In Genshin Impact, the quest involving the abandoned shrine is part of a captivating mystery set in Inazuma, featuring ghostly encounters and spiritual secrets. Players are often puzzled about how to proceed once they reach the abandoned shrine in the Sacred Sakura Cleansing Ritual questline. The game provides only vague clues, and the surroundings are eerie and quiet, making it easy to feel lost or stuck. Understanding how to continue the investigation at the abandoned shrine is key to completing this segment and unlocking deeper parts of the Inazuma storyline. With some guidance and careful observation, you can move forward and unravel the secrets hidden within the shrine grounds.
Reaching the Abandoned Shrine
Locate the Area in Chinju Forest
The abandoned shrine is situated in Chinju Forest, on Narukami Island in the Inazuma region. You’ll be directed here as part of the Sacred Sakura Cleansing Ritual world quest, especially during the Sacrificial Offering sub-quest. If you haven’t started the questline, you can initiate it by speaking to Kazari near the shrine outside Konda Village after completing A Strange Story in Konda.
Once you arrive at the abandoned shrine, you’ll notice several strange elements kitsune statues, paper charms, and an unsettling quiet. This sets the tone for the spiritual investigation you’re about to conduct. Equip your best exploration team and be ready for dialogue, puzzle-solving, and ghostly interactions.
Investigate the Shrine Grounds
Examine the Fox Statues and Papers
Walk around the shrine and observe the fox statues scattered around. Several of them have paper charms attached to their bases. Interacting with these charms is part of the quest progression. You’ll also want to note the shrine’s layout and the presence of multiple stone lamps and kitsune figures.
You will need to examine three of these charms to fulfill the investigate the abandoned shrine objective. Not every statue has a paper charm you can interact with, so pay attention to the ones that offer a prompt. Some may be slightly hidden behind trees or rocks.
- Look for paper charms near the largest kitsune statues.
- Use Elemental Sight (middle mouse button on PC or L1 + left D-pad on PlayStation) to highlight interactable items if you’re unsure.
- Interacting with three correct charms will trigger a new cutscene or dialogue progression.
Ghostly Encounters
Find the Mysterious Shadows
After investigating the paper charms, you’ll receive a new objective that directs you to continue exploring the area. At this point, three ghostly figures (called Mysterious Shadows) will appear at different spots within the shrine grounds. They resemble shrine maidens and will teleport away each time you approach them until they reach specific positions near the statues.
How to Position the Shadows
The goal is to follow and interact with these ghostly figures until they gather near the central statue. The Mysterious Shadows move in a specific sequence when approached, and they will only stop once they reach their correct positions. This part of the quest is a bit of a puzzle and may require patience.
General tips to complete this part:
- Approach each ghost slowly to see where it moves.
- They will eventually line up near the three large kitsune statues facing the central offering box.
- Once all three are in place, a cutscene will trigger, and a Mysterious Maiden named Kazari will appear.
Dialogue with the Mysterious Maiden
Speak to Kazari
After successfully guiding the shadows to their positions, Kazari will reveal herself. She’s a shrine maiden connected to the Sacred Sakura Ritual. During the conversation, she will mention a sacred item required to proceed with the cleansing ritual and give hints about the next location you’ll need to visit. Be sure to read the dialogue carefully to follow the story.
Following this encounter, your quest will update, and you’ll be given a new item usually a ward or charm to use in the upcoming ritual site. This ends the investigation phase at the abandoned shrine and begins the next leg of your journey.
Unlocking the Next Steps
Use the Memento Lens
To continue the Sacred Sakura Cleansing Ritual, you’ll need the Memento Lens, which allows you to interact with small Earth Kitsune statues and reveal hidden messages or pathways. If you don’t have it yet, the game will direct you to the Grand Narukami Shrine to obtain it from an NPC named Inagi Hotomi.
The Memento Lens becomes essential in multiple parts of this questline, particularly in unlocking deeper layers of the shrine mysteries and hidden entrances to cleansing locations.
Follow the Quest Marker to the Next Site
With the ward in your possession and Kazari’s instructions clear, your next destination is another sacred barrier in Inazuma. The marker will guide you toward this location, and the quest Sacrificial Offering will continue with additional challenges, puzzles, and purification tasks.
Additional Tips for Investigating Shrine Quests
Pay Attention to Environmental Cues
The abandoned shrine and related areas are filled with subtle clues, from glowing markings to whispering spirits. Using Elemental Sight frequently can reveal trails or spirits that are otherwise invisible. Always keep an eye out for changes in lighting, audio cues, or new interactable objects after completing a task.
Carry a Balanced Party
Though much of the abandoned shrine section is puzzle-based, certain parts of the Sacred Sakura questline include combat challenges. It’s smart to have a team that includes:
- An Electro character (for resonance and interactions)
- A Cryo or Hydro user (for elemental puzzles and combat)
- A strong DPS character
- A healer or shield support
Read All the Notes and Dialogues
Throughout the shrine investigation and the broader questline, you’ll find scattered notes and scripted dialogue that provide context and hints. Reading these carefully not only enriches the story but may also help you solve upcoming puzzles or understand references during rituals.
Continuing the investigation at the abandoned shrine in Genshin Impact is a rewarding blend of exploration, spiritual storytelling, and light puzzle-solving. From deciphering the paper charms to guiding ghostly figures and conversing with the mysterious maiden, each step adds depth to Inazuma’s rich lore. By carefully following the quest objectives, observing environmental details, and engaging with the shrine’s mystical atmosphere, you’ll progress smoothly and unlock the secrets that lie hidden in the forest shadows. The journey through the Sacred Sakura Cleansing Ritual continues from here, deeper into the world of ancient spirits and forgotten rituals.