In the sprawling world of Assassin's Creed Shadows, the Yamabushi Imposters side quest stands as a true test of patience and blade work. Nine deadly warriors have shed their monk disguises to terrorize the countryside, and it falls to the player to hunt down each one. Their naginatas and katanas cut deep, but with careful planning and a bit of stealth, the hunter can become the slayer. Let’s walk through every step needed to silence these false monks and claim their legendary armaments.
How to Start the Quest
During Act 2, a quest marker appears at Yoshino in the Yamato region. There, a man named Genpaku pleads for help against nine so-called Yamabushi Imposters. After accepting the mission, the assassin’s first task is to gather intelligence. Head to the Omi region and enter the Kawachi Kaza-ana Cave. On a body inside, a letter reveals crucial locations—and if the Yokai questline has already been explored, Yuki Onna may have already been defeated here. This letter adds several target markers to the map, making the hunt much easier.
✨ Target Locations and Elimination Strategies
Each imposter brings a different weapon and combat style. While assassination is always the cleanest path, sometimes a head‑on clash is unavoidable. Here’s how to handle all nine.
🏞️ The River Yamabushi
The first target practices alone in the Mitarai Valley, right in Yoshino. At level 51, his katana can be deadly, but a player who sneaks up from behind will have a solid chance to deliver a one‑hit kill—especially if assassination damage has been upgraded. Should the initial strike fail, his katana combos are parryable and predictable. Simple light attacks or a well‑timed skill will finish the job.
Rewards: Susanoo’s Torrent (Epic Bow), Armor Piercing on Multiple Enemies Engraving, 700 Data Fragments.
⛰️ The Clifftop Yamabushi
Reaching this fellow is a pilgrimage in itself. The only route is the Path of Chosen, leading to the Iseji Trails in the KII region. Once there, stealth is paramount. A player who cannot drop him in one assassination must brace for a brawl against a naginata—a weapon that punishes every mistake with sweeping combos. Patience and dodge timing are the keys.
Rewards: 320 Mon, Lustrous Pearl (Legendary Naginata).
🛤️ The Pathway Yamabushi
Just south of the Clifftop target, this imposter lurks behind a tree. A fast‑travel viewpoint sits nearby, making the approach trivial. His naginata packs a string of chain attacks that cannot be parried, so dodging is mandatory. Interrupt his rhythm with skills or, better yet, end the fight before it begins with a clean assassination.
Rewards: Izanagi’s Reach (Epic Naginata), 290 Mon.
🌳 The Forest Yamabushi
Found at the Nyu‑Daimyojin Shrine—northwest of Saika Castle and southwest of Wakanoura Bay—this imposter pretends to be injured. It’s a classic trap. Once again, a naginata waits, and his chain attacks can erase a health bar in seconds. After a failed assassination, the player must stay mobile, parry what can be parried, and only commit to a combo when there’s a clear opening.
Rewards: Izanami’s Salvation (Epic Naginata), 320 Mon.
🎋 The Pond Yamabushi
This one won’t appear until provoked. Perform the Kuji‑kiri near the Three‑Trunked Tree on Mount Hiei in Omi, and the Pond Yamabushi will attack. He wields a katana and tends to follow a parry with an unparryable strike—so if the player likes to parry, they must be ready to dodge immediately afterward. A letter on his body hints that the imposters were reporting to someone higher up.
Rewards: The Monk’s Amendment (Epic Long Katana), the revealing letter.
⛩️ The Mountain Yamabushi
If the letter from Kawachi Kaza‑ana Cave was collected early, this target’s location is already revealed—and the fight is already over. The Mountain Yamabushi lies dead inside the cave, likely killed by Yuki Onna. No battle is necessary; simply collect whatever remains. (Note: Yuki Onna herself belongs to a different questline and can be ignored here.)
🕶️ The Shadow Yamabushi
Near the Kasuga Shrine in Iga’s Otogi Pass, this imposter patrols close to a fast‑travel viewpoint. For players who have been leveling up diligently, a single assassination is almost guaranteed. Even a lower‑level character can manage by utilizing smoke bombs or distractions. He goes down fast and drops a valuable kusarigama.
Rewards: Yomi’s Retribution (Epic Kusarigama), 260 Mon.
🏡 The Village Yamabushi
This one breaks the mold. At Mibuno Vale’s Shinobi Training Ground in Iga, the imposter stands motionless and offers no assassination prompt. Instead, the player must investigate the area: hold the observe button (L2) to highlight three interactive objects scattered around. After examining all three, a cutscene triggers automatically, completing the encounter without a blade being drawn.
Reward: Damage After Parry Engraving.
⛏️ The Valley Yamabushi
The final combatant waits in the Nabari Wilds of Iga. Wielding a heavy kanabo, he’s a lumbering giant who barely flinches. A successful assassination saves a world of pain. If it fails, the fight becomes a brutal dance: he can hurl his weapon, and once disarmed, he gets even more aggressive with rapid punches. Stick to one or two hits at most, then dodge away.
Rewards: Mountain Bearer (Epic Kanabo), 275 Mon.
🏆 Quest Reward
With all nine imposters dealt with, return to Genpaku in the Mitarai Valley. He will express his gratitude and grant the Secluded Shinto Shrine—a unique outdoor cosmetic for the hideout. The Yamabushi threat is ended, and the assassin’s armory is now several legendary items richer.
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