10 travel anime that you should try

Travel anime has the magical ability to transport viewers to fascinating new worlds and cultures. For those with a passion for travel and adventure, there are many anime series that capture the thrill of new discoveries. From fantasy realms to real-world locations, these anime showcase epic journeys across vivid landscapes.

For those seeking anime that can satisfy their wanderlust, here are 10 top travel anime worth exploring. From journeys into mysterious abyss to seafaring quests for treasure, these travel anime showcase thrilling adventures in unique lands. Their immersive settings and storylines embrace the spirit of discovery.

Mushishi, Spice and Wolf, and 8 must-watch travel anime

1) Kino no Tabi: The Beautiful World

Kino no Tabi: The Beautiful World (Image via A.C.G.T.)

Kino no Tabi follows the travels of the introspective warrior Kino and Hermes, her talking motorcycle. Kino explores diverse countries and becomes immersed in their distinct customs. Each place visited tells a poignant message about human nature and society.

This travel anime has an atmospheric combination of wonder, wisdom, and tragedy. Kino's quiet observations of unusual cultural practices make every location intriguing. Despite facing morally difficult situations, she maintains a sense of hope in understanding different worldviews.

With its thoughtful themes and cultural insights, Kino no Tabi captures the open-minded attitude that makes travel rewarding. Kino's journey teaches significant lessons from appreciating the diversity of human living.

2) Mushishi

In a mystical, timeless world resembling rural Japan lies the unseen world of "Mushi" - primordial beings that influence life yet few can perceive. Mushishi follows the mushi-shi Ginko, an expert in this esoteric field, who travels the countryside studying Mushi and helping people affected by them.

Each episode sees Ginko investigating different villages' supernatural mushi-related occurrences. The anime has a soothing, folkloric ambiance in showing rural communities coexisting with the wonder and danger of Mushi. Every location reveals intriguing myths based around mushi, tying natural and spiritual worlds.

As a wandering mushi master, Ginko's adventures discovering remote villages and obscure mushi make for calmly engrossing travel anime. Viewers gain an appreciation of verdant landscapes and traditional life mixed with otherworldly mystery.

3) Spice and Wolf

Spice and Wolf blends fantasy with economics in an engaging travel setting. It centers on the journey of traveling merchant Kraft Lawrence and Holo the Wisewolf, a harvest deity and spirit, through a medieval European countryside.

Their playful rapport, discussions ranging from bartering tactics to church politics, and daring schemes crossing multiple towns make cross-country trade surprisingly compelling. The duo's travels promote appreciation for regional traditions and intricate economic systems influencing local communities.

With Holo's witty wisdom and Kraft's street-smart savvy, this travel anime delivers an immersive historical trip through the pastoral countryside and lively markets. Their endearing partnership and shrewd negotiations during their peregrinations also showcase the liveliness of the world's trade routes.

4) Made in Abyss

Made in Abyss follows young orphan Riko and her robot friend Reg as they dare to explore the gaping abyss near their town, Orth - a dangerous vertical cave system filled with enigmatic creatures and relics from an ancient civilization.

As Riko searches for her lost mother who disappeared into the abyss' depths, each level reveals wondrous subterranean ecosystems with abnormalities that can have mental and physical effects. Despite the rising challenges, her curiosity and determination push her forward.

With its rich world-building and sense of danger, this travel anime hits an excellent balance between an adventure anime and a travel experience. From disturbing monsters to societies unique to specific layers, the abyss contains mysteries that make uncovering its secrets about ancient artifacts compelling.

5) Samurai Champloo

Samurai Champloo presents the journey of Mugen, Jin, and Fuu across Edo period Japan in search of the enigmatic samurai associated with sunflowers. As a travel anime, it immerses viewers in a blend of humor, action, and cultural exploration.

After saving Fuu from danger in a chaotic encounter, Mugen and Jin—two swordsmen with wildly contrasting personalities—reluctantly accompany her on her quest, bound by a promise and circumstances beyond their control.

The trio travels through towns, facing offbeat misadventures and humorous antics driven by Mugen and Jin's dynamic. With slick choreography, stylish direction, and a hip-hop-infused soundtrack, Samurai Champloo brings viewers along on an absurdist trip filled with captivating feudal-era escapades.

6) A Place Further Than the Universe

A Place Further Than the Universe (Image via Madhouse)

A Place Further Than the Universe chronicles a group of high school girls - led by Mari Tamaki - who set off on an expedition to Antarctica motivated by their various dreams. This heartwarming travel anime showcases the determination and excitement of venturing into the unknown.

As they experience the wonders of exploring an unfamiliar land for the first time, they face unseen challenges that test their resolve. Through perseverance and support, the girls discover inner strength while reflecting on their futures beyond high school graduation.

Vibrant, uplifting, and beautifully depicting the icy continent, A Place Further Than the Universe delivers a poignant coming-of-age story about taking charge of one’s youth.

7) The Rising of the Shield Hero

The Rising of the Shield Hero (Image via Kinema Citrus)

The Rising of the Shield Hero chronicles Naofumi Iwatani, one of four heroes transported to a fantasy realm through an ancient book to save it from monster waves. Framed and discredited, Naofumi travels to survive and grow stronger, eventually becoming the legendary Shield Hero.

Naofumi's gradual party expansion exposes him to many exotic locations and their distinct issues, from monster plant infestations to societal conflicts and injustices. These quests let him redeem his reputation through problem-solving using wit and compassion.

For an isekai with well-realized world-building, The Rising of Shield Hero crafts an immersive travel experience as the ostracized hero gains wisdom helping various populations while unlocking the mysteries behind wave invasions.

8) Golden Kamuy

In Golden Kamuy, war veteran Saichi Sugimoto travels to the wilderness of Hokkaido with an Ainu girl named Asirpa to find a legendary stash of gold tied to the Ainu people. This travel anime weaves cultural exploration and survival into its thrilling treasure hunt.

The gold hunt takes Saichi and Asirpa across the scenic, demanding northern region into various Ainu settlements as they learn more about the indigenous culture while coming closer to dangerous convicts knowing the map’s secrets.

With compelling characters, cultural insights on Ainu and Japanese history after the Russo-Japanese war, and mouth-watering cuisine displays, Golden Kamuy brilliantly showcases Hokkaido's vibrancy - making one want to venture there immediately!

9) One Piece

The long-running smash hit One Piece chronicles the endless high seas adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his swashbuckling Straw Hat Pirates searching for the ultimate treasure known as One Piece. For fans of travel anime, this series delivers unparalleled exploration and excitement.

Their voyage takes them across fantastical oceans into famous and mysterious pirate-infested islands brimming with Devil Fruits granting superpowers but rendering the user unable to swim, grand underwater kingdoms, and the deadly machinations of rival buccaneers and the Navy.

With over 1000 colorfully wacky episodes packed with crew hijinks, thrilling fights utilizing unique combat abilities, emotional backstories, and picturesque nautical vistas with steampunk elements, One Piece remains unmatched in sheer scale and creative worldbuilding.

10) Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi

Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi (Image via Gainax)

After childhood friends Sasshi and Arumi get transported into a bizarre alternate world, Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi follows these two hopping between topsy-turvy dimensions clearly inspired by genres like fantasy RPGs, Hong Kong action films, and space westerns!

The outlandish realms feature colorfully surreal customs with Sasshi and Arumi taking on comedic roles in changing scenarios during their attempts returning home. Despite the escalating weirdness, these reality-warping adventures emphasize cherishing friendships and youth.

For dimension-twisting fun celebrating anime and gaming nostalgia, Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi takes imaginative leaps through parodical worlds filled with frenzied action and meta humor. Each realm's eccentric characteristics offer delightful surprises.

Conclusion

For travel anime fans seeking to satisfy their wanderlust, these travel anime capture the thrill of travel through immersive settings, imaginative lands beyond reality, comedic misadventures, inspiring journeys of self-discovery, and emotional connection.

From tranquil tracks through medieval Japan to swashbuckling voyages across fantasy seas, these 10 travel anime offer the excitement of stepping into the unknown and experiencing new people, places, and possibilities. So pack your bags and let these anime transport you on journeys of a lifetime.