Capcom’s development team behind Onimusha has revealed that they dedicated two years solely to obtaining the rights to use the late Toshiro Mifune’s likeness for the character Musashi Miyamoto in Onimusha: Way of the Sword. However, their commitment to authenticity extends beyond character portrayal to the game’s environments as well.
The latest Onimusha installment is set in a dark fantasy version of Kyoto during the Edo-period and features numerous historical landmarks. The recently launched demo, for instance, takes place at the renowned Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Director Satoru Nihei and producer Akihito Kadowaki recently shared insights with 4Gamer, noting that the game also recreates sites typically closed to the public. A prime example is the well at Kyoto’s Rokudō Chinnō-ji, a Buddhist temple believed to have been established in 836, which was showcased during the Summer Game Fest 2026.
The significance of this location in Onimusha stems from its folklore. The well, situated in the temple’s rear, has been regarded since the Middle Ages as a “gateway to the underworld” in Japanese mythology. According to legend, the Heian-period official and poet Ono no Takamura (802-853) would use the well nightly to journey to the realm of Enma, the King of Hell, where he served in the ruler’s court before returning to the living world each morning.
Furthermore, the temple’s proximity to an ancient cremation ground has led to its association with the six Buddhist realms of existence, making it a symbolic crossroads between life and death. This aligns perfectly with Onimusha’s narrative, prompting the developers to meticulously include the site in Way of the Sword.
Capcom’s team approached the project with care, fearing that direct contact with the temple might be inappropriate. Producer Kadowaki revealed that the Kyoto City local government facilitated the collaboration. Despite the well being inaccessible to the public in reality, the developers ensured its faithful recreation in the game. Nihei and Kadowaki encourage players to explore and appreciate this unique location within the game.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword is scheduled for release on September 25 for OC (Steam), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. A free demo is available on all platforms.