Finding every secret in a game as massive as Assassin’s Creed Shadows usually involves staring at a map icon until your eyes bleed. But Ubisoft did something kinda different this time. They tucked away these gorgeous, ink-brushed wildlife encounters that don't even show up on your map. You've probably heard players buzzing about the AC Shadows Legendary Sumi e paintings.
Honestly? Most people are looking for them the wrong way.
If you’re expecting a quest marker or a giant glowing chest, you’re going to be wandering around the Japanese countryside for hours. These aren't just "items" you pick up. They are moments. You have to be at the right place, in the right season, at the right time of day. It’s basically a high-stakes version of Pokémon Snap, but with a traditional Japanese ink brush and way more sneaking.
👉 See also: Game Center for iOS: Why It Is Still The Secret Sauce For Your iPhone Gaming
The Hunt for the Legendary Five
There are dozens of Sumi-e paintings to find, but only five are "Legendary." These are the ones you need for the A Rare Occurrence trophy. They represent extraordinary animals that seem almost mystical compared to the standard deer or foxes you see near the villages.
Getting them isn't just about finding the coordinates. You’ve got to play the weather.
1. The Legendary Wise Macaques
You’ll find these three guys sitting in front of a Buddha statue, looking like they stepped straight out of a proverb. They’re tucked away in the Yamashiro region, specifically at the Sarumaru Shrine in the Little Leaf Glade.
The trick? You have to go at night.
The season doesn't matter for this one, which makes it the easiest of the five to snag early. Just follow the stone steps behind the shrine and head up the hill. If you see three monkeys chilling in front of a statue, you’re in business. Use Naoe for this. Her stealth is just better for the "Observe" mechanic you need to trigger the painting cutscene.
2. The Legendary Silver Fox
This one is stunning. It’s located at the Kamimisu Inari Shrine in the Kii province (specifically the Nakahechi Route).
Here is where it gets picky:
- Season: Autumn
- Time: Night
You’ll know you’re in the right spot when the fox statues along the stairs are glowing with a weird blue fire. It’s super atmospheric. Crouch down about 40 meters out and creep toward the edge of the cliff. The Silver Fox is tiny and quick—if you spook it, it’s gone.
3. The Legendary Sakura Shika Deer
Located in the Yamato region, specifically Yoshino (Sakura Meadow). This is arguably the prettiest shot in the game.
- Season: Spring
- Time: Night
The pink sakura petals will be everywhere. The deer hangs out at the highest point of the path near the Mountain Blossom Pagoda. If it’s not Spring, don't even bother. The deer simply won't spawn.
4. The Legendary White Tanuki
Head over to Omi, specifically the Shigaraki Hamlet in the Shimmering Fields.
- Season: Summer
- Time: Day
Pro tip: The White Tanuki is a total jerk. It has a huge detection radius. I’ve seen people complain on Reddit that it ran away while they were still 50 meters off. Approach from the road, not the hill, and stay low.
5. The Legendary Red-Crowned Crane
Finally, the Crane. This one is way up north in Wakasa, near Lake Suigetsu.
- Season: Winter
- Time: Day
Look for a ruined, abandoned village in a clearing. The crane will be doing a dramatic wing display in the middle of the snow. It’s a 10/10 screenshot moment.
Why Can't I Find Them? (The Spawn Glitch)
Here’s the thing that drives completionists crazy: even if you have the right season and time, the AC Shadows Legendary Sumi e animals only have about a 30% to 40% chance of actually being there.
It’s not a bug. It’s "immersion."
If you show up and the paintbrush icon doesn't pop up on your compass, don't panic. You just need to "reset" the area. Call your horse and ride at least 200 meters away. Then come back. Usually, after one or two tries, the animal will finally spawn. You can also use fast travel to jump to a nearby point and run back, which seems to force the game to reload the wildlife layer.
Changing the Seasons
Since four of these are season-locked, you might be wondering how to fast-forward time. You can’t just sleep in a bed for three months. Seasons in Assassin’s Creed Shadows move on a roughly 180-minute real-world cycle.
🔗 Read more: How Many Cards You Get in Uno: The Rules People Always Mess Up
However, you can force a jump. Finishing major story quests usually triggers a season shift. If you’re in the "free roam" endgame, just keep an eye on the season tracker in the top right of your map. When it's nearly full, fast traveling or entering your Hideout to tweak decorations can sometimes nudge the game into the next season.
What Do You Actually Get?
Beyond the trophy, each Legendary Sumi-e gives you:
- 500 XP (Decent, but not game-changing).
- Wall Decorations: You can hang the actual ink paintings on the walls of your Hideout.
- Hideout Flavor: It makes your base feel like a scholar's retreat rather than just a murder-planning room.
Some players think these paintings unlock special "Sumi-e" gear sets for Naoe or Yasuke. To be clear: the Legendary Sumi e pack isn't a gear set you find in the wild. If you're looking for Sumi-e themed lithographs or physical art, those are usually tied to the Collector's Edition of the game. The in-game activity is strictly about the collectibles and the "A Rare Occurrence" achievement.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're ready to clear these out, start with the Wise Macaques in Yamashiro since they aren't tied to a season. Once you've got them, check your current in-game season.
If it's Summer, head straight to Omi for that White Tanuki. Don't wait—if the season flips, you'll be waiting another three hours of gameplay for it to come back around. Keep your eyes on the compass; that little paintbrush icon is the only friend you have in this hunt.
Avoid running. Avoid horses when you're within 100 meters. Just crouch, observe, and capture the art.