As a passionate movie reviewer diving into the captivating realm of anime, I’m thrilled to share my findings on the astounding diversity within this genre. Contrary to popular belief, “Travel” isn’t a specific category, but it weaves its magic so frequently across numerous anime productions that it demands our attention. Today, I present to you 15 outstanding anime titles that beautifully incorporate travel and adventure as their central themes.
These titles are carefully selected and won’t be ranked in any particular order. This way, you can savor each one at your leisure, according to your unique preferences! Enjoy the ride!
1. Your Name.
Original Release: July 3, 2016
Running Time: 107 minutes
The movie centers around Mitsuha and Taki, who undergo an unusual transformation during the night. Mitsuha resides in a tranquil mountain village where her father serves as the mayor. Bored with the countryside, she yearns to live in bustling cities. On the other hand, Taki calls central Tokyo his home and is passionate about architecture.
One day, an extraordinary transformation occurs over the course of a single night, leaving Taki and Mitsuha inhabiting different bodies. Through messages and phone calls, they support each other in navigating their personal lives, such as relationships and school popularity. Once Taki returns to his original body, he decides to meet up with Mitsuha in person.
In a restaurant, a sketch drawn by Taki depicting the town of Itomori catches the eye of the owner, who sadly informs him that this very town was devastated three years prior due to a comet collision. Shocked, Taki discovers that Mitsuha’s life occurred in those distant days and tragically ended without survival. Determined to prevent such a fate, Taki attempts to reach out to Mitsuha to warn her of the impending comet strike. Miraculously, his message is received, and Mitsuha, along with friends Tessie and Sayaka, makes plans to evacuate Itomori in an effort to save their town from destruction.
In due course, the comet strikes and obliterates the entire village, leaving Taki with no memory of the incident. Five years on, Taki discovers that the inhabitants of Itomori miraculously survived the catastrophe due to the quick thinking of their mayor. One fateful day, while aboard different trains, Taki and Mitsuha recognize each other and decide to meet at the next station. Upon arriving, they introduce themselves to one another.
2. One Piece
Original Run: October 20, 1999 – present
Number of Episodes: 1,035
Twenty-two years following Gol D. Roger’s execution, the enthusiasm for the One Piece treasure seems to be fading. Some have abandoned hope of finding it, while others question its very existence. Despite this, pirates continue to pose a threat to local populations, but the Navy has significantly improved in their efforts to thwart these attacks across all four seas: East Blue, North Blue, West Blue, and South Blue.
Yet, this transformation didn’t discourage Monkey D. Luffy, a spirited young lad, from aspiring to inherit the legacy left by the legendary Roger. Consequently, he embarks on an expedition, his initial goal being the formation of a crew. This crew will navigate the vast Grand Line sea, where the fervor of the “great pirate wave” persists, and many infamous pirates are relentlessly chasing after the One Piece, rumored to be hidden on Laugh Tale, the final island in this great expanse.
3. Pokémon
Original Run: April 1, 1997 – present
Number of Episodes: 1,214
The animated show “Pokémon” chronicles the journeys of a lad named Ash, along with his trusted companion Pikachu, as they traverse diverse Pokémon realms in pursuit of becoming the ultimate “Pokémon Master.” Their goal is to acquire eight badges by catching and training these magical creatures. Accompanying them on their escapades are a couple, consisting of another boy and a girl.
In the game Pokémon Sun and Moon, Ash won’t be traveling with a traditional companion anymore. Instead, he needs to overcome trials on each island, which means he doesn’t technically have companions in the usual sense. Rather, he is attending school with them. Throughout the series, Ash and his group encounter a nefarious organization known as Team Rocket. This gang aims to seize and capture other Trainers’ Pokémon, or even Legendary Pokémon, for their own gain.
4. Kino’s Journey —the Beautiful World—
Original Run: From April 8, 2003 to July 8, 2003 and from October 6, 2017 to December 22, 2017
Episodes: A total of 14 episodes (including 1 OVA) / 12 episodes
In the anime titled “Kino’s Journey“, the main character, Kino, travels with a talking motorcycle named Hermes through diverse landscapes – towns and forests, each having its own distinct traditions and inhabitants. Instead of settling down, Kino spends exactly three days and two nights in every city she visits, believing this duration offers ample opportunity to grasp the essentials about the place while still allowing her time to venture into uncharted territories.
I fear if I stay any longer, I may want to remain here.” A recurring statement in both the anime and books is: “The world isn’t beautiful, it just appears to be.
In the anime titled Kino’s Journey, director Ryūtarō Nakamura presents a unique perspective of beauty, characterized by contrasting themes such as violence, solitude, absurdity, oppression, and sorrow with empathy and enchanting fairy-tale-like settings. Kino, the protagonist, always travels equipped with two firearms: The Cannon, a .44 revolver reminiscent of the Colt M1851, which uses liquid explosives instead of gunpowder; and The Woodsman, a .22 semi-automatic pistol resembling the Colt Woodsman.
As Kino’s journey continues in the novels, she becomes proficient with weapons such as a pump-action shotgun (modeled after the Winchester M1897) and a sniper rifle known as “The Flute”, which is based on an Arisaka Type 99 rifle. She also employs a range of other tools including knives. In the animated series, she is often depicted carrying up to five weapons, one of which even fires .22 bullets from its handle.
In this world we live in, technology sometimes feels like it’s straight out of a science fiction novel, yet oddities are not uncommon – take for instance, a nation boasting advanced robots alongside phonographs. The technological advancement also differs significantly from one country to another. While the setting of “Kino’s Journey” isn’t particularly magical, it does have an element of fairy tales, with motorbikes having the ability to speak, and a talking dog named Riku, adding a touch of enchantment to the storyline.
5. Yuru Camp
Original Run: April 1, 1997 – present
Number of Episodes: 1,214
When Nadeshiko Kagamihara, a high school student, relocates with her family to a rural Japanese town, she finds herself dozing off during a bike ride and waking up in the middle of the night. Rin Shima, an experienced camper, lends a helping hand until Nadeshiko is rescued by her older sister. They exchange contact information, and Nadeshiko chooses to embark on another camping trip with her newfound companion, Rin.
At school, the enthusiastic student named Nadeshiko decides to join the outdoor club. Inside this group, which consists of Chiaki Ogaki and Aoi Inuyama, she shares a desire for camping adventures. Meanwhile, another girl named Rin goes to the same school and is encouraged by her friend Ena Saito to embark on these camping trips with the rest. However, Rin tends to be more reserved and prefers solitude. But through a clever move by Ena, she informes Nadeshiko the location of Rin’s upcoming trip, ensuring that Rin receives an unexpected visit while admiring Mount Fuji.
Nadeshiko cooks up a genuine camping meal, which starts to win over Rin’s affection. Following winter camping preparations, the outdoor club embarks on its inaugural trip. For the first time, the three girls go camping together, and Nadeshiko stays connected with Rin via her cell phone. This time, she sets off alone, but now with her own motorcycle for company.
Via Nadeshiko, Rin is gradually connecting with other girls more and more. It’s Ena who ultimately persuades her to join them for a Christmas camping trip. Thus, the quintet, including Ena, embarks on their journey together for camping and Christmas festivities – joined by their new teacher Ms. Toba, a camper herself and now the club’s overseer. The combined celebration, where each girl brings her unique contribution, eventually makes Rin realize that group camping can indeed be enjoyable.
6. Made in Abyss
Original Run: July 7, 2017 – ongoing
Number of Episodes: 13
The tale revolves around Rico, a girl who was raised as an orphan, living in the town situated by the Beoruska Sea, known as Orse. Encircling this town lies a peculiar and gigantic hole, often referred to as “the Abyss.” This Abyss holds relics and traces of a long-lost civilization, making it a sought-after location for adventurous explorers, or cavers, who dig up these artifacts to sell them overseas.
These ancient explorers embark on perilous journeys into the depths of the canyon, seeking as many discoveries as they can. Yet, the deeper a person ventures into this abyss, the more its ominous effect takes a toll on their well-being. Progressively distressing symptoms emerge when climbing through various layers. Few daring explorers have reached the deepest regions and returned to share their tales.
7. Cowboy Bebop
Original Run: April 3, 1998 – June 26, 1998
Number of Episodes: 26
In the year 2071, the space-faring crew aboard the ship “Bebop” roam the solar system, pursuing bounties – hence the nickname “cowboys”. Each episode typically revolves around one such bounty, but the narrative also delves into each character’s backstory and larger, interconnected historical events. The initial tale unfolds around Spike Spiegel, a former gang member of the Red Dragons, who is tormented by a complex love triangle involving his ex-teammate, Vicious, and a woman named Julia, whose identity remains shrouded in mystery.
The second narrative focuses on Faye Valentine, a gambler with debts and amnesia who was revived from cryogenic sleep, leaving her past unclear. Similarly, other characters have their own backstories to unfold: Jet Black, a retired ISSP intergalactic police officer turned ship owner (of the Bebop), and his crewmates – Edward, a brilliant but energetic hacker, and Ein, a genius canine who escaped from a lab and often acts like an ordinary dog despite having exceptional intelligence.
8. Michiko & Hatchin
Original Run: October 15, 2008 – March 18, 2009
Number of Episodes: 22
The narrative primarily focuses on Michiko Malandros (formerly known as Hatchin) and their bond with Hana Morenos, which develops during a lengthy quest to locate Hiroshi Morenos, who is both Michiko’s ex-boyfriend and Hatchin’s biological father. The tale kicks off when the resilient and attractive Michiko Malandros successfully breaks out from the nation’s most secure prison, with the determination to track down Hiroshi Morenos.
In my quest, I seek out Hana Moreno, his precious daughter, yearning to discover any trace that might uncover her father’s whereabouts. Instead, what I find is a dire situation – Hana has been trapped in the oppressive grasp of her supposed family, who are revealed to be abusive and cruel. With nothing left to lose, Hana and I embark on a perilous journey to track down Hiroshi Moreno. We must evade Detective Atsuko Jackson, who relentlessly pursues my capture, and navigate the treacherous waters of gangster groups with whom I have outstanding debts. Alongside these challenges, we face countless other obstacles on our harrowing path to the truth.
Despite having a somewhat strained bond initially, Michiko and Hana gradually develop an understanding reminiscent of a mother-daughter relationship. They’ll face significant emotional hurdles that will test them, but ultimately make them stronger. This isn’t exclusive to these two characters; each will experience their share of humanity – the good, the bad, and everything in between.
9. Digimon Adventure
Original Run: March 7, 1999 – March 26, 2000
Number of Episodes: 54
As a movie enthusiast, I’d put it this way: The Digimon series kicks off with me, along with six other characters, spending our summer at a camp. Suddenly, we find ourselves in the midst of an unusual event – snowfall accompanied by peculiar little trinkets descending from above. We, the chosen ones known as Digidestined – Taichi “Tai” Kamiya, Sora Takenouchi, Yamato “Matt” Ishida, Takeru “T.K.” Takaishi, Koushiro “Izzy” Izumi, Mimi Tachikawa and Joe Kido – are about to embark on an extraordinary journey.
After each child had gathered their own item, they were all unexpectedly drawn into a dimensional gateway. This led them to a realm made up completely of digital information, referred to as the “digital dimension” or simply the “digital world”, which coexists with our known reality.
Upon landing, each child finds a Digimon assigned to shield and safeguard them individually. These Digimons confront diverse and formidable adversaries posing threats to the Digital World.
10. From the New World
Original Run: October 3, 2012 – March 27, 2013
Number of Episodes: 25
In a millennium-old Japan, the narrative unfolds around Saki, a resident of Kamisu’s 66th district. In this era, humans have innate telekinetic abilities and peacefully reside in agricultural communities. Although her parents worried she might not unlock her powers, Saki manifests her abilities at age twelve and teams up with friends Satoru, Maria, Mamoru, Shun, and Reiko for further development. However, they remain oblivious to the fact that their city council oversees and manipulates them through education.
Based on certain assessment standards, certain students are excluded from society, including those who fail to grasp the required abilities, like Reiko, or those who break the rules. These expelled students quickly fade from the memory of all other children; Saki and her peers can’t remember Reiko.
After the professors had left for the day, Saki and her companions stumbled upon a mythical entity called the False White Nudibook during their camping trip. This enigmatic being turned out to be an old artifact concealing a vast library. The False Nudibianco subsequently disclosed to the group the dark deeds of their forefathers, revealing the source of their powers.
11. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Original Run: April 5, 2009 – July 4, 2010
Number of Episodes: 64 (+ 4 OVA)
In the nation of Amestris, where alchemy is considered the ultimate science, brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric embark on a journey across the land in pursuit of the fabled Philosopher’s Stone. Their father had abandoned them, and their mother, Trisha Elric, passed away from an illness some years prior, leaving them orphaned at a young age.
In time, the two brothers attempt to resurrect her using alchemy, disregarding the rule that forbids human transmutation. This act comes with severe consequences. Edward, the eldest, loses his left leg, while his younger brother perishes entirely. To save his brother, Edward sacrifices his right arm and imprisons Alphonse’s soul within an armor suit.
At the tender age of 12, Edward chooses to join the military as a State Alchemist. He excels in the entry exam and earns the title Fullmetal. With his status as a State Alchemist, Edward and his brothers embark on a perilous journey to find a stone that could restore what they have lost. However, the secret of the Philosopher’s Stone remains tightly guarded.
12. Digimon Frontier
Original Run: April 7, 2002 – March 30, 2003
Number of Episodes: 50
For a considerable period, a team of ten Digimon sacrificed their existence to combat the malevolent forces endangering the virtual game realm. These valiant fighters crafted relics from their digital essence prior to departing, leaving the digital world under the protection of three celestial Digimon. Unfortunately, one of these celestial beings, Cherubimon, chose to imprison these allies in an attempt to rule unchallenged.
To rectify this predicament, a celestial Digimon named Ophanimon calls upon five children from our world, using the Trailmon (train-like Digimons). Upon arrival in the digital world, these chosen five encounter two spirits that empower them to transform into Digimon warriors. However, while they locate their respective spirits, the five chosen ones are persistently pursued by various Digimon, who are loyal to Cherubimon.
Following the slaying of four out of five minions by the elect, Koji Minamoto uncovers a shocking truth: Duskmon, the infamous fifth warrior, is none other than Koichi Kimura’s long-lost twin brother. With Takuya providing assistance, Koji successfully frees his sibling, who then joins them in battle, transforming into Löwemon.
13. Samurai Champloo
Original Run: May 20, 2004 – March 19, 2005
Number of Episodes: 26
As a passionate film buff, I’d rephrase it like this: I, a 15-year-old girl, had been toiling away in a quaint tea house until an unexpected clash of swords and fists turned it into rubble. This tumultuous battle was none other than the fierce encounter between Mugen, the nomadic drifter, Jin, the roaming samurai, and the protective entourage of the young lord from that very town.
At the conclusion of their battle, Mugen and Jin were apprehended for execution the following day. Fuu facilitated their escape, stipulating her assistance in locating the “sunflower-scented samurai.” Though they consented to this arrangement, Mugen and Jin frequently sought to outdo each other, displaying a fierce, almost professional rivalry. Both warriors have murky origins.
The narrative follows their journeys along different roads and hidden corridors, and how they solve the predicaments they encounter. Samurai Champloo combines historical settings from the Edo Era with contemporary styles and allusions. It seamlessly blends aspects of modernity, notably hip hop culture, such as rap music, graffiti art, bandit groups reminiscent of “gangstas”, logos of brands like Adidas and Converse, baseball games, and subtle mentions of the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
14. 7SEEDS
Original Run: June 28, 2019 – March 26, 2020
Number of Episodes: 24
The impending danger from a large asteroid hurtling towards Earth has prompted several nations into clandestine gatherings to devise solutions. Fast forward to today, and we find that 28 Japanese individuals, chosen specifically for this project, were mysteriously kidnapped in secret (with their families being compensated to maintain secrecy). These people are then preserved by the government as part of a project known as “7 Seeds”, which was initially conceived 15 years ago during those covert meetings.
Simultaneously, but hidden from public knowledge, over a hundred children were secretly born through selected eggs and sperm, then raised in secrecy at a location in Japan known exclusively to a wealthy minister. These children were trained to endure harsh conditions, with the less capable gradually being phased out until only seven of them were cryopreserved for future transfer.
This top-tier team stands out as the premier squad of the summer, with its members being uniquely aware of their destiny. Five distinct teams, each composed of seven individuals, are dispatched to various locations. Accompanying each team is a mentor or guide, who is also cryogenically frozen. These guides serve to lead and safeguard the other team members. While we don’t know all the guides, it appears they are public servants who willingly stepped forward for this role.
15. Girls’ Last Tour
Original Release: October 6, 2017 – December 22, 2017
Number of Episodes: 12
In the remnants of a once bustling metropolis, two individuals, Chito (often called “Chi”) and Yuuri (also known as “Yuu”), navigate aimlessly on their Kettenkrad. As days pass, they scavenge for sustenance and energy for travel, while pondering various aspects of life along the way. Occasionally, they encounter others in their journey.
Regardless of how grim their situation might be, there’s always a glimmer of hope when they’re together – be it splitting a can of soup or scavenging for DIY machine components. For these two young women in a seemingly barren world, the shared moments and emotions they experience offer them reasons to keep going.
Read More
- Apothecary Diaries Ch.81: Maomao vs Shenmei!
- 30 Best Couple/Wife Swap Movies You Need to See
- Gachiakuta Chapter 139: Rudo And Enjin Team Up Against Mymo—Recap, Release Date, Where To Read And More
- Gold Rate Forecast
- Every Minecraft update ranked from worst to best
- Netflix’s ‘You’ Season 5 Release Update Has Fans Worried
- Mobile MOBA Games Ranked 2025 – Options After the MLBB Ban
- Batman and Deadpool Unite: Epic DC/Marvel Crossover One-Shots Coming Soon!
- Who was Peter Kwong? Learn as Big Trouble in Little China and The Golden Child Actor Dies at 73
- Ncuti Gatwa Exits Doctor Who Amidst Controversy and Ratings Crisis!
2025-05-31 18:46