When you first arrive in Kyoto during Assassin’s Creed Shadows, you’ll encounter a mission that tasks you with collecting various pieces of art. Although it may seem like an easy task, you could find yourself exploring the vast landscapes of Japan for hours in search of these items.
To make matters more difficult, the game only informs you that the paintings are located in different castles and doesn’t offer specific directions. If you’re having difficulty locating these paintings or the castles, this guide will help you navigate the entire process.
How to Begin the Art Collector Quest
The quest initiation point is in Kyoto, but you must find the exact location of the mission giver to activate the quest. If you are not able to trigger the quest upon your arrival in Kyoto, head to the western side of the city, specifically the western side of Nijo Palace, which is situated directly north of the Kano Painting School.
You should look for the largest house near the painting school. Inside this building, you’ll meet Kano Eitoku, who will send you on a mission to collect ten paintings scattered across Japan.
Although you can recover all the paintings without starting the quest, it’s worth trying to find them during your exploration. If you happen to be in a castle, such as the one in Osaka, search the premises thoroughly before moving on.
If you’re in the right location, Kano Eitoku will provide you with further instructions to locate the ten paintings, which can complicate your search since they reside in specific castles.
Tips for Finding All the Paintings
Being in castles does make it convenient to search, but be sure your character is properly leveled and equipped. In Act 1 of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, many of the castles may be significantly above your current level. It might be better to wait until you have leveled up before you attempt to gather these paintings.
Consider playing as Naoe instead of Yasuke for this quest. Naoe has superior stealth abilities, allowing you to search for the paintings without drawing attention or getting hurt.
Locations of the Paintings
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Nijo Palace Painting
The first painting can be found near Kano’s Painting School at Nijo Palace. Once inside the palace, make your way to the northern section. The painting is located in a house northeast of the palace’s viewpoint, on the wall of the main room. Remember to deal with the guard in the area before grabbing the painting. -
Shoryuji Castle Painting
Head south of Kyoto to Shoryuji Castle, located east of Ogura Pond. The painting is situated on the eastern side of the castle near the south entrance, in a house. Enter from any side, eliminate the guard in the central section, and the painting will be near some samurai armor. -
Takatsuki Castle Painting
Travel east of the Muggy Lands, south of Yamazaki Castle to reach Takatsuki Castle. The painting is in a house on the eastern side of the castle grounds. Look for the house close to the viewpoint in a compound of buildings. This painting can be found in a smaller room, so make sure to eliminate the guard directly in front of the door. -
Osaka Castle Painting
Move further south into Osaka in Izumi Settsu and head to a structure that’s directly southwest of the castle’s viewpoint. The painting can be found in the house that is furthest from the castle, right behind two guards. -
Koriyama Castle Painting
This castle is located in the northwest section of Yamato, not too far from the viewpoint. Inside the northern area of the castle, head to the third floor where you will find the painting next to a window. -
Azuchi Castle Painting
Head to eastern Omi, east of the Military Harbor in Azuchi. Go to the top northern section of the castle, and the painting will be in a large room located in the middle of the building, displayed on the wall. -
Nagahama Castle Painting
Further north of Azuchi, in Nagahama, travel to the base of the castle and move left until you reach a large room on the first floor. You’ll need to dispatch a few guards before you can obtain this painting. -
Nochisenyama Castle
This castle is located in the northern part of the map, directly south of Obama. The painting can be found in the same building as the viewpoint, two levels below. Entering from the top may help circumvent the formidable enemies below. -
Fukuchiyama Castle Painting
For this painting, go to the center of the castle grounds where a cluster of homes exists. You’ll find it located right in front of the castle, positioned on the southern side of a house you enter. - Himeji Castle Painting
Finally, head to Himeji Castle in the western part of the map. Find the painting by starting at the eastern side of the castle grounds, moving south until you reach the eastern entrance. Cross over to the house with the last painting, located on the wall in the back left corner of the room.
Once you’ve collected all ten paintings, return to Kano in Kyoto. Completing this quest will reward you with decorations for your hideout and a healthy dose of experience points.