Everyone remembers the first time they sat down on a straw mat in Tsushima, whipped out a flute, and stared at a tree until a haiku popped out. It was peaceful. But let’s be real—after twenty of them, you were just clicking buttons for the headband. Sucker Punch knows this. In the shift from Jin Sakai’s era to Atsu’s journey in 1603, the "meditative collectible" has evolved. Enter the Ghost of Yotei sumi-e locations. Instead of just arranging syllables about death and clouds, you're now hunting for specific vistas to capture the rugged, untamed beauty of Ezo through traditional ink wash painting.
It's different this time.
Mount Yotei isn’t the lush, manicured garden that much of Tsushima was. It’s a beast. The northern frontier of what we now call Hokkaido is defined by sharp peaks, freezing tundras, and volcanic activity. Tracking down every single one of the Ghost of Yotei sumi-e locations requires more than just following yellow birds; it requires an eye for the "negative space" that defines this specific Japanese art style.
Why the Sumi-e Mechanics Change Everything
If you’re looking for these spots, you have to understand the art style itself. Sumi-e isn't about detail. It’s about the essence. When Atsu sits down to paint, the game shifts into a mini-game that mirrors the flow of ink on rice paper. You aren't just "finding" a spot; you’re capturing a moment in a landscape that is actively trying to kill you.
The locations are scattered across the base of the volcano and the surrounding plains. Unlike the Fox Dens, which were everywhere, these painting spots are more intentional. They are usually tucked away in areas where the silhouette of the environment creates a perfect high-contrast image. Think dark basalt rocks against blinding white snow.
Honestly, it's kinda brilliant. The developers used the sumi-e locations to force players to actually look at the new terrain height maps. In the previous game, you could mostly ignore the verticality unless you were climbing a shrine. Here, the perspective matters. A painting spot might be halfway up a cliffside, not because there’s a treasure there, but because that’s the only angle where the light hits the caldera just right.
Tracking the Ghost of Yotei Sumi-e Locations in the Wild
You’ll usually find the first one near the base of the mountain, shortly after the world opens up following the introductory act. Look for the tattered white banners. In the 1603 setting, these spots are often marked by traveling artists or monks who braved the cold before the regional conflicts turned the North into a war zone.
The Lowland Marshes
Down in the wetter parts of the map, the sumi-e spots focus on the reeds and the way the water reflects the sky. There’s one specific location—roughly northwest of the initial ronin camp—where you have to navigate a series of stepping stones to reach a small island. It’s easy to miss. Most players sprint past it because they’re worried about the wolves or the Ronin patrols. Stop. Look for the flat rock with the ink stone sitting on it.
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The Volcanic Ridges
As you climb higher toward Mount Yotei, the sumi-e locations become much more dramatic. The ink wash style thrives here. Why? Because the volcanic ash creates natural grey gradients that look exactly like diluted ink. There is a specific ridge overlooking the smoking vents where the wind is so high you can actually hear the paper rattling in Atsu's hands. It’s intense.
- Look for the contrast: If an area has a mix of dark pine trees and white birch, there’s probably a painting spot nearby.
- The Bird Rule: Yes, the golden birds are back, but they are more erratic in the snowy climate. They’ll lead you to sumi-e spots, but they might also lead you into a bear’s den. Heads up.
- Weather matters: Some locations are "locked" behind certain weather patterns. You can’t paint a sumi-e masterpiece of a mountain peak if it’s buried in a blizzard. You might need to use the flute to clear the sky—if that mechanic stays consistent—or simply wait it out in a nearby cave.
The Cultural Weight of the Brush
Sucker Punch didn't just pick sumi-e because it looks cool. By 1603, Japan was transitioning. The Sengoku period was technically over, but the frontier was still the Wild West. Sumi-e was a Zen practice. It was about finding stillness in a world that was basically a chaotic mess of blood and snow.
When you find these Ghost of Yotei sumi-e locations, the game usually rewards you with a cosmetic—sometimes a new wrap for your weapon, sometimes a piece of gear that reflects the "spirit" of the painting. But the real reward is the gallery. Unlike the haikus, which were just text on a screen, you can actually view these paintings in your menu. They form a visual diary of Atsu’s journey from a vengeful ghost to something... different.
Common Misconceptions About the Map Markers
A lot of people think you can just buy a map from a merchant to reveal all the Ghost of Yotei sumi-e locations. You can't. Not early on, anyway. You have to earn them through exploration. The game rewards curiosity. If you see a lone tree on a hill that looks like it belongs on a postcard, chances are there's an ink stone waiting for you there.
Also, don't confuse these with the "Shinto Shrines." Shrines are platforming puzzles. Sumi-e locations are observational puzzles. You have to find the right path, sure, but the challenge is more about navigating the environmental hazards of Hokkaido than it is about jumping between beams.
Navigating the Heights of Ezo
The climb up Mount Yotei is the core of the game’s identity. It’s a "stratovolcano," which means it has that perfect conical shape, similar to Mount Fuji. This makes it a central landmark you can see from almost anywhere.
To find the highest sumi-e spots, you’ll need to master the new climbing mechanics. Atsu is more agile than Jin. She uses tools that feel more "frontier-ready." Some of the best painting spots are hidden behind "soft" world barriers—places that look inaccessible until you realize you can grapple to a frozen waterfall or shimmy along a narrow ledge.
One particular spot—I won't spoil the exact coordinate—requires you to descend into a ravine before climbing back up the other side. It’s a bait-and-switch. You think the painting spot is at the top of the waterfall, but it’s actually tucked into a small alcove behind the water. The contrast of the dark cave mouth and the sparkling water makes for the best ink wash piece in the entire game.
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Actionable Tips for Completionists
If you’re trying to 100% the map, the Ghost of Yotei sumi-e locations are going to be your biggest hurdle alongside the various duels. Here is how you actually get them done without wasting hours wandering in circles.
- Upgrade your "Wind" early. If the skill tree allows for a "Wind of Art" or something similar, grab it immediately. It saves you from the frustration of being 50 meters away from a location and not seeing it because of a snowdrift.
- Listen for the brush. The audio design in this game is insane. When you get close to a meditation or sumi-e spot, the background music often shifts. You’ll hear a subtle, rhythmic scratching sound or a single string instrument. It’s a diegetic cue that you’re in a place of peace.
- Check the peaks first. It’s tempting to stay in the valleys where it’s safe, but most sumi-e spots are elevated. They want to show off the draw distance. If you see a high point with a clear view of the volcano, go there.
- Use the Photo Mode to scout. If you’re stuck, pop into photo mode and crank the height of the camera. You can usually spot the white banners or the flat meditation mats from a bird’s eye view. It’s a bit of a "cheese" tactic, but hey, the North is a tough place.
The hunt for these locations isn't just a checklist. It’s the game’s way of making you appreciate the art direction. Every time you dip that brush into the ink, you're connecting the 1603 setting to the actual history of Japanese aesthetics.
Next Steps for Your Journey
- Start by clearing the Fog of War around the southern foothills of Mount Yotei; three locations are clustered there within riding distance of each other.
- Prioritize the "Ink and Iron" side quest if it appears in your log, as it often marks the first three major painting spots on your map automatically.
- Focus on gaining the Grappling Hook upgrade before attempting the summit locations, or you'll find yourself staring at painting spots you physically cannot reach.
By the time you finish the final painting, you’ll have more than just a trophy. You’ll have a collection of art that tells the story of the land Atsu is trying to protect—or conquer. Just remember to keep your sword close; the most beautiful views in Ezo are usually guarded by the deadliest enemies.