The Claws of Awaji DLC for Assassin’s Creed Shadows expands the game with new quests, dangers, and rewards on Awaji Island. Among its optional content is the Painting Memories sidequest, which tasks players with discovering and painting stunning Sumi-e landscapes. Completing all three locations not only adds beautiful artwork to your Hideout but also unlocks the Breathtaking achievement.
How to Start the Painting Memories Quest
When you first return from Awaji Island to your Hideout, you’ll encounter Junjiro in the main building. He wishes to visit the island with Naoe, but since it’s unsafe, she promises to bring him something meaningful instead.
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This begins the Painting Memories sidequest. From here, you must explore Awaji Island, discover three unique vistas, and create Sumi-e paintings to bring back to Junjiro.
All Claws of Awaji Sumi-e Locations
There are three Sumi-e spots scattered across Awaji Island. Two are hidden at the ends of special trails, and one lies near a key shrine in the center of the island.
1. Izanagi Shrine Sumi-e
- Region: Eshima Coast (central Awaji)
- How to Reach: Start from the Izanagi Kakurega or nearby fast travel point. Approach the shrine from the south entrance, then turn right past the torii gate. Cross the bridge and follow the path until you reach the large sacred tree.
- Painting View: A spiritual vista of the shrine and its ancient tree.
2. Trail of Eshima Sumi-e
- Region: Northern Awaji, below Iwaya Castle
- How to Reach: From the Iwaya Tenshu viewpoint, dive into the southwest water pool and swim through to the coast. Continue toward the abandoned shrine and take the narrow path leading to the Trail of Eshima.
- Path Details: Use Naoe’s grappling hook and agility skills to traverse cliffs and ledges until you reach the seaside rock formation known as Eshima Rock.
- Painting View: A striking coastal landscape overlooking the ocean.
3. Trail of Naruto Sumi-e
- Region: Southwestern Awaji, near Fukura Bay
- How to Reach: Begin at either the Fukura Kakurega or Fukura Hachiman Lookout fast travel points. The Trail of Naruto winds across mountain ridges and above shipwreck-filled waters.
- Path Details: This is the most challenging route, with long climbing sections, hidden loot chests, and even assassination targets (available after completing the main DLC story).
- Painting View: The iconic Naruto Whirlpools, one of the most breathtaking natural sights in the DLC.
Quest Rewards
Completing each Sumi-e grants a unique wall decoration for your Hideout:
- Izanagi Shrine Painting
- Eshima Rock Painting
- Naruto Whirlpool Painting
After finishing all three, return to Junjiro. He rewards you with Junjiro’s Painting, an ink artwork depicting found family. You’ll also receive XP for the quest.
Most importantly, finishing all three paintings unlocks the Breathtaking achievement, exclusive to the Claws of Awaji expansion.
Quick Tips for Sumi-e Locations
- Fast Travel Unlocks: Make sure to unlock nearby Kakurega safehouses to save time when hunting each trail.
- Bring Grappling Hook Skills: Essential for navigating the Trail of Eshima and Trail of Naruto.
- Post-Story Exploration: If you’ve completed the main DLC story, you’ll encounter bonus loot and assassination targets along the Naruto route.
- Optional Completion: Even if you don’t officially start the quest with Junjiro, discovering all three Sumi-e will still count, and the quest will appear retroactively.
The Claws of Awaji Sumi-e paintings are more than just collectibles—they’re a celebration of Awaji Island’s beauty and a heartfelt story between Naoe and Junjiro. By completing them, players unlock unique Hideout decorations, a personal gift from Junjiro, and the Breathtaking achievement.
If you’re exploring the expansion, make sure to set aside time for this quest—it’s one of the most rewarding optional activities in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Play Now!
