Honestly, the first time I saw Atsu pull out a brush in Ghost of Yotei, it felt like the game finally breathed. You've been out there hunting the Yotei Six, dodging snowstorms and managing gunpowder, and then you find this quiet little rock covered in yellow-flowered vines. That’s a Sumi-e Painting. It’s not just a collectible; it’s basically the soul of the game.
If you’re trying to track down all sumi e locations ghost of yotei has to offer, you aren’t just doing it for the "An Artist’s Eye" trophy. You’re doing it for the gear. These spots give you some of the most unique hats, masks, and headbands in the game. Plus, Atsu gets to hang the finished work in her childhood home. Kinda sweet, right?
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There are 18 paintings total. However, only 15 are found in the open world. The other three happen automatically during the story, so don’t stress about "missing" them. Here is exactly where to look across the 1603 Ezo wilderness.
Yotei Grasslands Sumi-e Spots
The starting region is packed with these. You’ll usually find them on tall, dome-shaped rocks. Look for those yellow vines—they’re the "tell" that a painting spot is nearby.
Plum Crane Sumi-e
This one is near the Shikotsu River, just west of Atsu’s House. You’ll see a swampy area covered in purple flowers. There’s a central hill with the painting rock right on top. Completing this snagged me the Headband of Loss.
Mount Yotei Sumi-e
Head to the northeastern part of the Grasslands toward Serpent's Pass. If you see a pale torii gate surrounded by white flowers, you’re in the right spot. Go through the narrow pass to find the ledge. It rewards the Headband of Yotei.
Careful Pincers Sumi-e
Way down on the southern coast. It’s tucked away in a cove with a killer view of a rock formation out in the water. This one gives you the Hat of Curiosity.
Chasing Frogs Sumi-e
Go to the northwest corner, specifically Lake Jozan. It’s right outside the cave where you deal with Soma the Condemned. Watch for the tall rock on the southwestern bank. You’ll get the Hat of Youth for this one.
Tracking Them Down in Ishikari Plain
Ishikari is windier and feels a bit more hostile, but the views are worth it.
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Crashing Waves Sumi-e
This is a parkour challenge. It’s on Otaru Beach (southwest coast). You have to find the handholds and grapple your way to the top of a massive rock formation. The reward? The Headband of Defiance.
Defiant Roots Sumi-e
Up north at the Rumoi River. It’s an open field with bright purple flowers. Look for the outcropping in the middle of the field. This gives the Headband of Fortitude.
Chatting Crows Sumi-e
Follow the river east from Nakagoya Spring. Right before the torii gates leading to the local shrine, there’s an overhang with a gnarled tree. It’s super moody. You get the Hat of Messengers here.
The High Altitudes: Tokachi and Nayoro
Free Skies Sumi-e
In the western part of the Tokachi Range (Ohara Plains). It’s north of the Hunter’s Watch Wolf Den. Very open, very scenic. Rewards the Mask of Freedom.
Season’s Colors Sumi-e
Located in the Tomamu Marshlands (southeast Tokachi). It’s near a waterfall and a Dueling Tree. This is where you get the Headband of the Seasons.
Peaceful Kotan Sumi-e
This one is a pain to find. You have to go south-southwest from the Husko Kotan pier in Nayoro Wilds. You’ll need to climb and grapple across several gaps to reach the ledge overlooking the village. Rewards the Mask of Community.
Drying Bark Sumi-e
Found in the Iwor Woods settlement (the smaller one in northern Nayoro). It’s actually just sitting in an open yard across from a house. Very easy to find compared to the others. Rewards the Headband of Tranquility.
The Final Stretch: Teshio and Oshima
By the time you reach the Oshima Coast, you’ve probably realized that all sumi e locations ghost of yotei features are strategically placed to make you stop and look at the landscape Sucker Punch built.
Frozen Moment Sumi-e (Teshio Ridge)
Located in the western part of the ridge. It’s a snowy, quiet spot that rewards the Mask of Slumber.
Howling Pack Sumi-e (Teshio Ridge)
On the eastern side of the ridge. Keep an ear out for wolves; they like this area. Rewards the Headband of the Wild.
Lost Flight Sumi-e (Oshima Coast)
Near the Atago Rice Fields in the northwest. It’s under some sakura trees on a cliff. You’ll get the Mask of Remembrance.
Imperial Sakura Sumi-e (Oshima Coast)
This is inside the grounds of Matsumae Castle. Look in the southeastern corner of the moat in a secluded garden. The map icon is a little off on this one, so don't let it confuse you—it's definitely inside the castle perimeter. This gives you the Hat of Refinement.
Pro Tips for the Hunt
I’ve spent way too many hours wandering Ezo, and there are a couple of things the game doesn't explicitly tell you.
First, the Robes for Sitturaynu are your best friend. Once you upgrade them to level 3, the Golden Birds will actually lead you to these painting spots. It saves a lot of aimless galloping.
Second, the Spyglass (Up on the D-Pad) is actually useful here. If you're on a high ridge, scan the horizon. If your controller vibrates and the reticle turns yellow, you’ve found a point of interest.
Lastly, don't worry about missing these. You can go back and finish the collection even after the main story is over. There aren't any "missable" Sumi-e paintings, which is a huge relief if you’re a completionist.
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Now that you know the general zones, grab your horse and head to the yellow-vined rocks. The vanity gear you get from these is easily some of the best-looking stuff in the game, especially that Hat of Refinement from the castle.
If you are looking to finish your collection quickly, prioritize the Robes for Sitturaynu upgrades first to make the Golden Birds active. Then, focus on the Oshima Coast locations last, as they are gated behind late-game story progression.