The Ace Archer: Arashiyama quest in Onimusha: Way of the Sword sends Musashi into the swamp at Arashiyama to hunt down five Kubi Akari. These flying Genma can be easy to miss because they stay above the battlefield rather than directly in your path, and some of them require you to move to the right position before you can get a clean shot. Fortunately, the quest gives you notebook icon markers on the map, so you always have a general idea of where to look. This guide explains where to find all five Kubi Akari at Arashiyama and how to reach each one in Onimusha: WoTS.
How to Start Ace Archer: Arashiyama
To start the Ace Archer: Arashiyama story quest, find the NPC woman at Shijo Street and speak to her. She tells Musashi that she has seen ghastly monsters flying around Arashiyama and asks him to get rid of them.
Once the conversation is finished, the objective becomes Hunt the Kubi Akari at Arashiyama (0/5). The locations of the five targets are marked with notebook icons on your map, making it pretty straightforward to track their general locations.
Since the Kubi Akari spend most of their time flying above the swamp, the surrounding trees, buildings, and terrain can make them difficult to see.
Where to Find All Kubi Akari at Arashiyama
There are five Kubi Akari you need to find at Arashiyama.
You can take down the targets in any order. We’ve numbered them simply to make each location easier to follow, so you don’t need to stick to a specific route.
Kubi Akari #1
The first Kubi Akari can be found near the Oni Shortcut in the Swamp, close to the Spirit Mirror: Bamboo Path.
From the shortcut, follow the quest marker until you reach an area with fallen bamboo fences, bundles of hay, and a fallen tree arching over the debris. This is the general area where you need to start looking.
You should be able to hear the Kubi Akari once you get close. Move a little farther through the area and tilt the camera upwards. The Kubi Akari is flying above the fallen tree, partially hidden among the leaves and branches. It does not stay in one place, so you’ll need to track its movement for a few seconds before taking your shot.
Once it moves into a clear position, equip the Oni Bow, aim carefully, and shoot it down.
Kubi Akari #2
After defeating the first Kubi Akari, continue along the path toward the next notebook marker. Eventually, you will reach an area infested with Genma. Clear out the enemies before trying to find the second Kubi Akari. The target is flying above the area and should become visible once you look upward.
Depending on where you are standing, the Kubi Akari may be too far away or partially blocked by the surrounding environment. If your shot is not lining up properly, move around the area and look for higher ground. Once the Kubi Akari comes into view, and you have a clear line of sight, aim the Oni Bow and take it down.
Kubi Akari #3
For the third Kubi Akari, continue following the quest marker deeper into the Arashiyama swamp. You’ll run into a mini-boss fight against Byakue. Defeat it and continue walking till you reach an area where Hitotsume Gasa enemies begin attacking Musashi with arrows.
Deal with the immediate threat and look for the yellow trail beside the mountain. Use your Oni Power to slide across to the other side. Once you reach the other side, take care of the Genma in the area. Then, look up to find the Kubi Akari floating in the sky. Shoot it with your Oni Bow.
Kubi Akari #4
The fourth Kubi Akari is quite close to the third one. Continue following the map marker and keep your eyes on the sky. You should be able to spot the fourth Kubi Akari from a distance as you approach its location.
Once you are within range, line up the Oni Bow and shoot the Kubi Akari down.
If you cannot get a clean shot, keep moving rather than repeatedly firing from a bad position. The Kubi Akari will continue flying around while you find a better shooting position.
Kubi Akari #5
The last Kubi Akari is different from the previous four because it is inside a building rather than simply flying over the swamp. After defeating Kubi Akari #4 and clearing the Genma ambush, follow the final quest marker. It will take you to the building with your last target.
As you approach the building, another group of Genma will ambush you. Defeat them before entering. Once the area is clear, enter the building and look at the roof. The final Kubi Akari is hovering near the ceiling.
Once you have it in your sights, aim the Oni Bow and shoot the Kubi Akari. With the fifth Kubi Akari defeated, all five targets for the Arashiyama objective will be complete.
The map’s notebook icons are really useful. If you are unsure where to go next, check the map instead of wandering around the swamp.
After hunting all five Kubi Akari, return to the NPC woman who gave you the request. She can be found at Shijo Street in Eastern Kyoto. Speak to her after completing the five Kubi Akari hunts and the Ace Archer: Arashiyama story quest will be completed.
Related Guides
If you need help with more of Musashi’s adventures in Onimusha: Way of the Sword, check out these guides.
- Released
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September 4, 2026
- ESRB
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Mature 17+ / Intense Violence, Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, In-Game Purchases
- Engine
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RE Engine