Sumi‑e paintings are quiet moments scattered across Ezo that double as a collectible hunt. There are 18 total painting spots in Ghost of Yotei, but only the 15 placed in the open world count toward the An Artist’s Eye trophy. The remaining three appear during specific quests and don’t affect trophy progress. None of the paintings are missable, and you can clear every location after the story.

How Sumi‑e painting works

  • Look for a small straw mat at scenic overlooks; interact to begin the painting.
  • Follow the on‑screen brush outlines using the controller’s touchpad swipes.
  • When you ride near a painting spot, its icon reveals itself on the map, making cleanup easier.

Paintings award vanity items — headbands, hats, and masks. These are cosmetic only and don’t modify stats or abilities.

Open‑world Sumi‑e locations (counts for the trophy)

Region Painting Where to look Reward
Yotei Grasslands Careful Pincers Southern Coast shoreline, near the Coastal Dueling Tree overlook Hat of Curiosity
Yotei Grasslands Plum Crane By Shikotsu River, west of your old home on Lake Shikotsu Headband of Loss
Yotei Grasslands Mount Yotei Edge of Blooming Ridge Shrine with a clear view of Mount Yotei Headband of Yotei
Yotei Grasslands Chasing Frogs Cliffside spot overlooking Lake Jozan Hat of Youth
Ishikari Plain Crashing Waves Otaru Beach on the southeast coast; climb the tall boulders linked by a rope Headband of Defiance
Ishikari Plain Defiant Roots High ground along Rumoi River, looking over purple flower fields Headband of Fortitude
Ishikari Plain Chattering Crows Near the Abandoned Fishing Camp east of Nakagoya Spring Hat of Messengers
Tokachi Range Free Skies On higher ground above Ohara Plains Mask of Freedom
Tokachi Range Season’s Colors Tomamu Marshlands, next to the Dueling Tree Headband of the Seasons
Nayoro Wilds Peaceful Kotan Follow the flower‑lined road from the Northern Ferry, then climb to the top of Niptay Mountain Mask of Community
Nayoro Wilds Drying Bark East from Nayoro Falls into Iwor Woods; painting spot sits across from a bamboo house Headband of Tranquility
Teshio Ridge Frozen Moment West along Teshio River near the Black Dye House Mask of Slumber
Teshio Ridge Howling Pack Past Sentinel Forest on a ledge by the entrance to Enduring Hold Shrine Headband of the Wild
Oshima Coast Lost Flight North of the Atago rice fields among blooming sakura by the ponds Mask of Remembrance
Oshima Coast Imperial Sakura Inside the grounds of Matsumae Castle, in the southern inner courtyard Hat of Refinement
Note: Oshima Coast opens later in the story. If these last two aren’t available yet, continue the main path and return in free‑roam.

Quest Sumi‑e (do not count for the trophy)

  • The Way of the Yari (Sensei Tale) — one painting occurs automatically.
  • Memories of Home (Side Tale) — two paintings occur automatically.

These three are great for the story scrapbook, but they don’t move the An Artist’s Eye counter.

Rewards and what they change

Each painting grants a cosmetic item tied to the theme of the scene — a headband, hat, or mask. These pieces don’t add perks or passive effects, so you can equip them purely for style without touching your build.

Trophy rules, cleanup, and simple routing

  • Unlock condition: complete the 15 open‑world painting spots listed above.
  • Missables: none. Every painting remains available after the story in free‑roam.
  • Discovery: riding near a location reveals its map icon, making it easier to sweep a region methodically.
Tip: If you’re collecting broadly, the Robes for Sitturaynu can be upgraded to highlight other collectible types on the map; at higher tiers, that includes Sumi‑e locations. It’s a strong pick for late‑game cleanup.

Quick regional notes

  • Yotei Grasslands: expect cliffside perches above Lake Jozan and river overlooks near Shikotsu.
  • Ishikari Plain: one seaside route requires climbing over a rope between boulders; another sits above Rumoi’s purple fields.
  • Tokachi Range: both spots look out over wide plains and marshland; one sits beside a Dueling Tree.
  • Nayoro Wilds: one climb begins at a flower‑lined road; the other is tucked near bamboo structures in Iwor Woods.
  • Teshio Ridge: the river path west of the Black Dye House is the anchor; the other sits by the Enduring Hold Shrine entrance.
  • Oshima Coast: both are within late‑game territory — one inside Matsumae Castle’s grounds, one among sakura near ponds.

Painting in sumi‑e is as much a pause as it is progression. You can leave these for later without penalty, then sweep each region in a single session once fast travel is unlocked and your gear highlights nearby points. When the last open‑world mat is finished, the trophy pops — and you’ll have a set of stylish headwear to show for it.