How to Get Yari Spear Weapon in Ghost of Yotei [Guide to The Way of the Yari Quest]

What to know

• The Yari (spear) is unlocked via an optional Sensei Tale called The Way of the Yari.
• The tale begins at a spear stuck in the ground on Modaiwa Island in the Ishikari Plain.
• A named Yari master (sensei) is the encounter you must find and beat to obtain the Yari.
• Using the Yari unlocks spear-specific actions (reach, thrusts, some throw options) and ties into at least one trophy involving spear fishing.

The Yari is not a random drop — it’s granted by completing the Sensei Tale The Way of the Yari, which you start by interacting with a ceremonial spear on Modaiwa Island in the western Ishikari Plain. That interaction leads you to the Yari master encounter who teaches the weapon after you beat them.

Quick-reference table: yari basics, where, and reward

How to reach Modaiwa Island and trigger the tale

Travel to the Ishikari Plain region (west side of the map).

Head to Modaiwa Island — on the island there’s a small hill with a spear stuck in the ground marked by a blue flag/marker. Interact with that spear to start The Way of the Yari sensei tale.

How to complete the sensei tale and get the Yari Weapon

Step 1

Approach the blue flag on Modaiwa Island and interact with it to accept the Sensei Tale: The Way of the Yari. This opens the objective and points you toward the Yari master.

Step 2

Complete a series of tasks as directed by the master. You will need to spear some fish and “paint with your wrist,” training your precision and patience.

Step 4

Fight alongside the Yari Master or participate in a trial battle with Raiders. Your skills will be evaluated before you are awarded the spear.

Step 5

After succeeding in all tasks, the Yari Spear becomes available in your arsenal. You may now use its full combat capabilities and begin unlocking special techniques, including the Typhoon Kick.

Requirements for "The Way of the Yari" Quest

• Equip a weapon you’re comfortable switching away from quickly (the fight rewards adaptability).
• Bring healing items and upgrade your core melee if you’re attempting early-game sensei tales.
• Learn to punish telegraphed lunges and to close distance when the master commits to a long thrust; the yari’s reach can be deceptive.

Yari spear tips and tricks

• Use the spear’s reach to control space and counter hook-and-chain enemies (kusarigama) — yari often performs well against those weapon archetypes.
• Explore throw or ranged follow-up moves the yari may offer: some builds let you convert a thrust into a powerful ranged option for finishing enemies.

Troubleshooting: I don’t see the spear or the quest

• Make sure you are in the Ishikari Plain region and that you’re searching Modaiwa Island specifically — the spear is on a hill and can be missed if you skirt the shoreline.
• If NPCs in the world mention the Yari, follow their markers — the sensei tale is optional but flagged by local NPCs and world clues.

What Yari spear changes for you

The Yari is an optional but valuable weapon you unlock by completing The Way of the Yari sensei tale on Modaiwa Island. Track down the spear in the ground, follow the path to the Yari master, defeat them, and you’ll add a reach-focused spear to your kit — useful for countering specific enemy archetypes and unlocking spear-related activities like spear fishing trophies.