TL;DR
- Use any Honda or Acura vehicle – budget options include 2007 Civic Type R or 1991 CR-X SIR
- Navigate southeast from Ek’ Balam temple to find the hidden cave entrance
- Look for stone lanterns positioned along the cave walls for your photo
- Complete the challenge quickly with our step-by-step navigation approach
- Don’t miss the bonus XP board located in the same area
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The latest Japanese Series season in Forza Horizon 5 introduces several exciting challenges, with the SECRETHONDAWAY photo mission standing out as particularly rewarding. This specific task requires players to locate a concealed cavern near the ancient Ek’ Balam ruins and capture an image of distinctive stone lantern formations. Understanding the challenge mechanics upfront will significantly streamline your completion time.
Seasonal events like this Japanese Series typically rotate every week, so timing is crucial. Many players miss these limited-time opportunities by not planning their gaming sessions effectively. The SECRETHONDAWAY challenge specifically tests your exploration skills and attention to environmental details within the game’s massive open world.
To successfully complete this automotive photography mission, you’ll need access to any vehicle manufactured by Honda or its luxury division Acura. For players working with limited credits, the most economical choices include the 2007 Civic Type R at approximately 35,000 CR, the 1994 Prelude SI priced around 25,000 CR, or the classic 1991 CR-X SIR available for about 30,000 CR. Each of these options provides excellent handling for the off-road terrain you’ll encounter.
When preparing your vehicle, consider upgrading the suspension and tires for better jungle navigation. The uneven terrain around Ek’ Balam requires vehicles with solid ground clearance and traction control. Many players overlook these preparations and struggle with vehicle control when approaching the cave entrance.

The concealed cavern sits approximately 450 meters southeast of the prominent Ek’ Balam temple structure. You’ll find it adjacent to one of the region’s unpaved dirt trails, requiring a careful detour into the dense jungle foliage. The entrance can be tricky to spot initially, so watch for a break in the vegetation pattern along the road’s eastern side.
For precise navigation, set your waypoint to coordinates 1340, 2185 on the in-game map. Approach from the north along the dirt road, then veer eastward when you notice the terrain beginning to slope downward. The cave opening is partially obscured by hanging vines and rocky outcroppings, so proceed cautiously.
As an added bonus for explorers, this location also contains a valuable XP board that many players miss. The board is positioned just inside the cave entrance to the right, providing bonus experience points alongside your challenge completion. This dual-reward approach makes the location particularly worth seeking out.
Once you’ve located the hidden cavern, position your Honda or Acura vehicle to clearly capture the ancient stone lantern formations in your photograph. The lanterns are arranged in a semi-circle pattern along the cave’s interior western wall. Ensure your shot includes both your vehicle and multiple lanterns for the challenge to register properly.
Common mistakes include positioning the vehicle too close to the lanterns, which can obscure them from the camera angle. Instead, back your car up slightly to create a balanced composition that showcases both elements. The game’s photo mode provides various camera angles – experiment with elevated perspectives to best highlight the scene.
For optimal results, approach during in-game daylight hours when the lantern details are most visible. The challenge typically takes 5-7 minutes to complete from start to finish, including navigation time. If you’re struggling with similar exploration challenges, our Complete Guide offers additional navigation strategies that translate well to Forza Horizon 5’s open world.
Action Checklist
- Acquire a Honda or Acura vehicle from your garage or auto show
- Set map waypoint to coordinates 1340, 2185 near Ek’ Balam
- Navigate southeast from temple, watch for dirt road turnoff into jungle
- Position vehicle to capture stone lanterns in cave interior
- Collect bonus XP board located inside cave entrance
No reproduction without permission:Game Guides » Where to find secret cave near Ek’ Balam. How to find stone lanterns location for SECRETHONDAWAY photo challenge Forza Horizon 5 Complete guide to finding the secret cave and stone lanterns for the SECRETHONDAWAY photo challenge in Forza Horizon 5
