There are five Kubi Akari to hunt in Arashiyama during the Ace Archer: Arashiyama quest in Onimusha: Way of the Sword. Most are flying above the swamp and must be shot down with the Oni Bow, while the final target is hidden inside a building.
The game marks the general location of each Kubi Akari with notebook icons on the map, but trees, buildings, and other terrain can make the flying Genma surprisingly difficult to spot. Here’s where to find all five and complete the quest.
How to Start Ace Archer: Arashiyama
Head to Shijo Street and speak with the woman who gives Musashi the Ace Archer: Arashiyama quest.
She explains that flying monsters have appeared around Arashiyama and asks Musashi to eliminate them. After the conversation, your objective updates to:
Hunt the Kubi Akari at Arashiyama (0/5)
Open the map to see notebook icons marking the general areas where each target can be found.
The markers don’t reveal the Kubi Akari’s exact position, so you’ll still need to search the surrounding area. Since four of the five targets spend their time above the swamp, remember to regularly tilt the camera upward while following the markers.
Kubi Akari #1 Location
The first Kubi Akari is in the Swamp near the Oni Shortcut, not far from the Spirit Mirror: Bamboo Path.
Follow the notebook marker from the shortcut until you reach an area containing fallen bamboo fencing, bundles of hay, and a tree lying across the debris.
Listen for the Kubi Akari as you approach. Continue slightly farther into the area and look above the fallen tree.
The creature flies among the leaves and branches rather than remaining stationary, which can make it difficult to see immediately. Track its movement until it emerges from the foliage and gives you a clear shot.
Equip the Oni Bow, aim at the Kubi Akari, and shoot it down.
Kubi Akari #2 Location
Continue toward the next notebook marker after killing the first target.
You’ll eventually enter an area occupied by several Genma. It’s easier to deal with these enemies first rather than trying to aim at a flying target while under attack.
Once the area is secure, look above the battlefield to locate the second Kubi Akari.
Depending on Musashi’s position, trees or other environmental objects may obstruct your shot. The target can also appear too distant from certain parts of the area.
If you can’t get a clear angle, move around and look for higher ground. Once the Kubi Akari is unobstructed and within range, use the Oni Bow to eliminate it.
Kubi Akari #3 Location
Follow the quest marker farther into the Arashiyama swamp.
Along the way, you’ll encounter the Byakue mini-boss. Defeat Byakue and continue through the area until you encounter Hitotsume Gasa attacking Musashi with arrows.
Deal with the immediate enemies, then look for a yellow trail beside the mountain.
Use Musashi’s Oni Power to slide across the trail and reach the opposite side.
More Genma are waiting there, so clear them out before searching for your target. Once the enemies are defeated, look into the sky above the area.
The third Kubi Akari will be flying overhead. Equip the Oni Bow and shoot it down.
Kubi Akari #4 Location
The fourth target isn’t far from the third.
Continue following the next notebook marker while keeping the camera pointed toward the sky as you approach.
Unlike some of the earlier targets, Kubi Akari #4 can be spotted from a reasonable distance once you’re approaching from the correct direction.
Move close enough to get within bow range, line up the shot, and eliminate it with the Oni Bow.
Be ready for additional Genma in the surrounding area before moving toward the final target.
Kubi Akari #5 Location
The fifth and final Kubi Akari is the only one that isn’t flying outside over the swamp.
After eliminating Kubi Akari #4 and dealing with the subsequent Genma ambush, follow the last notebook marker. It will lead you toward a building containing the final target.
Another group of Genma will attack as you approach. Clear them out first so you can search the building without interruption.
Enter the building and look toward the ceiling.
The final Kubi Akari is hovering near the roof inside. Equip the Oni Bow, aim upward, and shoot it to complete the Hunt the Kubi Akari at Arashiyama (5/5) objective.
How to Complete Ace Archer: Arashiyama
Once all five Kubi Akari have been defeated, return to the woman who originally gave you the quest.
You’ll find her back at Shijo Street in Eastern Kyoto.
Speak with her again after completing all five hunts to finish the Ace Archer: Arashiyama story quest.
