Ghost of Yotei: How to solve the Snow Drift Springs Shrine puzzle?

In the Teshio Ridge region in Ghost of Yotei, you can encounter a locked gate in the Snow Drift Springs Shrine location. We've prepared a solution to the lantern and fox statue puzzle. You'll also learn how to deal with a patrol consisting of Saito's elite soldiers, which can roam the area and hunt Atsu.

• Where is the Snow Drift Springs Shrine?
• Solving the cipher and statue puzzle
• Reward for opening the Snow Drift Shrine

Where is the Snow Drift Springs Shrine?

1. Snow Drift Springs Shrine is one of the unique locations in the western part of the Teshio Ridge region, the northern part of Ezo Island. In this location, you'll encounter a locked door, and to unlock it, you will have to solve a puzzle involving lanterns and fox statues.

1. Before tackling the puzzle, the game may force you to eliminate elite enemies riding on horses patrolling the area. Interaction may be blocked if these enemies are close to the heroine.
2. It might be a good idea to attack enemies from nearby higher ledges, especially if you already have access to explosive arrows. You should be able to kill at least a few of them before you run out of supplies. In case of direct combat, watch out for yellow attacks that may disarm Atsu (you will then have to pick up your weapon).

Solving the cipher and statue puzzle

1. The Nine Tails' Cipher can be helpful in solving this puzzle - unlocking it is described on a separate page How to solve the first cipher puzzle?. Having the cipher is not required, but it will allow you to decipher the meaning and placement of the symbols. The solution is always the same, so the description below may also be helpful.
2. Take the torch found near the closed passage. There are three groups of statues with lanterns in the area. Your task is to select the correct lantern to light, and this is quite easy to determine. There is always a single statue surrounded by water behind the lanterns. Memorize its pose and light the lantern with the same statue - the attached image shows an example of a correct pair of fox statues.

1. There are 3 groups of lanterns scattered throughout the area. One group is further away - you will need to reach the higher ledge shown in the image above. Find the second torch there as well.

1. After lighting 3 correct lanterns (one from each group), return to the starting point. A small opening will appear at the bottom, but it's enough to squeeze through and proceed to the next location.

Reward for opening the Snow Drift Shrine

1. After using the small opening, Atsu will reach the Snow Drift Springs Hideout. You can explore this location and eliminate the enemies to take control of it.

See also:

1. Game guide
2. How to solve the lighthouse puzzle?
3. How to find the Undying Samurai?

Ghost of Yotei

October 2, 2025

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