What to know
- Location: Found in Teshio Ridge, northern Ezo, unlocked during the main tale The Kitsune.
- Relevance: Hosts the Nine Tails Puzzle Box, the Mother Daughter Tree for the Crimson Kimono Mythic Tale, and a Special Place tied to a trophy.
- How to unlock: Progress through the story until The Kitsune opens Teshio Ridge; no side quests required to access the woods.
- How to reach: Travel north from Ishikari Plain or fast travel to a nearby point; ride or climb snowy trails to the grove.
Sakuru Woods stands out in Ghost of Yōtei as a hidden sanctuary where nature, myth, and challenge intersect. While the region of Teshio Ridge is harsh with blizzards and ambushes, this small grove offers players both beauty and valuable progression milestones.
Navigating Teshio Ridge to Sakuru Woods
Teshio Ridge unlocks once you finish the main tale The Kitsune. This snowbound area stretches north of Ishikari Plain and marks a shift to harsher terrain. Sakura Woods lies near the center of the ridge, its name subtly marked on your map once discovered. Stock up on resistance charms and health supplies before heading north—Ezo’s winter winds are relentless.
How to get to Sakuru Woods
Step 1
Reach Teshio Ridge by advancing through the game’s story or unlocking the region during natural progression. Sakuru Woods will become visible and accessible on the map once you enter Teshio Ridge.
Step 2
Travel to the Mother Daughter Tree within Sakuru Woods. Use fast travel points or follow marked paths on your map for efficient navigation. The tree is distinguished by its yellow leaves and serves as a hub for story content.
Step 3
Speak to Storyteller Ugetsu just below the Mother Daughter Tree to initiate the Crimson Kimono Mythic Tale. Ensure the quest starts, as this will open up additional story missions and rewards.
Step 4
Explore the area thoroughly for collectibles. Search rocks in the lake north-east for a puzzle box and complete the nearby Bamboo Strike north of Kamikawa Trading Post by performing the button sequence challenge.
Using Sakuru Woods for achievements and narrative events
Players are encouraged to engage with all special interaction points in Sakuru Woods, as bowing or playing the shamisen in specific places within the area can unlock achievements and add layers to the game’s narrative world. Many achievement hunters will want to stop at the rocks outside the Abandoned Village north of Sakuru Woods, which overlooks the lake and is tied to certain trophies.
The woods hold several unique secrets tied to collectibles and mythic lore.
| Collectible | Exact Spot in Sakura Woods | Reward | Trophy Tie-In |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nine Tails Puzzle Box | Under wooden shelter at the “r” of Sakura on the map | Skill points, fox charm | Trickster Fox (collect all 12) |
| Mother Daughter Tree | Central grove near split-trunk oak | Mythic Tale start, Crimson Kimono set | None (story progression) |
| Special Place | Rock outcrop on northeast lake | Trophy progress | Speaking with the Land (find 10) |
The Puzzle Box is especially tricky—it’s the only one not tied to a Kitsune Altar or camp. The solution involves aligning fox statues correctly, after which a rope ladder unlocks a hidden cache.
The Mother Daughter Tree starts the Crimson Kimono Mythic Tale, involving spectral duels and gathering silk to craft stealth-focused armor. The Special Place northeast of the grove contributes to trophy progress when you strum your shamisen there.
More than a collectible hub, Sakuru Woods reflects themes of renewal and memory in Atsu’s story. From ancestral altars to serene rest points, this space contrasts Teshio’s brutal camps. It serves as a quiet reminder of balance—pausing to honor beauty before facing vengeance.
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