Special Places in Ghost of Yotei are quiet, secluded locations spread throughout the world that represent the essence of contemplation and serenity. They can be identified by a tiny wooden sign showing a bowing samurai, commonly surroundered by the stillness of nature. Visiting ten of the spots is necessary to gain the “Harmony of the Land” Trophy, but several more can be found throughout the map.
Unlike Altars, Fox Dens, or Shrines, these sites are not found on your map nor rumored about by travelers or quests. You have to find them by exploration and careful observation of the slight environmental clues — the shine of water, the movement of leaves, or the sound of wind. When you bow or play your Shamisen at one of these sites, the world itself reacts: leaves spin around, petals drop away, and occasionally, animals come near in veneration.
Here are ten proven Special Places — that should be enough to win your Trophy and enjoy some of the game’s most peaceful moments.
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Yotei Grasslands
Lake Shikotsu
Along the eastern shore of Shikotsu Lake, follow the lake’s curve until you see a wooden sign tucked into Yotei’s Shadow Roses and Lotus flowers. Bow to it to mark this first Special Place. The petals will dance around Atsu in a gentle, red tide — an understated acknowledgment of the lake’s spiritual energy.
The Three Rivers Confluence
West of Shadow Inn of Yotei, there is a confluence of three rivers. Enter the forest on the north of this meeting place. There is a ring of stone statues here — a suggestion of an Altar of Reflection close by — and standing in their center is the Special Place sign. Bowing here ruffles the river breeze, which sends leaves skittering across the surface of the water.
Ishikari Plain
Nakagoya Spring
Travel north to Nakagoya Spring, the most peaceful spot in the area. On your map, align yourself with the top of the third “A” in “Nakagoya.” Standing at the cliff edge, facing the valley, look southwest for the sign. Bowing here calls forth a gentle breeze that ruffles the surface of the spring below.
Rumoi River Overlook
South of the Rumoi River and west of the Masked Man’s Quarry lies a field of purple flowers. At the northwestern edge of the field, by a lone small tree overlooking the river, stands the Special Place sign. Bow here, and you’ll see petals dance off into the river gorge — a beautiful response to Atsu’s reverence.
Tokachi Range
Amber Respite Falls
In western Tokachi Range, west of Yubari Lake, there is an entrance way marked by a fantastic waterfall to the Amber Respite Shrine. Swim under the falls to a small lake and on to a minuscule island in the middle. There rests the wooden sign — bow down before it, and the mist will glow with golden light.
Fork of the River
From Huranui’s Rest Inn at the heart of the region, head slightly southeast toward the point where the river splits into two branches. At this fork, you’ll find a Special Place sign. Bowing here sends a gust downriver, bending the reeds and rippling the surface in concentric circles.
Tomamu Marshlands
Journey to the Marshland Homestead in the southeastern corner of the Tokachi Range and head south into the marshes. Look in the middle of the leafless tree-filled area — a ominously quiet spot in the wetlands. The Special Place is here, and when you bow, crows take flight from the branches in a wide arc.
Nayoro Wilds
Cukpet Hills
In the southern edge of Nayoro Wilds, hike along the river by way of Cukpet Hills until you reach its western bank. There, in the midst of a former campsite, you’ll see the Special Place sign. Bow here to see fireflies come out of the tall grass and shine softly in the early evening.
Teshio Ridge
Sakura Woods Lake
Start at the Abandoned Village within Sakura Woods and head northeast to the surrounding lake. In the middle of the lake, there is a tiny island that is within swimming distance or a thin land bridge. The wooden sign stands atop the island. With a bow, the water surrounding the island ripples outward, disturbed by unseen movement within the surface.
Oshima Coast
Seianji Temple Falls
Visit Seianji Temple in the remote western end of Oshima Coast, walk to the main gate where a waterfall tumbles down the cliff to your left. Step to the right of the waterfall, at its base, and look for the Special Place sign. Bowing in front of it, the waterfall’s mist grows denser and catches sunlight in a fleeting ghostly glow.
