Onimusha: Way of the Sword's Hidden Path Puzzle Is a Lesson in Persistence
In Onimusha: Way of the Sword, the quest In the Light of an Icy Moon takes a sharp turn when Musashi enters the Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama. The path forward isn't obvious, and the objectives Find the Hidden Path and Take the Oni Shortcut can leave players circling the same rocks. This guide breaks down exactly where to go, what to interact with, and how to move through this section without losing your patience.
Where to Find the Hidden Path in the Bamboo Grove
Once you enter the Bamboo Grove, don't hunt for a secret entrance right away. Follow the main path forward. Keep walking until you spot a large, headstone-like monument with glowing markings. Examine it. The inscription reads: “When going through hell, one must keep going.” That's your first clue.
Continue until you reach a second large monument, this one flanked by monk statues. Interact with each statue until you find the one labeled “Hell.” Use it as your landmark. From there, walk straight toward the rock wall. It looks solid, but it isn't. Walk through it.
How to Reveal the Oni Glyph and Activate the Portal
As you approach the wall, you'll notice a hazy patch of fog. Activate Oni Vision and scan the area. A hidden Oni Glyph will appear, glowing on top of a rock. Interact with it. Musashi will use his Oni Power to turn it into a portal. Step through to complete the Find the Hidden Path objective.
Taking the Oni Shortcut: The Stone Panel Puzzle
After the portal, the environment shifts. Gold veins run through the rocks, and the objective changes to Take the Oni Shortcut. Follow the path until you hit a wide gap between floating platforms. It's too far to jump. Don't try.
Instead, turn around and walk backward along the path you came from. Look for a movable stone panel with a glowing red circle. Equip the Oni Bow and shoot the circle from a distance. The panel slides into place, bridging the gap. Cross it.
Move the First Panel Back
After crossing, continue to the edge of the area. Look back at the panel you just used. You'll see the glowing red circle on its back. Shoot it again. The panel returns to its original position. This step is easy to miss, so make sure the shot connects.
Find and Activate the Second Panel
Head upward. A second stone mechanism sits nearby with its own red target. Shoot it. The panel moves into position, opening a new route. The puzzle feels confusing because you're manipulating two panels from different angles. If you get stuck, Shizuka may offer a hint.
Glide Through the Oni Power Trails
Once the panels are solved, keep moving. You'll reach a section with green and yellow trails along the walls. Use Musashi's Oni Power to glide across. Don't go back to the panels. Continue until Musashi comments on a building resembling Kiyomizu-dera.
Find the Second Oni Glyph
At that point, activate Oni Vision again. A second hidden glyph appears. Interact with it to create another portal. Walk through to reach the Swamp and complete the Take the Oni Shortcut objective.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you activate the Oni Glyph?
Use Oni Vision to reveal the glyph, then interact with it. Musashi will use his Oni Power to transform it into a portal. Walk through to open the hidden route.
How do you cross the floating platforms?
Shoot the glowing red circle on the movable stone panel with the Oni Bow. The panel slides across the gap. Later, shoot the red circle on its back to return it, then activate the second panel.
More Onimusha: Way of the Sword Guides
- How to Solve the Mask Puzzle in Onimusha: Way of the Sword
- All Hozuki Pouches (& How to Get Them) in Onimusha: Way of the Sword
- All Oni Armaments (& How to Get Them) in Onimusha: Way of the Sword
- All Bosses in Onimusha: Way of the Sword
Onimusha: Way of the Sword is available now for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. It was released on September 4, 2026, and is rated Mature 17+ for intense violence, blood and gore, strong language, suggestive themes, and in-game purchases.