Jigoku Fortress in Ghost of Yōtei isn’t a place you can just storm through like other enemy camps. Located in the Ishikari Plain region, it’s one of the most fortified locations in the game. The main gate is sealed, guards are heavily armed with muskets, and any frontal approach guarantees being shot down within seconds. To even set foot inside, you must first unlock the “Shiro the Swindler” bounty — the only quest that grants access to the fortress.

Unlocking access through “Shiro the Swindler”

Before Jigoku Fortress becomes accessible, the Shiro the Swindler bounty must be active. It doesn’t appear immediately after starting the game; you’ll need to complete a few bounties in the Ishikari region first.

Step 1

Head to Kojiro the Bounty Broker in Ishikari Market once you’ve cleared enough prior bounties. The broker will unlock a new contract — “Shiro the Swindler.”

Step 2

Accept the bounty. The objective will point you north of Ishikari Plains, near a camp close to Yōkai’s Nest. Travel there to start the encounter.

Step 3

At the designated campsite, inspect the straw mat and gunpowder residue on the ground.

Interacting with them triggers a short cutscene. Here, Shiro appears, saving you from an ambush.

Step 4

Follow Shiro up the cliffside path that runs between the fortress gate and the nearby camp.

During the ascent, you’ll notice a destructible wall. Use your grappling hook to pull it down — this creates the hidden entrance into Jigoku Fortress.

Once that wall is destroyed, the fortress is officially unlocked. The gate remains sealed, but you can now infiltrate through the side passage.

How to infiltrate Jigoku Fortress

After breaching the destructible wall, you’ll drop into a bushy area overlooking the fortress interior.

From this point onward, prepare for several enemy waves and a tough fortress boss.

Step 1

Sneak forward to silently eliminate the first few guards. The area is patrolled by musketeers and ronin archers.

Step 2

Once you’re spotted, engage in full combat.

The fortress layout funnels you through narrow corridors and multi-level walkways, so be mindful of enemy gunfire from above.

Step 3

As you move forward, you'll find a cracked stone wall. Bring it down with your grapple.

Step 4

Continue advancing until you reach the inner sanctum.

Here, the fortress leader, Commander Kudo awaits.

Defeat him to officially liberate Jigoku Fortress.

Step 5

After the final boss falls, a cutscene plays. Shiro disappears, leaving behind his Sly Thief Mask and the bounty reward (1500 coins), completing both the fortress liberation and the “Shiro the Swindler” bounty.

Jigoku Fortress is one of the significant strongholds to liberate in Ghost of Yotei. However, by carefully infiltrating and systematically eliminating enemies, victory is achievable