10 best anime with countryside setting

Anime with countryside settings are different from typical modern-day series. Usually anime/manga attempt to draw in viewers with fantastical worlds and enchantingly unique settings that captivate the imagination. Not to be mistaken, they successfully do so, which is why many series have gained popularity so far.

However, sometimes authors and creators choose a separate route and go for a more intimate, serene, and grounded setting. While far from grand, an environment like this boasts an authentic placid charm.

It allows viewers to immerse themselves in the struggles and joys of living a peaceful rural life, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Here's a list of anime with countryside settings that are worth taking a look at.

Disclaimer: This article contains the opinions of the author.

Anime with countryside setting worth checking out

1) Non Non Biyori

City folk might not be too keen on the idea of moving to the countryside. Rural living often lacks the infrastructure and endless opportunities of an urban society. Nevertheless, the tranquil life thus received in exchange is almost always worth it. Hence, first on this list of anime with countryside settings is Non Non Biyori.

The series focuses on Hotaru Ichijou, whose life changes when she leaves Tokyo and moves with her family to the isolated Asahigaoka village. Her new school has just 5 students, including herself. The place is as remote as remote can be. Nevertheless, Hotaru is captivated by the countryside charm, credit to her 4 schoolmates with whom she quickly forms a genuine bond.

Thus, the Asahigaoka school's girls need to improvise daily to make their life on the outskirts of Japan exciting. Despite all odds, they always succeed in doing so, never letting a day go by uneventfully. A great watch for those looking into anime with countryside settings.

2) Natsume's Book of Friends

Natsume's Book of Friends (Image via Shuka)

When speaking of anime with countryside setting, Natsume's Book of Friends takes an approach of understanding and possibly befriending supernatural creatures. Takashi Natsume possesses an unusual ability to see strange creatures called yokai. Bouncing between foster homes, he finally accepts that he is alone, as no one would believe him.

But his life changes when he accidentally breaks an intangible barrier, thus freeing Madara, a mighty spirit in the form of a lucky cat. Madara notices that Natsume is incredibly similar to his late grandmother Reiko Natsume, an outcast girl who was well-known in the yokai world for creating the Book of Friends.

Disinterested in its powers, Natsume keeps the book solely for his grandmother's memories and away from scheming youkai. This births a deal between him and Madara, which gradually changes Natsume's relationship with both yokai and humans.

3) Mushishi

Diving into anime with anime with countryside setting, Mushishi is worth tuning into. Here, "Mushi" is the most basic form of life. They exist with no goals or purpose, just "being." They transcend the constructs of "good" and "evil" and exist in forms that mimic plants, diseases, etc.

This might sound like a vague definition of these "Mushi" that inhabit the vibrant world of Mushishi. That is due to the lack of detailed information on them, given that humans are oblivious to their existence. But this is exactly what a "Mushishi," Ginko, ponders constantly.

Ginko traces any and every occurence that could relate to Mushi, all to find the answers. After all, understanding this could be understanding life itself.

4) Barakamon

Excluding Barakamon from this list of anime with countryside settings would be wrong. The series depicts the healing closeness of rural life. It showcases how that acts as a factor that aids people voicing out their creative side and reconsider their life values.

Following an angry outburst by calligraphy artist Handa Seishuu during his exhibition, his father punishes him by sending him to a remote Japanese island. Initially, Handa expresses displeasure at the simplistic eccentricity and restless curiosity of his newfound neighbors.

But he must nevertheless coexist with the whimsical yet welcoming villagers. This experience teaches Handa about the value of friendship, humanity, and a close-knit community. Quite an interesting watch for an anime with countryside setting.

5) Dog of Flanders

Dog of Flanders (Image via Nippon Animation)

The Dog of Flanders finds itself on this list of anime with countryside setting. But its unconventional setting of 19th-century Belgium sets it apart. The narrative focuses on the emotional journey of a gifted artist, Nello Daas. Following the death of his beloved grandfather, he struggles to live day to day.

Nello is only accompained by his loyal dog, Patrasche. This little furry friend sticks by the boy come what may. The selling point of this anime is the extensive research and effort by the studio to bring life to the Flanders region, making it feel immersive and authentic.

6) Yuru Camp

Likely a popular entry on this list of anime with countryside setting would be Yuru Camp. It dives into what Rin Shima considers the ideal way of spending her days off—solo camping alone at the base of Mount Fuji. From pitching her tent to preparing a fire, she has done it all and refuses to let go of it.

But this time her solo camp turns into a surprise get-together for two when the lost Nadeshiko Kagamihara is compelled to take refuge at her campsite. The girls enjoy the chilly night together, keeping warm by the campfire while chatting over ramen. With this trip over, the girls ponder another one.

7) Poco's Udon World

Poco's Udon World (Image via LIDENFILMS)

Poco's Udon World is another anime with country setting that is a fitting addition to this list. It centers on Souta Tawara who heads to his hometown in Kagawa. Left alone in the world, his former home and family-owned udon restaurant remind him of a good past. However, he discovers a grimy young boy sleeping in the shop.

Initially, Souta makes nothing of it and helps the boy out. But the boy turns out to be something else, sprouting a furry pair of ears and a tail. Souta soon learns that the boy is actually a tanuki that has been inhabiting Kagawa for many years. Relating to the boy's loneliness, he takes him in and names him Poco.

8) Seirei no Moribito

Seirei no Moribito (Image via Production I.G.)

Seirei no Moribito leans more to the action side while being an anime with countryside setting. The story follows the spear-wielding mercenary Balsa, who arrives in Shin Yogo on business. But she is immediately thrust into action when she steps in to save Prince Chagum of the Shin Yogo empire.

She foils a thinly veiled assassination attempt and is tasked by Chagum's mother to protect him. Balsa accepts, being bound by a sacred vow she once made. Thus the series follows Balsa and her journey to protect Chagum while being exposed to the beauty of life, nature, family, and the bonds between strangers. A must-watch for anybody interested in an anime with countryside setting-action fusion.

9) Dororo

Set in old Japan, Dororo is another anime with countryside setting that imagines the world from a unique perspective. It begins when greedy samurai lord Daigo Kagemitsu makes a pact with demons to save his dying land. 12 demons answer his prayers, restoring his prefecture, but at a considerable price—a deformed son.

The boy is born with no physical features, limbs, or even skin yet somehow lives. Cruelly discarded, he is rescued by a hermit who equips him with prosthetics and weapons, giving him a chance at life.

Thus, he begins to hunt the very demons that once took him as sacrifice. Killing a demon grants a part of himself. On his journey, he meets Dororo as the odd pair fight for their survival.

10) Shiki

To conclude this list of anime with countryside setting, Shiki takes the final spot. It puts forth the rural horror genre with an uncanny brilliance, merging many genres and vibrant characters in its small-town setting. The show revolves around strange deaths in a peaceful rural village called Sotoba.

These occurences happen just after the obscure Kirishiki family moves into an abandoned mansion outside town. Every episode contributes to the narrative being built up. The anime focuses on the horrors of collective paranoia triggered by fear, the panic and dread of the unknown affecting each character. Shiki is definitely worth checking out for a spooky anime with countryside setting.