'Ace Archer Nijo-jo Castle' walkthrough in Onimusha Way of the Sword

Your goal in Onimusha: Way of the Sword's "Ace Archer: Nijo-jo Castle" is to hunt Kubi Akari. In this secondary story, you are asked by a man near the Gojo Street - West Spirit Mirror to kill some flying monsters that have appeared in Nijo-jo Castle. Since Musashi has a special bow to hunt down genma, you have no other option but to accept the man's request.

As you revisit the castle, you will need to explore every corner of it to find all the targets. To help you out, we prepared this "Ace Archer: Nijo-jo Castle" walkthrough in Onimusha: Way of the Sword explaining where you find each Kubi Akari.

[Ed. note: This guide contains spoilers for Onimusha: Way of the Sword, so continue at your own risk!]

Where to find all the Kubi Akari in Nijo-jo in Onimusha: Way of the Sword

In the "Ace Archer: Nijo-jo Castle" story, you must hunt down five Kubi Akari in the region. These are the usual flying genma that you have faced multiple times at this point. If you just want a tip to find them, keep in mind that most of these enemies are located outside the explorable areas of the map.

Below, we explain where you can find each Kubi Akari in Nijo-jo. You can see their locations on the map since the game indicates them with notebook icons. However, spotting where they actually are is part of the challenge. So, to help you locate them, we have prepared images showing where you must position yourself (star icon) to find a specific Kubi Araki. We added a circle around the target you can find from each marked location.

Kubi Akari #1

Graphic: Paulo Kawanishi/Polygon | Source images: Capcom

Starting from the Nijo-jo Castle Entrance Spirit Mirror on the south side of the map, the first Kubi Araki you will spot is flying over the buildings and between the trees in front of the bridge. If it's not visible, wait a little, as it might be hidden behind the trees.

Kubi Akari #2

Graphic: Paulo Kawanishi/Polygon | Source images: Capcom

The second Kubi Araki's notebook icon is exactly over the bridge from where you could see the first one. However, the second Kubi Araki is actually under the bridge. To have a clear vision and be within range of firing an arrow, you must move forward off the bridge, turn right, and, from the right side of the street, between some stalls, look southeast toward the bridge.

Kubi Akari #3

Graphic: Paulo Kawanishi/Polygon | Source images: Capcom

You can locate the third Kubi Akari by heading north into the area near the bridge. To actually find the flying genma and have a chance to shoot it down, you must climb the ladder on the right side of the street and look west over the buildings across the street.

Kubi Akari #4

Graphic: Paulo Kawanishi/Polygon | Source images: Capcom

To find the fourth Kubi Akari, you must keep heading north and climb a ramp to reach the roof. Instead of turning left and leaving the building, stay on the corner of the roof and look north. You will see the Kubi Akari flying around near another genma.

Kubi Akari #5

Graphic: Paulo Kawanishi/Polygon | Source images: Capcom

You can find the fifth Kubi Akari in Nijo-jo Castle faster by traveling to the Nue Pond Spirit Mirror on the north side of the map. From there, head south to find a gate. Beside it, there's a ladder. Use it to reach a platform from where you can see the corner of the building on the right side. Between the walls, you will find the Kubi Akari. You can only hit it from the platform.