What to know

  • The Song of Ainu is gained by finishing “The Soul of an Instrument” and “A Melody of Thoughts” side tales.​
  • The first quest starts at the Ainu Musician's Camp in the northern Yubari Lake, Tokachi Range.​
  • Afterward, you continue to Nayoro Wilds for the follow-up quest.​
  • Learning the song enables the Guiding Wind to point out lost Ainu Items on your map.​

You’ll find that unlocking the Song of Ainu requires a bit of journeying and two specific quest completions. Here’s an in-depth breakdown of where to go, what to do, and how this song helps you collect Ainu Items.

Song of the Ainu: Quick overview

Feature Details
How to Obtain Complete the side quests “The Soul of an Instrument” followed by “A Melody of Thoughts.”
Where to Start Begin at the Ainu Musician’s Camp, located on the northern shore of Yubari Lake, within the Tokachi Range.
Follow-up Location Continue the quest chain at the Cukpet Hills Campsite in the Nayoro Wilds.
What It Unlocks Grants the ability to use the Guiding Wind to locate hidden Ainu Items scattered throughout the world.
Primary Benefit Greatly improves efficiency in finding Ainu cultural items, relics, and collectibles, making open-world exploration more rewarding.
Used For Essential for locating Ainu Items needed to earn upgrades, cosmetic rewards, and lore-based artifacts at Husko Kotan.

Quest starting point: the Ainu Musician’s Camp

Begin your journey in the Tokachi Range. Travel to the northern edge of Yubari Lake, where you’ll discover the Ainu Musician’s Camp. Here, speak to the musician NPC to start the side tale “The Soul of an Instrument”. Completing this quest often involves a musical minigame or helping with a task significant to Ainu culture.​

Following up in the Nayoro Wilds

Once you finish “The Soul of an Instrument,” you’ll be directed east to the Cukpet Hills Campsite in Nayoro Wilds to begin “A Melody of Thoughts.” Complete this quest to ultimately unlock the Song of Ainu.​

How to get the Song of Ainu: step-by-step

Step 1

Travel to Yubari Lake’s northern shore in the Tokachi Range to find the Ainu Musician’s Camp.​

Step 2

Talk to the musician and complete the “The Soul of an Instrument” side tale. This may include a shamisen performance or cultural task.​

Step 3

Proceed to Nayoro Wilds, specifically the Cukpet Hills Campsite, and begin the “A Melody of Thoughts” quest.​

Step 4

Complete all objectives in “A Melody of Thoughts” to learn the Song of Ainu.​ Once learned, play the Song of Ainu to use the Guiding Wind for locating Ainu Items throughout the world.​

Tips to get the Song of the Ainu early

Here are valuable tips for getting the Song of the Ainu as early as possible in Ghost of Yotei:​

  • Make a direct route to Tokachi Range once you gain exploration freedom, heading straight for the northern shore of Yubari Lake to find the Ainu Musician’s Camp.​
  • Prioritize the “The Soul of an Instrument” side tale by speaking with the Ainu musician immediately upon discovering the camp—avoid distraction by other side quests.​
  • After completing the quest, quickly travel east to Nayoro Wilds and start “A Melody of Thoughts” at the Cukpet Hills Campsite; this is available early regardless of main story progress.​
  • Use fast travel points if unlocked, to minimize travel time between quest locations and unlock the song sooner.​
  • Once learned, immediately play the Song of the Ainu to begin collecting hidden Ainu Items for upgrades.

How the Song of the Ainu becomes an important part in Ghost of Yotei

The Song of Ainu is indispensable for players aiming to 100% the game’s collectible content. Ainu Items appear close to special trees and can be hard to spot without the song, which automates the process and saves a significant amount of time.​


Gaining the Song of Ainu is a multi-step adventure, but its reward is invaluable for anyone eager to find every secret. By using the song, you’ll efficiently locate Ainu Items, unlocking special upgrades and deepening your connection with Ghost of Yotei’s world.