Nioh 3 Distant Memories Trophy Guide: Hidden Hot Spring Location and Unlock Explained

Image credit: Koei Tecmo Games

What to know

  • The Distant Memories trophy requires you to bathe twice with Princess Himiko across two different missions.
  • The first bath takes place in the “Dark Roots” mission near the end of the level.
  • The second bath is hidden in “Apparition of Ryotan Temple” and requires interacting with a Nurikabe.
  • The Hot Spring location is tied to Antiquity – Heir’s Journey progression.

Nioh 3 continues its tradition of blending combat, myth, and hidden character interactions into its trophy list. The Distant Memories trophy is a perfect example, requiring you to revisit earlier content and pay attention to environmental details rather than just defeating bosses. If you know where to go and what to trigger, this trophy becomes straightforward. If you miss a step, however, you may find yourself replaying missions unnecessarily.

Below is everything you need to know to secure the trophy efficiently.

Nioh 3 Distant Memories trophy requirements

RequirementMissionLocationKey ActionResult
First bathDark RootsNear mission endBathe with HimikoSets up trophy flag
Second bathApparition of Ryotan TempleRooftop shortcut areaInteract with Nurikabe and bathe with Ii NaotoraUnlocks Distant Memories trophy
Chapter contextAntiquity – Heir’s JourneyHot Spring areaStory progression requiredAccess to both missions

Location of the first bath in Dark Roots

The first step toward unlocking Distant Memories happens in the mission called Dark Roots. This mission is part of the Antiquity storyline, and progression through Heir’s Journey ensures it becomes available.

The bath itself is located near the end of the level, not at the beginning. You will advance through enemy-heavy sections and structured environments before reaching an area with a Hot Spring. This is not optional flavor content. You must interact with the bath while Princess Himiko is present.

Image credit: Koei Tecmo Games / Via: YouTube – WoW Quests

How to trigger the first bath in Dark Roots

Step 1

Progress through Dark Roots normally until you approach the final stretch of the mission. Do not rush past side paths, as the Hot Spring is positioned slightly off the direct combat route.

Image credit: Koei Tecmo Games / Via: YouTube – Audran
Step 2

Locate the Hot Spring in the Antiquity region of the mission. This area visually stands out due to steam effects and the characteristic stone pool design.

Image credit: Koei Tecmo Games / Via: YouTube – Audran
Step 3

Interact with the bath when Princess Himiko is nearby. This interaction flags the first required event for the trophy.

Image credit: Koei Tecmo Games / Via: YouTube – Audran

It is important to understand that simply completing the mission is not enough. You must actively bathe with Himiko for the trophy progression to register.

Returning to Apparition of Ryotan Temple for the second bath

After completing Dark Roots, the trophy will not unlock immediately. The second bath is hidden in a replay of the mission “Apparition of Ryotan Temple.”

This is where many players become confused. The second bath is not available during your initial run in the same way. You must revisit the mission after progressing the story.

Navigating to the second bath in Ryotan Temple

The second bath is cleverly concealed behind an environmental interaction involving a Nurikabe. You will need to move through the rooftops and unlock a shortcut before gaining access.

AreaAction RequiredOutcome
Rooftops sectionClimb and traverse above templeLeads to drop-down area
Right-side shortcutUnlock gate/doorOpens faster return route
Nurikabe wallInteract correctlyReveals hidden Hot Spring
Hidden bathBathe with Ii NaotoraTriggers déjà vu scene and trophy

How to access the second bath

Step 1

Replay Apparition of Ryotan Temple after finishing Dark Roots. Ensure you are on the updated progression path.

Image credit: Koei Tecmo Games / Via: YouTube – Audran
Step 2

Advance through the mission until you reach the rooftop traversal section. This elevated area is essential and cannot be skipped.

Image credit: Koei Tecmo Games / Via: YouTube – Audran
Step 3

After navigating the roofs, jump down into the next section and immediately look to your right. Unlock the shortcut gate or door on the right-hand side. This confirms you are in the correct location.

Image credit: Koei Tecmo Games / Via: YouTube – Audran
Step 4

Locate the Nurikabe, the yokai wall that blocks passage. Interact with it properly to make it disappear and reveal the hidden path.

Image credit: Koei Tecmo Games / Via: YouTube – Audran
Step 5

Behind the Nurikabe, you will find another Hot Spring bath. Enter the bath with Ii Naotora. During this scene, she will experience a sense of déjà vu.

Image credit: Koei Tecmo Games / Via: YouTube – Audran

This moment triggers the Distant Memories trophy.

The trophy will pop shortly after the interaction concludes.

Why the trophy requires two baths

The design behind Distant Memories ties into character continuity. The first bath establishes the initial shared moment with Himiko. The second bath references that memory through Ii Naotora’s reaction.

This subtle narrative connection is why the trophy is named Distant Memories. It is not just about bathing twice, but about completing a specific character-linked sequence across two missions.

Image credit: Koei Tecmo Games / Via: YouTube – Audran
Mission and trophy summary table
Trophy NameDistant Memories
GameNioh 3
ChapterAntiquity
Story PathHeir’s Journey
First MissionDark Roots
Second MissionApparition of Ryotan Temple
Required InteractionsTwo separate Hot Spring baths
MissableYes, if bath interactions are skipped
Replay RequiredYes

Common mistakes that prevent the trophy from unlocking

Players often assume the first bath is automatic or story-mandated. It is not. You must manually interact with the Hot Spring. Another common error is failing to unlock the rooftop shortcut in Ryotan Temple, which confirms correct progression through the second mission’s layout.

Skipping the Nurikabe interaction is the most frequent issue. If you do not reveal the hidden bath, the trophy cannot trigger.

Why this trophy is easier than it sounds

Despite sounding unusual, Distant Memories is not mechanically difficult. There are no combat challenges tied directly to the trophy. The difficulty lies purely in remembering to revisit content and finding the concealed second Hot Spring.

If you follow the correct order of Dark Roots first and Apparition of Ryotan Temple second, the process becomes quick and efficient.


The Distant Memories trophy in Nioh 3 is a narrative-driven collectible achievement that rewards attention to detail rather than combat mastery. By bathing once in Dark Roots and again in Apparition of Ryotan Temple after revealing the hidden Hot Spring, you secure the trophy with minimal replay time.

Take your time during mission replays, watch for environmental clues, and ensure every Hot Spring interaction is completed. Once Ii Naotora experiences her moment of déjà vu, the trophy is yours.

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