Kyoto, Xanadu & Hirasaka Academy

Kyoto Xanadu unfolds in a modern Japan whose history took a different turn: Kyoto (亰都) — the thousand-year capital — never gave up that role. The result is a present-day metropolis where neon and expressways sit beside torii gates and Onmyōdō tradition, and where the old capital's spiritual heritage still shapes who holds power.

Hirasaka Academy

At the centre of the story is Hirasaka Academy (比良坂学園), the school the protagonist Rei Kamiya transfers into. Its students are Qualified Ones (適格者) — young people who can manifest a Soul Device and cross into the otherworld. Academy life mixes ordinary classes with ranked expeditions, and much of the game's social layer plays out in its clubs, chapel, research tower and student council.

The otherworld Xanadu

Beneath and beyond the academy lies Xanadu (異界ザナドゥ), an otherworld that manifests within the city. It is reached through the Hirasaka Great Labyrinth (比良坂大迷宮), a layered dungeon whose shifting "Uncertain Zones" test every team that descends. Xanadu runs on Aether, the ambient energy that both empowers and, in excess, poisons those who linger too long.

Teams and the climb

Conquering the Labyrinth is a competition. Students form ranked teams — Eleven O'Clock, Futen, Starry Night Traveler and others — each backed by a faction, from Onmyō Bureau families to overseas syndicates. Rei's declaration that he will completely conquer the Great Labyrinth sets him against all of them, and against whatever waits at its depths.