Exposed: The Smiling Yoshimoto Bounty Location in Ghost of Yōtei’s Yōtei Grasslands

The highly anticipated open-world samurai epic, Ghost of Yōtei, has captivated PlayStation and PC gamers alike, offering a vast, stunning rendition of 17th-century Ezo (modern-day Hokkaido). While the main revenge narrative following the ‘Onryō’ Atsu is gripping, one of the most rewarding and challenging side activities is the extensive Bounty System. Among the most notorious targets is the deceptively charming Smiling Yoshimoto, a rogue ronin who preys on unsuspecting weary travelers. For players aiming to achieve the coveted Master Bounty Hunter trophy and secure valuable in-game rewards like the 750 Coin and the unique Smiling Kabuto-Mushi cosmetic sword skin, tracking down this elusive criminal is a top priority. This definitive guide, updated for the 2025 gaming season, provides the precise location and step-by-step method to confront this cunning swordsman.

Pinpointing the Target: Smiling Yoshimoto’s Last Known Location

The hunt for Smiling Yoshimoto begins, like all bounties, at a Bounty Board. Players must first accept the contract from the board, typically found at the Yōtei Shadow Inn (also known as the Old Inn) located within the Yōtei Grasslands region. Once accepted, the game provides a general area of operation, but the exact Smiling Yoshimoto location requires keen environmental investigation.

The ronin operates an elaborate trap disguised as a sanctuary for those needing respite. His area of operation is specifically described as being along the Sarubetsu River near Tranquil Falls in the southern part of the Yōtei Grasslands, situated west of Lake Kuttara. This region is a hotbed for open-world action-adventure and high-risk combat encounters, making proper preparation vital.

The Lure: Locating the Weary Traveler’s Camp

The precise spot is the Weary Traveler’s Camp. This seemingly innocuous campsite is Yoshimoto’s hunting ground. To successfully locate and spring the trap, follow these key navigational and investigative steps:

• Geographic Landmark: Head north from Tranquil Falls. The camp is on the bank of the Sarubetsu River.
• Environmental Clues: Look for a small campsite marked by glowing lanterns. The location is deliberately inviting, designed to relax the player’s guard.
• Map Reference: Check your map after accepting the bounty; the marker points to the vicinity of Tranquil Falls.

Springing the Trap: How to Make Smiling Yoshimoto Appear

Smiling Yoshimoto will not simply be standing around waiting for a duel; he is a predator who waits for his prey to feel safe. This bounty mission cleverly transforms into an investigation-style quest before the final duel. To trigger the encounter, Atsu must fully examine the lure setup, which is the key to this Ghost of Yōtei guide.

The necessary steps to make the bounty appear involve interacting with several objects at the campsite:

• Examine the Sake: An offering of sake is left on a barrel by a tree—a classic gesture of hospitality.
• Read the Note: A note is posted nearby, inviting travelers to help themselves to the food and drink.
• Inspect the Supplies: Check the bedroll by the tent and the salmon left in the fish traps—all designed to suggest a generous, absent host.
• Initiate the Lure: After inspecting all clues, approach the campfire at the center of the camp. The prompt will appear to build a fire and cook the fish. Performing this action signals to Yoshimoto that a victim has taken the bait, initiating the critical cutscene and the boss fight.

The Duel: Strategies to Defeat the Smiling Ronin

Yoshimoto reveals his true, murderous intent once Atsu settles in. He immediately attacks, starting the duel with a dangerous, signature move.

Key Combat Strategies:

• Unblockable Strike: His first move, and a recurring threat, is an unblockable overhead strike. Be prepared to sidestep or dodge this immediately, as attempting to parry will lead to severe damage.
• Predictable Attack Pattern: Compared to some of the main Yōtei Six lieutenants, Smiling Yoshimoto is described as being a less-skilled swordsman, preying on the weak. His move set is largely similar to common bandits, featuring a main parryable thrust.
• Perfect Parry Focus: Players who have invested in the Bounty Master armor (which enhances the perfect parry window) or have mastered the L1 timing will find this fight manageable. Look for the blue glint to land a devastating perfect parry, a core mechanic in AAA action RPGs like Ghost of Yōtei.
• Pressure and Aggression: Keeping up the pressure prevents him from going on the offensive, forcing him to play defense and opening him up for counter-attacks. Utilize powerful Dual Strike combos (Hold R1 + R2) to quickly deplete his stagger meter and health.

Upon defeating the Smiling Yoshimoto, make sure to loot his body to secure the bounty proof. The final step of the mission is to return to the Bounty Board at the Yōtei Shadow Inn to report the completion and claim your 750 Coin and the exclusive Smiling Kabuto-Mushi sword kit, a cosmetic reward for completing this challenging optional content in the Ezo open-world.

This bounty is a perfect example of how Ghost of Yōtei refines its predecessor’s formula, turning a simple fetch-and-kill quest into an immersive, multi-step encounter that rewards player investigation and mastery of the dual katana combat system. Don’t let the smile fool you—mastering this encounter is a crucial step towards becoming the ultimate Onryō.