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If you’re a Legend of Zelda aficionado, then you’re familiar with a recurring area called Kakariko Village or Kakariko Town. While its location and history change depending on which iteration of Legend of Zelda you’re playing, it has become a staple for the series.
This village is key in several Legend of Zelda games, including some of the most popular versions like Ocarina of Time and Breath of the Wild. But where else might you find Kakariko Village? And what role does it play in the Legend of Zelda? Read our Kakariko Village guide to find out!
Description
This cozy little town is always a safe place in which Link can rest and relax. In Kakariko Village he can take a break from the pressures of saving Hyrule. For example, in Ocarina of Time, he can practice his slingshot or archery skills. In Breath of the Wild, he can buy some food or clothes.
More often than not these quiet hamlets aid Link in his journey to defeat Ganon by providing succor and information. Inspired by real-life rural villages in Japan, Kakariko Village is often Link’s home away from home.
Legend of Zelda Appearances
Kakariko Village appears in many Legend of Zelda games. Let’s take a look at which versions of Legend of Zelda give Link a place to return to when the pressures of being a hero become too much.
Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
The largest settlement Link visits in A Link to the Past is Kakariko Town. It’s found to the south of the Lost Woods, on the western half of the Light World map. In Kakariko Town, Link can speak with many villagers who will provide valuable information. Some businesses and merchants can offer Link weapons and tools to help him on his way.
Kakariko town is also home to an inn, a tavern, and a fortune-teller. The famous elder Sahasrahla also resides in Kakariko Town, which is why Link sets out to find the town in the first place. Unfortunately, upon his arrival, Link is blamed for the kidnapping of Princess Zelda by many of the townspeople.
However, some believe Link to be innocent, including Sahasrahla and his family. They instruct Link to retrieve the Master Sword. Upon doing so, he returns to Kakariko Town, which is now under the control of soldiers, instructed to attack Link.
During his return to Kakariko Town, Link sets the Flue Boy’s Bird free from its prison – the Weathercock situated in the center of the town. The Flute Boy will then reward Link with a whistle, which Link can use to transport to various places throughout Light World.
Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
After successfully freeing the Great Deku Tree from Gohma, Link will head to Kakariko Village. This small town in the northeast part of the Hyrule is not too far from Hyrule Castle. Kakariko Village sits at the bottom of Death Mountain and is also the entrance to several key locations throughout the game.
The origins of Kakariko Village are mentioned several times throughout Ocarina of Time. Link is told that the town was established by Sheikah, the official protectors of the Royal Hyrule Family, including Princess Zelda. Additionally, the town was initially home to the Sheikah but was later made available to commoners when Impa chose to open the town to others.
Like other Legend of Zelda games, Kakariko Village is a place Link returns to repeatedly in Ocarina of Time. It is his primary destination for many events that take place throughout his adventures in Hyrule. For example, it is the home of the windmill, which is used to bring water up from the town well.
Within the town walls Link will also find a Shooting Gallery, a Potion Ship, a Bazaar, and many interesting characters. Kakariko Village is also home to several tools Link uses along his journey, including a bottle, the Hylian Shield, the Lens of Truth, and multiple songs for his ocarina.
Link visits Kakariko Village for the first time when Impa suggests he go to her childhood home. Here, most of the town is under construction as Impa has initiated improvements to turn the village into a legitimate city. After Adult Link obtains the Song of Storms, he will return to Kakariko Village as Young Link and play it within the windmill. This will cause the well to dry up, allowing Link to explore it and retrieve the Lens of Truth.
Upon returning as an adult, Link discovers Kakariko Village in flames and must save Impa’s home. Sheik tells him about an evil spirit that has escaped and is destroying the town. Link must defeat the spirit – in the form of Bongo Bongo – to restore Kakariko Village to its previous state.
Once Link defeats Ganon, the end-credits scenes show many of the characters Link meets throughout the game celebrating together in Kakariko Village.
Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
During Twilight Princess, Link finds Kakariko Village again near Death Mountain. It resides in the Eldin Province, situated to the southeast of Hyrule Field. Kakariko Village is home to an inn, a hot spring, a bomb shop, and several residences. Additionally, Link will find a graveyard beyond the sanctuary.
It is in Kakariko Village that many Zora are buried, which is why it’s considered a sacred place to their people. Many important events take place in Kakariko Village, but before those take place, Link can purchase important items like bombs, the Zora Armor, and the Hylian Shield.
Unfortunately, when Link arrives at Kakariko Village, most of the townspeople have been turned into Shadow Beasts. There are only a handful of survivors, which makes the village appear deserted and desolate. Upon further inspection, Link finds some of the people taking refuge within the sanctuary.
Link is tasked with returning light to the province, and once he does, he learns that the children of the village have been abducted. The townsfolk ask Link to return with the second piece of Fused Shadow and return the children. After finding Epona and returning to Kakariko Village, Link must aid a caravan traveling from Hyrule Castle to the village.
Once Link retrieves one of the Mirror Shards from the Temple of Time, he is once again summoned to Kakariko Village. Here, he is able to help store Ilia’s memory through the use of the Horse Call, something she bestowed upon Link earlier in the game.
Link does not return to Kakariko Village throughout the rest of Twilight Princess, however, in the end-game credits, the children are seen leaving the village with some adults and returning to their homes.
Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
If Kakariko Village looks familiar in A Link Between Worlds, that’s because it is nearly identical to its counterpart in A Link to the Past. Once again, you’ll find it in the western half of Hyrule, to the north of the desert, and a straight shot south from the Lost Woods.
Link will also find merchants and shops that mimic A Link Between Worlds, including a weather vane situated in the middle of the town. Even though the two towns are very similar, there are some differences worth mentioning. For starters, there’s a Milk Bar in A Link Between Worlds that lets Link buy milk whenever he wants it.
Kakariko Village also offers a small shop near the northern edge of town where he can buy fruit and shields. Link can also obtain a smooth gem and empty bottles within the village or participate in a mini-game. Like A Link to the Past, Kakariko Village has a counterpart, Thieves’ Town, which is where the Thieves’ Hideout is located.
Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
In the most recent Legend of Zelda game, Breath of the Wild, Link travels to Kakariko Village to find Impa. The village is located in the West Necluda region, to the north of the Dueling Peaks stable (all you have to do is follow the road and the signs).
Kakariko Village was able to avoid destruction during the Great Calamity and looks untouched by the outside world upon Link’s arrival. The town has some gardens, several shops, a few houses, and an inn where Link can get some rest. It’s also home to Impa’s house, which is the focal point of the village.
Many villagers recognize Link due to the Sheikah Slate he wields. However, most refer to him as the Hylian Champion, as they don’t believe he is the actual Link from the stories they’ve been told. They’re also quick to point out that he can’t be the hero Link as he doesn’t have the fabled Master Sword.
Impa’s grandaughter, Paya, recognizes him for who he is and immediately takes him to her grandmother. Unfortunately, their reunion is not as exciting as Paya might have hoped since Link can’t remember Impa or anything else of importance. It is here that Impa instructs Link to visit Hateno Village and speak with Purah, the director of the Hateno Ancient Tech Lab.
Impa also tells him to return to her if he is able to reclaim any of his lost memories. When he does, she rewards him with the Champion’s Tunic. Just up the hill from the village is a Fairy Fountain Link can visit to earn upgrades to his armor. There are also a few shrines nearby as well.
There are many NPCs (non-player characters) throughout the game who indicate Kakariko Village was their home, including Purah and Robbie, the directors of the Ancient Tech Labs. Pikango also made Kakariko Village his home until he decided to travel and paint beautiful landscapes.
In Breath of the Wild, Kakariko Village departs from its previous architectural designs. Previous versions of the town were more influenced by medieval architecture while in Breath of the Wild they take their cues from several periods of Japan’s history.
FAQs
Kakariko Village shows up in many Legend of Zelda games. Here are some of the more commonly asked questions about this iconic location.
Question: What Games is Kakariko Village in?
Answer: Kakariko Village appears in A Link to the Past, A Link Between Worlds, Ocarina of Time, Twilight Princess, and Breath of the Wild.
Question: Where is Kakariko Village Located?
Answer: In A Link to the Past, Kakariko Village is located in the Light World, southwest of Hyrule Castle. In A Link Between Worlds, Kakariko Village is situated in the southwestern corner of Lorule. In the Ocarina of Time, it is located at the foothills of Death Mountain. Twilight Princess’s Kakariko Village is located in the Eldin Province, northwest of Hyrule Castle. Breath of the Wild has Kakariko Village located in the West Necluda region, to the north of the Dueling Peaks stable.
Question: What is Kakariko Village’s Purpose?
Answer: Kakariko Village typically serves as a rest stop for Link. It’s a place where he can buy items, talk to villagers, and get some rest before continuing on his journey. In Breath of the Wild, Kakariko Village is also where Link goes to find Impa and learn more about his lost memories.
Question: Who Lives in Kakariko Village?
Answer: In past games, notable residents of Kakariko Village include Sahasrahla, Dampe the Gravekeeper, and Anju and Kafei from Ocarina of Time. Breath of the Wild introduces a new cast of characters including Impa, Paya, Talus, Pikango, and Purah.
Question: Is Kakariko Village in Breath of the Wild the Same as Previous Games?
No. In Breath of the Wild, Kakariko Village looks very different from its past incarnations. It is still recognizable as Kakariko Village, but the architecture and layout have been changed.
Question: How do I get to Kakariko Village in Breath of the Wild?
Answer: There are many ways to get to Kakariko Village in Breath of the Wild. You can walk or ride a horse. You can also fast travel to Kakariko Village using a Sheikah Slate if you have unlocked the nearby shrine.
Same Name Different Town
Kakariko Village has been a staple location in the Legend of Zelda series since its debut in A Link to the Past. This village has seen many changes over the years, but it remains an important location for Link and his adventure. The village is home to many helpful characters who are more than willing to help Link in his journey to save Princess Zelda and Hyrule from the evil Ganon.
Continue reading:
Hateno Village Guide: Everything You Need to Know