What Are Chijiko and Why Are They Worth Finding? 🎐
As you traverse the Heian region in Nioh 3, you’ll come across peculiar creatures floating in the air like traditional Japanese lanterns. These friendly yokai known as Chijiko wait high above the ground until some brave warrior shoots them down and pets them. Unlike other yokai who would rather tear you apart, Chijiko generously reward anyone who takes the time to find them.
The rewards for petting Chijiko are far from negligible. Each Chijiko will provide you with either a Samurai Lock or Ninja Lock – key items for unlocking advanced abilities in your skill tree. Additionally, they grant Transformed Arts, special combat techniques that expand your combat arsenal. Given how important these items are for character progression, finding all nine Chijiko in Heian should be a priority for every player.
The process of interacting with Chijiko is straightforward, but requires preparation. First, you must spot a Chijiko in the air – after raising the exploration level of a given region, they appear as icons on the map, which significantly eases their location. Once you spot one, use a projectile weapon like a bow, kunai, or shuriken to shoot it down. After it lands on the ground, you can approach and pet it, receiving your rewards.
Preparing for the Chijiko Hunt
Before you set out to hunt all nine Chijiko scattered across the Heian region, make sure you have an adequate supply of ammunition. A bow is generally the best choice due to its long range and accuracy – some Chijiko fly at considerable height or distance. If you prefer the ninja style, kunai work well for medium distances, while shuriken are only suitable for Chijiko in immediate proximity.
Raising the exploration level of each region is a critical step before beginning your search. The higher your exploration level, the more information appears on the map, including the precise positions of Chijiko. This will save you considerable time from wandering and guessing where exactly each yokai is located.
Kamo Village – The First Chijiko (Level 57)
Your journey to find all Chijiko begins in Kamo Village, home to the first of nine. After fast traveling to Path of Koyama Shrine, head east. Your first objective is the Lesser Crucible, which you must find and destroy. This area isn’t very large, so the Lesser Crucible shouldn’t be hard to find if you stick to the eastern direction from the shrine.
After destroying the Lesser Crucible, don’t rush ahead immediately. Instead, stop and look to your right from your current position. There you’ll see the first Chijiko floating in the air. Its position isn’t very high, so shooting it down shouldn’t present a problem even with a basic bow. After shooting it down, approach, pet it, and enjoy your first rewards.
This first Chijiko serves as a good introduction to the mechanic. It’s relatively easily accessible and doesn’t require complicated platforming or navigation. It’s the perfect opportunity to learn the proper timing and aim for shooting down these yokai before you venture after more difficult specimens.
Funaokayama – The Bamboo Landmark (Level 59)
The second Chijiko awaits in the Funaokayama region, where orientation is key to success. Begin your journey by heading west from the central point of Funaokayama and following the main road. The path will lead you through gradually changing landscape until you eventually reach its end.
At the moment when the main road ends, notice the bamboo grove on your right with a path leading through it. This bamboo passage is your main landmark – if you see it, you know you’re in the right place. However, instead of entering the bamboo, turn left. There you’ll spot a Chijiko floating at a reasonable height.
The position of this Chijiko is interesting in that it relies on proper navigation and environmental observation. Many players may automatically continue the path through the bamboo without looking left, thereby missing the Chijiko. That’s why it’s important to remember – bamboo passage on the right means look left.
Sagano – Bridge and Ladder (Level 62)
The Sagano region hides two Chijiko, making it an important stop on your journey. The first is located near Horinji Temple Bridge, where crossing the bridge opens the path to discovery. After crossing the bridge, you’ll notice a ladder leading down on your right side.
Here comes the part that confuses many players – your instinct might be to immediately climb down the ladder. Instead, however, ignore the ladder and look straight ahead. There the Chijiko should be visible floating in space. If you find that the angle for aiming isn’t ideal from the bridge position, only then use the ladder and climb down. From a lower position, the angle for shooting may be more advantageous.
This location teaches an important lesson – the most obvious path isn’t always the right one. Sometimes you must resist the urge to follow visible objects like ladders and instead focus on surveying the environment from your current position.
Sagano – House on the Cliff (Level 62)
The second Chijiko in the Sagano region requires a visit to Horiike of Arashiyama Shrine. From this shrine, head west where you’ll see a small house in the distance. If you’ve already done side quests in this area, the house may be familiar to you – it’s the exact same house where you accept the In Search of Eternal Youth myth quest.
Approach the house and navigate toward the cliff edge near it. Be careful when moving in this area, as falling from the cliff would be not only painful but also time-consuming to return from. Once you’re safely positioned near the edge, look into the distance. There you’ll spot a Chijiko floating in space above the landscape.
Due to the distance of this Chijiko, a bow is definitely the recommended weapon. Kunai or shuriken may not have sufficient range for reliable hitting. After successfully shooting it down, you’ll need to navigate to where the Chijiko landed, which may require some platforming depending on the exact landing spot.
Awawa no Tsuji – Rooftop Ascent (Level 66)
The fifth Chijiko in order awaits in Awawa no Tsuji and requires some climbing skills. Begin your journey at Awawa no Tsuji Shrine and head north. You’ll soon encounter stairs leading upward, which you should climb. At the top of the stairs, turn left.
Here you’ll find a series of stone blocks you can use as platforms to climb to the top of a small building. The climbing mechanic in Nioh 3 is fairly intuitive, so the ascent shouldn’t present much problem. Once you’re standing on the building’s roof, you have a perfect vantage position.
From this elevated position, look westward. The Chijiko floats somewhere in this area, and thanks to standing higher, you have a clear view and easier angle for shooting. This location demonstrates how utilizing environmental verticality can considerably ease finding and shooting down Chijiko.
Hachijo – First of Three (Level 73)
The Hachijo region is home to three Chijiko, making it the richest area for these yokai in all of Heian. The first requires using the Spirit Vein mechanic. Start at Rajomon: Suzaku Avenue Shrine and head north. Shortly after starting, turn left and find the Spirit Vein that transports you to the other side of the area.
After traversing the Spirit Vein, you’ll find yourself at a building that has special significance – inside you can fight one of the masters, but only during the Box’s Guardian myth quest. For purposes of finding Chijiko, however, the building itself isn’t the goal. Instead, walk around the building and get behind it.
Here comes the trick – you must aim down. Unlike most Chijiko who float above you or at the same level, this particular specimen is located lower than the building’s position. That’s why it’s important to aim your bow or kunai downward behind the building. Once you aim correctly, you’ll spot the Chijiko and can shoot it down.
Hachijo – The Easiest Chijiko (Level 73)
The second Chijiko in Hachijo is probably the most easily accessible of all nine in the entire Heian region. Start at Anneibo Temple Shrine and head east. After a short run, turn right.
And that’s basically it. The Chijiko flies directly in front of you, above your head, in a perfectly visible position. There’s no need for complicated platforming, searching for hidden paths, or special aiming angles. Simply look up, aim, and shoot. It’s so straightforward it might seem almost suspicious after all the more complicated locations you’ve already visited.
This Chijiko serves as a pleasant break from more difficult searches and reminds you that not all yokai must be hidden in hard-to-reach places. Sometimes things are simple – if you know where to go.
Hachijo – Submerged Buildings (Level 73)
The third and final Chijiko in Hachijo represents a return to more difficult navigation. You must get to the extreme right – the far right part of the region. There you’ll find a series of submerged buildings partially immersed in water.
Your task is to find the right building you can stand on that provides a good view. Once you find a suitable position on one of the submerged buildings, face south. This is a critical detail – if you’re looking in another direction, you probably won’t see the Chijiko. The southern direction will give you the right angle for spotting the yokai floating in space.
This location is one of the more difficult ones due to a combination of factors – you must find the right part of the region, identify the right building, and then still face the right direction. It’s a test of your orientation and patience, but the reward in the form of another Samurai or Ninja Lock is definitely worth the effort.
Rokuhara – The Final Chijiko (Level 77)
The ninth and final Chijiko in the Heian region awaits in Rokuhara, which makes sense given that it’s one of the last regions you explore. Begin your final hunt at Kamo Riverbank Shrine and head east into Rokuhara itself.
Your goal is the northern part of this region. Navigation can be a bit complicated due to Rokuhara’s layout, but if you stick to the northern direction and follow the map, you’ll eventually arrive at the right place. There you’ll find a bridge spanning part of the area.
Climb onto the bridge and use its vantage position to search for the final Chijiko. The bridge provides an excellent view of the surroundings and the Chijiko should be clearly visible from this elevated position. After shooting down and petting this last yokai, you have the complete collection – all nine Chijiko from the Heian region are found and petted.
Completing all nine Chijiko isn’t just about completion percentage – the rewards you gain along the way significantly strengthen your character. Samurai and Ninja Locks open new skill tree branches, while Transformed Arts add new combat options. It’s a time investment that pays back in the form of a stronger and more versatile character.
Tips for Efficient Searching
When searching for all nine Chijiko in the Heian region, there are several strategies that can significantly speed up and ease the process. The first and most important step is systematically raising the exploration level in each region. The higher your exploration level, the more details appear on the map, including precise Chijiko positions. Invest time in thoroughly exploring each area – activate all shrines, open shortcuts, and collect collectibles. This effort pays off by making Chijiko clearly visible on the map.
The second strategy involves combining Chijiko hunting with other activities. Many Chijiko are located near or directly on paths to Lesser Crucibles, myth quests, or other important locations. Instead of dedicating yourself exclusively to finding Chijiko, try incorporating them into your natural region exploration. For example, when you go to complete a myth quest in Sagano, take the opportunity to find both Chijiko in the area.
The third useful tactic is investing in proper shooting equipment. Make sure you have enough arrows if using a bow, or corresponding supplies of kunai and shuriken if you prefer the ninja style. Nothing is more frustrating than finding a Chijiko only to run out of ammunition at the critical moment. Regularly check your inventory and replenish supplies at merchants.
If you encounter a Chijiko you can’t shoot from your current position, don’t waste time with repeated attempts from the same spot. Instead, look around the environment and search for alternative positions. Sometimes a few steps to the right or left can dramatically improve your aiming angle. Utilize platforming possibilities – climb buildings, jump to higher platforms, or conversely climb down for a better perspective.
FAQ
Q: What happens if I miss my shot at a Chijiko?
A: The Chijiko doesn’t disappear or fly away. You can shoot repeatedly until you hit it. They’re stationary and wait for your successful hit, so take your time and aim carefully.
Q: Can any Chijiko be permanently missable?
A: No, no Chijiko in Nioh 3 is missable. You can return to any region at any time even after completing the main story and find Chijiko you previously overlooked.
Q: Do Chijiko automatically appear on the map?
A: Yes, but only after raising the exploration level of the given region to a sufficient level. The more you explore, the more information appears on the map, including Chijiko positions.
Q: Which Chijiko is hardest to find?
A: Most players consider the Chijiko on submerged buildings in Hachijo the hardest, as it requires the right position and you must look exactly south. The combination of these factors can be confusing.
Q: What weapon is best for shooting down Chijiko?
A: A bow is generally the best choice due to long range and accuracy. Kunai work well for medium distances, while shuriken are only suitable for close Chijiko.
Q: Do I get the same rewards from all Chijiko?
A: Not exactly – each Chijiko gives either a Samurai Lock or Ninja Lock, plus Transformed Arts. The specific type of Lock may vary, but all are valuable for character progression.
Q: Can I use firearms to shoot down Chijiko?
A: Yes, firearms work, but a bow is a better choice. It’s quieter, ammunition is cheaper, and often more accurate at long distances.
Q: What if a Chijiko lands somewhere I can’t reach?
A: This happens rarely, but if it does, try shooting from a different angle. Sometimes changing position before shooting affects where the Chijiko lands. Alternatively, you can try fast traveling away and back to reset the area.
