Hidden high above Hyrule’s snowy peaks, the Wao-os Shrine challenges players with icy winds, clever puzzles, and precise timing. This guide shows exactly where to find it and how to conquer every obstacle waiting inside.
When you’re done, our shrine locations page or interactive Hyrule map can direct you toward something else to do.
Wao-os Shrine location
Wao-os Shrine is located in the Hebra region, southwest of Rito Village, on a snowy plateau near the Rospro Pass Skyview Tower. The exact coordinates are approximately (-4055, 2669, 0229). To reach it, glide southeast from the tower or climb up from the lower ridges of the region. Cold protection gear or food is recommended, as the area’s low temperatures can quickly drain Link’s health.
Wao-os Shrine is found within the Hebra Mountains region. Its exact location is (-4059, 1991, 0183). It’s cold there, so you’ll need some spicy meals or elixirs or, better yet, the Snowquill Armor set. Rospro Pass Skyview Tower is just a bit northeast of the shrine.
You can also get there from Van Medoh’s Perch above Rito Village, which is convenient because .
The White Bird’s Guidance shrine quest
After speaking with Laissa at Rito Village, follow the direction of the white bird she describes. Glide toward the tall peak north of the village, near Hebra Peak, and watch for a snowfield shaped like a bird in flight. Land near its “eye,” where a hidden cave entrance can be found. Inside lies the Wao-os Shrine, revealed as part of The White Bird’s Guidance quest once the player reaches the cave’s end.
If you speak to Laissa on the northwest side of Rito Village, she’ll tell you about a cave she found recently.
The “The White Bird’s Guidance” shrine quest she gives you asks you to look west from Van Medoh’s Perch – the stone spire Rito Village was build around – in the early morning for a single white bird resting atop the long shadow of the perch.
Wait for morning, and head to the very top of Van Medoh’s Perch. As the sun rises, the shadow it casts on the mountains to the west will look like a perch, and there’s a patch of snow near where it falls that looks like a white bird. That’s where you’ll find WestLake Totori Cave and Wao-os Shrine.
Paraglide across to the white bird – it’s about one full stamina ring from Van Medoh’s Perch – and land on the snow there. There’s a Korok under the stone that makes the bird’s eye, and West Lake Totori Cave is on your left.
Inside, follow the path past the pond and down to find Wao-os Shrine.
Wao-os Shrine walkthrough
Wao-os Shrine focuses on precise use of water and movement to solve its puzzles. To begin, use Ultrahand to manipulate floating spheres and create paths across the water. Adjust the platforms so you can reach the higher ledges safely, then use Ascend to climb to the next area. The final challenge involves balancing the objects to trigger switches and open the exit gate, rewarding you with a Light of Blessing upon completion.
Wao-os Shrine lets you play with a makeshift catapult.
1. When you enter Wao-os Shrine, there’s a closed gate on your left next to a large bowl, sphere, and cube. On the edge of the platform you’re on, there’s a see-saw, and across a large gap, there are two targets.
2. Use Ultrahand to glue the bowl to the end of the see-saw and then place the ball inside the bowl (but don’t attach it).
3. Lift the metal cube as high into the air as you can. Use the green shadow it casts to line it up with the other end of the plank.
4. Drop it to launch the ball. It should hit the lower of the two targets.
5. Pull the bowl off of the seesaw.
6. Grab the plank from the behind the gate you just opened and attach it to the seesaw to extend it. Don’t put the bowl back on yet, though.
7. Pick up the cube again and stand on the newly extended catapult.
8. Drop it to launch yourself mostly straight up. Deploy your paraglider and look along the right wall for a chest containing a spicy elixir.
How to reach West Lake Totori Cave entrance fast
The West Lake Totori Cave entrance lies northwest of Rito Village in the Hebra Mountains at approximately (-3952, 2032, 0201), atop a snowy cliff blending into the mountainside.
Fastest Travel Method
Launch from Rospro Pass Skyview Tower southwest toward Dronoc’s Pass and the Flight Range; glide directly to the coordinates, using cold resistance (Snowquill Armor or spicy elixirs) to survive the chill. Spot landmarks like a white tree to the left, a small fire or skull camp below, and a subtle snow patch marking the hole-like entrance-lift a nearby rock outside for a Korok seed bonus.
Alternative Quick Route
From Rito Village, start “The White Bird’s Guidance” quest with Laissa, climb Vah Medoh’s Perch, and wait for dawn to follow the white bird-shaped snow shadow westward to the cave. Offer an Endura Carrot at the nearby pink Cherry Blossom Tree first to illuminate all cave entrances in the area for easier spotting.
Fastest route from Rospro Pass Skyview Tower to the cave entrance
Fastest route from Rospro Pass Skyview Tower to West Lake Totori Cave entrance involves launching immediately upon activation and gliding southwest toward Dronoc’s Pass landmarks.
Launch and Glide Path
Activate the tower at (-3686, 2342, 0233), then use the launch pad aiming slightly southwest; maintain stamina with cold resistance active (Snowquill Set or Spicy Elixir) to cover the ~300-unit distance in under 2 minutes. Target the snowy cliff at (-3952, 2032, 0201), using a white tree on the left and skull-shaped camp below as visual guides.
Landing Tips
Spot the subtle snow patch hole amid the whiteout-paraglide low over the cliff edge, lift the rock for Korok, then drop in. Optionally unlock Sahasra Slope Shrine en route for fast travel backup, but direct glide skips it for speed.
