- What to know
- Nioh 3 Sagano Six Jizo puzzle details
- Exact location of Jizo Puzzle near the Katsura River
- How the Six Jizo puzzle works
- How to solve the Sagano Six Jizo puzzle
- Rewards for completing the puzzle
- Combat tips for the Samurai ambush
- Environmental traversal considerations
- Nioh 3 Six Jizo puzzles and lore
What to know
- The puzzle is located near the Katsura River in the Heian region (Sagano area).
- You must restore a missing head on one of six golden Jizo statues.
- Picking up the head triggers a Samurai ambush encounter.
- Completion grants 2 Lumicite Fragments, +250 Jizo Merit, and 100% area progression credit.
In Nioh 3, environmental puzzles are often tied to exploration milestones. The Sagano Six Jizo Puzzle is one of the more memorable optional discoveries in the Heian region. It blends exploration, combat, and traversal into a short but rewarding encounter that contributes directly to regional completion.
If you’re working toward 100% exploration in Sagano, this puzzle is mandatory.
Nioh 3 Sagano Six Jizo puzzle details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Region | Heian (1190 CE) |
| Sub-Area | Sagano |
| Exact Area | Near the Katsura River |
| Puzzle Type | Environmental restoration + combat encounter |
| Objective | Restore the missing Jizo statue head |
| Enemies Triggered | Samurai ambush |
| Rewards | 2 Lumicite Fragments, +250 Jizo Merit, 100% progression |
Exact location of Jizo Puzzle near the Katsura River
The puzzle is found in Sagano, close to the Katsura River, within the Heian region. As you explore along the snowy riverbanks and wooded terrain, you’ll eventually discover a quiet clearing containing six golden Jizo statues arranged together.
Five statues are intact. One is clearly missing its head. That missing piece is the key to solving the puzzle.
The area may show Sagano Lv. 62 and Exploration Level progress on your map. If you are below the recommended level, the ambush fight may be more punishing.
How the Six Jizo puzzle works
At first glance, it looks like a simple restoration task. However, Nioh 3 adds a combat twist.
The missing head is not located directly beside the statues. Instead, it is placed slightly away from the shrine cluster. When you approach the head and interact with it, the puzzle escalates.
Below is the complete step-by-step solution.
How to solve the Sagano Six Jizo puzzle
Step 1
Locate the missing Jizo head in the nearby area. It is positioned close to the statue clearing but not directly attached to the damaged statue. The location matches the snowy forest section shown in the image.
Step 2
Pick up the head. As soon as you interact with it, the item transforms into a hostile Samurai enemy, initiating an ambush.
Step 3
Defeat the Samurai. This is a standard human duel encounter, so manage your Ki carefully and avoid overextending. Once defeated, the Jizo head becomes carriable again.
Step 4
Carry the head back toward the six statues. The path requires careful movement across small ledges and uneven snowy terrain. Avoid falling, as you may need to re-carry the object if interrupted.
Step 5
Interact with the damaged statue to place the head back onto the Jizo figure.
Step 6
Once restored, the puzzle completes instantly. You will receive rewards and regional completion credit.
Rewards for completing the puzzle
After restoring the statue, the game confirms completion and distributes the following rewards:
| Reward Type | Amount / Description |
|---|---|
| Lumicite Fragment | 2 |
| Jizo Merit | +250 |
| Exploration Progression | 100% completion for this activity |
The Lumicite Fragments contribute to upgrade progression systems, while Jizo Merit improves shrine-related benefits. Completing this puzzle also pushes your Sagano area toward full exploration.
Combat tips for the Samurai ambush
The ambush Samurai behaves like a standard human enemy rather than a Yokai. This means:
- Guard pressure matters
- Ki breaks are decisive
- Over-committing is punished
Maintain mid-range spacing, drain their Ki, and capitalize on stagger windows. The fight is manageable around the recommended level but can feel aggressive if under-leveled.
Environmental traversal considerations
Carrying the head back requires stable footing. The snowy terrain and ledges around the Katsura River can create awkward footing. Move carefully and clear nearby enemies before transporting the object.
The game does not time-limit the return, so take your time.
Nioh 3 Six Jizo puzzles and lore
While optional, the Six Jizo restoration counts toward regional exploration completion. If you are aiming for full map clearance or trophy-related progression, skipping it will leave Sagano incomplete.
Additionally, the Lumicite Fragments are valuable early-to-mid Heian region resources. Because the puzzle is short but rewarding, it’s one of the most efficient exploration activities in Sagano.
The Sagano Six Jizo Puzzle near the Katsura River in the Heian region is a compact but meaningful side activity in Nioh 3. By locating the missing head, defeating the disguised Samurai, and restoring the statue, you earn 2 Lumicite Fragments, +250 Jizo Merit, and full completion credit for the encounter.
If you are pushing for full exploration in Sagano, this puzzle is essential. It combines environmental storytelling with combat, making it one of the more satisfying side discoveries in the Heian region.
