Special Places are hidden bowing spots in Ghost of Yotei that trigger unique environmental effects. Finding ten unlocks the “Speaking with the Land” trophy.
Special Places differ from other collectibles because they aren’t marked on the map. Each has a bowing sign in front of them, and performing the bow gesture (swiping down on the touchpad) reveals effects like birds, insects, or rippling water. Only ten are required for the trophy, though more exist.

List of all special places locations to bow or play shamisen
| Region | Location Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Yotei Grasslands | Southern Coast | At the coastline near the sea |
| Yotei Grasslands | Sarubetsu River | Below the yellow tree at the Altar of Reflection |
| Yotei Grasslands | Lake Shikotsu | On the eastern shore, at the edge of the lake |
| Ishikari Plain | Hikari River | Where the river splits between Otaru Beach and Otaru Hills |
| Ishikari Plain | Rumoi River | South side of the river, cliff in a purple flower field |
| Tokachi Range | Amber Respite Shrine | At the pond below the waterfall near the shrine entrance |
| Tokachi Range | Huranui’s Rest Inn | Northeast of the inn, across the river shore |
| Nayoro Wilds | Cukpet Hills | Campsite near the river’s southern end |
| Teshio Ridge | Sakuru Woods | Middle of a lake, rocks northeast of the woods |
| Oshima Coast | Seianji Temple | Below the waterfall near the temple, with a bonus spot past the bridge |
Special Places by Region
Here's a breakdown of where to find these special places by region:
Yotei Grasslands
Southern Coast
Located at the coastline near the sea.

Sarubetsu River
Below the yellow tree at the Altar of Reflection.

Lake Shikotsu
On the eastern shore, at the edge of the lake.

Ishikari Plain
Hikari River
Found where the river splits between Otaru Beach and Otaru Hills.

Rumoi River
South side of the river, on a cliff in a purple flower field.

Tokachi Range
Amber Respite Shrine
At the pond below the waterfall near the shrine entrance.

Huranui’s Rest Inn
Northeast of the inn, across the river shore.

Nayoro Wilds
Cukpet Hills
At a campsite near the river’s southern end.

Teshio Ridge
Sakuru Woods
In the middle of a lake, on rocks northeast of the woods.

Oshima Coast
Seianji Temple
Below the waterfall near the temple. A bonus spot is nearby at the cliffside past the bridge.

How to activate special places
Step 1
Approach a bowing-down sign found at these locations.
Step 2
Swipe down on the touchpad to bow.
Step 3
Wait for the environmental effect (birds, insects, or water changes).
Step 4
Repeat the gesture if the effect doesn’t trigger right away.
Step 5
Check trophy progress to ensure it counted.
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