun raises your synchronization percentage in the region, helping you unlock a trophy related to tomb mastery.

Whether you're looking to unlock Yasuke, finish every tomb, or max out your gear, this kofun is worth your time. The mix of movement, puzzles, and lore makes it one of the standout sites in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. If you're aiming to complete the Makino Kurumazuka , don’t rush—search every corner.