20 Best Anime for Travel Lovers to Inspire Your Wanderlust

Stories that transport you to new places are truly captivating, allowing you to experience different cultures, foods, and scenery through the characters’ adventures. Anime excels at this, offering incredibly detailed depictions of locations – from train routes and scenic roads to small town festivals – that feel remarkably real. If you’re longing for travel and exploration, these shows and movies deliver, featuring authentic settings, thoughtfully created worlds, and journeys that showcase life in various regions and cultures.

This list highlights anime where travel is central to the story – think long journeys across countries, relaxing camping trips, or vividly depicted towns. Each anime provides realistic details about the locations, equipment, weather, and local culture, inspiring you to plan your own adventures.

‘Laid-Back Camp’ (2018–2024)

This show documents high school students exploring Japan by camping. Each episode features their adventures at beautiful locations like Lake Motosu, the Asagiri Plateau, and the Izu Peninsula, as well as the Fuji Five Lakes region. Viewers see how they travel using public transportation – trains, buses, and scooters – and how they build campsites equipped with portable stoves and gear designed for all types of weather, from coastal winds to mountain cold.

The show features local attractions and food, like hot springs, campsites with firewood, and regional favorites such as curry rice and houtou noodles, mixed with discussions about camping gear. ‘Laid-Back Camp’ also helpfully names the campgrounds and landmarks, making it simple to find these locations on a map and plan your own trips.

‘A Place Further than the Universe’ (2018)

Four students embark on an Antarctic expedition, starting with training in Japan. They travel south by research vessel, making a stop in Fremantle, Australia. The show details the practicalities of life at sea – things like safety procedures, dealing with seasickness, and keeping watch – and then focuses on what it’s like to live at the Antarctic base, including operating snow vehicles, navigating with flags, and staying safe during blizzards.

The journey involves tasks like maintaining the ship’s deck, navigating icy waters, and adapting to increasingly cold weather as you move from milder ports to the polar regions – including learning how to dress for the cold and use radio equipment. The anime ‘A Place Further than the Universe’ realistically shows what life is like inside the ship, how supplies are stored, and the everyday routines that keep a research station operational.

‘Wandering Witch: The Journey of Elaina’ (2020)

This book tells the story of a witch who travels the world, keeping a journal of her adventures. It details how she navigates different countries, adjusting to their unique laws and traditions. She carefully plans brief visits, finds places to stay, and gathers supplies, relying on her broom for long journeys and her own two feet to explore each new location.

Each location Elaina visits has its own unique weather and buildings, ranging from desert cities to mountain villages. The show uses stamps, letters, and souvenirs to show her travels, allowing viewers to easily follow her journey through this imaginative world.

‘Kino’s Journey’ (2017)

A journey follows a traveler and their talking motorcycle as they explore countries governed by very strict laws that control everything people do. Each episode focuses on a single country, and they travel by staying in inns or campsites, always mindful of visa deadlines that keep them on the move.

The series depicts travel through various lands, showcasing everything from roadside checkpoints and fuel stations to bustling city centers with unique architecture and public spaces. ‘Kino’s Journey’ focuses on observing these places, allowing viewers to compare how different communities approach issues like borders, employment, and welcoming visitors.

‘Mushi-Shi’ (2005–2014)

A researcher explores rural landscapes – country roads, forests, and mountains – to study unusual creatures that live hidden within nature. They travel along rivers and fields, staying in farmhouses and small inns along the way.

Each location in ‘Mushishi’ feels real thanks to details about local crafts, traditional medicine, and the work people do throughout the year. The series carefully shows how weather, landscape, and local stories influence how people live and travel in remote areas, far from city life.

‘Spice and Wolf’ (2008–2009)

The story follows a traveling merchant and a wolf god as they journey across a world inspired by medieval Europe, complete with bustling market towns, quiet monasteries, and well-worn trade routes. It realistically portrays the life of a merchant, covering everything from managing supplies and vehicle repairs to handling money, taxes, and protecting against financial losses through clever trading strategies.

The story’s travels are dictated by trading goods like wine, furs, and grain, and the characters frequently change plans to find the best prices at different towns along the way. ‘Spice and Wolf’ realistically portrays the logistics of travel – how inns provide shelter for animals and how merchants travel together for safety – giving the journey a strong sense of economic realism.

‘Samurai Champloo’ (2004–2005)

Three people journeyed across Japan during the Edo period, walking along the coast and between towns that served as stops for travelers and religious pilgrims. Along the way, they encountered things like boat crossings, official checkpoints, and small inns where they could rest on tatami mats and enjoy meals.

The journey takes you through rice paddies, historic castle towns, and bustling port areas, with seasonal festivals, sumo wrestling matches, and delicious street food along the way. The anime ‘Samurai Champloo’ recreates an older system of travel using rest stops, helping you imagine what distances and travel speeds were like before trains were invented.

‘Violet Evergarden’ (2018)

This writer earns a living by crafting letters for people all over a diverse land, influenced by European traditions. They journey to reach clients – from bustling port cities and remote mountain villages to grand capitals – using every mode of transport available: trains, carriages, and ships. The story frequently shows how important communication was, with scenes set in train stations, post offices, and telegraph offices, highlighting how messages traveled across the region.

Every job Violet takes introduces her to the local culture, including special events and how people dress, like military parades and theater premieres. The show pays close attention to the details of formal letters – how they were written and when they were delivered – making her journeys feel realistic and tied to the communication methods of the time.

‘Aria the Animation’ (2005–2008)

This series takes place in Neo Venezia, a city modeled after Venice with a network of canals. It follows young gondoliers as they train to become skilled guides, learning the routes, tides, and important sights of the city. Their training includes everything from safely docking the gondolas and providing good customer service to navigating the tight canals at different water levels.

Everyday life in this city feels like a leisurely exploration of its neighborhoods, bridges, and squares, showcasing both festive events and hidden gems. ‘Aria the Animation’ offers a detailed look at how the city works, making it a helpful guide for planning your visit.

‘Golden Kamuy’ (2018–2024)

The adventure unfolds as a treasure hunt spanning Hokkaido and extending into Sakhalin. The route is revealed through a combination of old maps, historical prisoner logs, and local stories. Participants travel by foot, sled, train, and boat, navigating diverse landscapes like dense forests, icy seas, and volcanic plateaus.

This series showcases the traditional ways of life for the Ainu people, including their food, tools, and skills for surviving in the wilderness – like preparing smoked fish for travel and building camps in heavy snow. ‘Golden Kamuy’ vividly connects each location to the local wildlife and landscape, making the journey feel authentic and like a true expedition.

‘Girls’ Last Tour’ (2017)

I’m following the journey of two people traveling through the remains of a massive, broken city. They’re in this small, tank-like vehicle, and they’ve got everything they need – fuel, food, and water – as they try to find paths that aren’t too dangerous. The show keeps track of the decisions they make, like whether it’s smarter to stay inside the old factories or risk going up to the rooftops for a better view of what’s ahead.

The journey from one area to the next is marked by maps, food supplies, and quick fixes to equipment. ‘Girls’ Last Tour’ focuses heavily on the act of traveling, making every recognizable place – like bridges, landmarks, and even elevators – important stops in their ongoing plan to keep moving forward.

‘Encouragement of Climb’ (2013–2022)

This series follows friends as they hike across Japan, starting with easy trails and gradually tackling more challenging mountains, including Mount Takao and Mount Fuji. Each episode offers practical advice on everything from choosing the right equipment and following trail rules, to using headlamps and getting an early start to catch stunning sunrises.

When you start a hike, you’ll typically find things like cable cars, mountain shelters, weather updates, and maps of the trails. The ‘Encouragement of Climb’ initiative also provides information on how to use public transportation – including trains and buses – to get to and from hiking areas, and suggests places to stop after your hike.

‘Super Cub’ (2021)

A student purchases a secondhand Honda Super Cub motorcycle and starts taking trips through the countryside of Yamanashi, enjoying peaceful roads lined with orchards, rivers, and views of Mount Fuji. The program demonstrates essential motorcycle upkeep, such as oil changes, adding cargo racks, and choosing appropriate gear for chilly morning rides.

As a serious movie buff, I love when films really *show* the journey, not just the destination, and this reminds me of that. These routes aren’t about getting somewhere fast – they’re all about taking the backroads, finding those amazing views, and even those little detours you wouldn’t normally take. The film ‘Super Cub’ is surprisingly practical too. It doesn’t just look cool; it covers things like helmet safety, how far you can go on a tank of gas, and little tweaks you can make to your bike – stuff that’s actually useful if you’re thinking about a slow, scenic trip.

‘Long Riders!’ (2016)

As a total film buff, I recently stumbled upon a really engaging series about a newcomer joining a cycling club. It’s fascinating to watch them learn the ropes – everything from figuring out how to plan both short day trips and longer rides, like understanding those old-school cue sheets, maintaining a good cadence, and knowing where to stop for food. What I especially love is that it’s filmed along beautiful river paths and coastal roads, and it really *shows* how cyclists work together – rotating leads and meeting back up at designated checkpoints. It’s not just about the scenery, it’s about the teamwork and the rhythm of the ride.

The ‘Long Riders!’ guide includes practical advice on things like fixing flat tires, adjusting your saddle for comfort, and finding bike-friendly places to stay overnight. It also provides information on nutrition and hydration for long-distance cycling, making its routes realistic and easy to follow for actual rides.

‘Appare-Ranman!’ (2020)

Drivers and builders compete in a cross-country race, taking self-made cars from the West Coast to the East Coast. The race covers diverse terrain – deserts, plains, and cities – and each day brings new challenges like sand, rivers, and steep hills, demanding careful strategy.

The vehicles have different engines and components, meaning pit stops and fuel choices are crucial for meeting each day’s goals. ‘Appare-Ranman!’ details important locations like checkpoints, support vehicles, and stage starting points, making it easy to track the race’s progress across the country.

‘Natsume’s Book of Friends’ (2008–2017)

The show follows a student journeying through the countryside – small towns and forests – to deliver names to spirits, usually by bike or walking. It carefully highlights lesser-known locations like shrines, riverbanks, and old houses tucked away from major roads, taking a deliberate pace to showcase the connections between them.

Local traditions like festivals, religious practices, and seasonal dishes help define a community and its time of year. The anime ‘Natsume’s Book of Friends’ beautifully portrays peaceful paths and small adventures reminiscent of actual walks in the countryside, making it easy to picture taking similar day trips yourself.

‘Made in Abyss’ (2017–2022)

Explorers journey down a massive pit composed of different layers, and each layer presents unique creatures, weather conditions, and dangers. Because travel is both downwards and requires climbing back up, explorers must carefully plan their routes, considering the physical challenges of returning through areas that impact the body in various ways.

The gear adventurers carry includes ropes, lights, first-aid supplies, and specialized tools for each level of the Abyss. ‘Made in Abyss’ meticulously plans base camps and supplies before each descent, making the journeys feel like well-prepared expeditions.

‘Spirited Away’ (2001)

A young person finds themselves in a spirit world and must figure out how to get back home. They end up working at a bathhouse, learning its rules and managing tasks like taking tickets and covering shifts. The spirit town is connected by walkways, bridges, and a striking train line that travels over a watery landscape.

Navigating a space often relies on recognizable features like equipment rooms, hallways, and staircases that lead to back areas. The movie ‘Spirited Away’ illustrates this by showing how someone new to a place learns their way around by observing routines, reading directions, and getting help from colleagues who are familiar with the layout.

‘Only Yesterday’ (1991)

A man working in an office in Tokyo takes a lengthy vacation to assist with safflower cultivation in the countryside of Yamagata. He travels there by train, bringing a suitcase and his work attire. The film depicts his days spent working on the farm, contrasted with evenings spent in cozy, family-run accommodations, and includes glimpses of local life like shopping streets and bus stops.

Work tied to the seasons dictates the best time for day trips, aligning with harvest times and local happenings. The book ‘Only Yesterday’ offers recipes, interesting local language notes, and suggestions for relaxed sightseeing – making it a great guide for a peaceful countryside getaway.

‘Tsuritama’ (2012)

This series takes place on Enoshima Island and centers around the experience of fishing from the shore and on small boats around the island. It beautifully captures the scenery, including the bridge connecting to the mainland, the island’s shrines, and the beaches bustling with fishermen at dawn and dusk.

Fishing in ‘Tsuritama’ isn’t just about catching fish-it’s a window into everyday island life. The show highlights how things like bait shops, weather forecasts, and tide schedules influence each fishing trip. It also gives you a sense of how easy it is to get to the island, showing the train connections and what you’d need to pack for a quick weekend getaway.

Tell us about the anime that make you want to travel! Share your top picks in the comments and describe any scenes that inspired you to pack your bags and explore.

2025-09-21 06:49