12 Best Iyashikei Anime Series

Anime is an entertainment medium that has been around for decades and keeps evolving. One of the best things about the anime industry is its variety of genres and tales, which keeps viewers interested and glued to their seats.

As we all know, one of the most popular anime genres is Shonen. Particularly Battle Shonen. Battle Shonen dominates every genre with its action-packed stories and strong protagonists.

Most Shonen anime art is simple, but there are a few exceptions, such as Jujutsu Kaisen, Attack On Titan, and Demon Slayer. Battle Shonen isn’t the show to watch after a long, stressful day.

To brighten your day, watch some Rom-Com or Slice of Life anime. But there’s even a better option for you to watch, Iyashikei Anime is one such option.

What Is Iyashikei Anime?

Iyashi, which in Japanese means “healing,” is where the word “Iyashikei” (癒し系) originates. Hence Iyashikei anime series are also called healing anime.

Iyashikei series aims to make the audience feel good and have a healing effect. Iyashikei Anime follows the everyday life of the characters.

Unlike Battle Shonen or any other anime genre, Iyashikei anime is slow-paced with some heartwarming moments.

Iyashikei anime is also known as feel-good anime because the anime serves as a heartwarming story.

This term in manga and anime refers to the slice-of-life subgenre that soothes and unwinds viewers.

Common features of Iyashikei anime are that it gives off good vibes with its gentle soundtrack and loud graphics.

Iyashikei anime is made to evoke good feelings and promote calmness.

There’s only one drawback to Iyashikei anime: there are few Iyashikei anime in the industry.

Iyashikei anime is not produced or aired as often as other subgenres, such as Slice of Life.

The world in the Iyashikei anime is free from action and drama.

List Of Must Watch Iyashikei Anime Series

12. Super Cub

• Number Of Episodes: 12
• Number Of Seaons: 1
• Genre: Slice of Life, School
• Status: Finished Airing
• Mal Rating: 7.43
• Where To Watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Netflix

Super Cub centers around Koguma, a shy and lonely high school kid who has never had anything to treasure.

Koguma characterizes herself as having nothing—no parents, no interests, no friends, and no objectives.

However, she finds something she can appreciate after purchasing a used Super Cub.

The anime follows Koguma through her now-adventurous days, emphasizing how much she has grown and continues to grow.

Super Cub has a rather straightforward tale primarily driven by the characters. Super Cub is also a very good show in certain ways.

The entire anime conveys a mainly healthy and positive theme, brilliantly reflected in all key characters.

With respect to music, Super Cub adopts a suitably basic style. Other moments are purposely devoid of music, which is a wise choice given how well it fits in with the show’s serene atmosphere.

The majority of the other moments are appropriately complemented by soothing piano music.

The animation of Super Cub is generally really lovely, albeit the art style is a little cute.

Because the protagonists in the anime travel a lot, the landscape designs are unique, memorable, and wonderfully drawn.

Simple surroundings like schools, businesses, and residences are also wonderfully designed, which is becoming increasingly rare in anime nowadays.

11. Barakamon

• Number Of Episodes: 36
• Number Of Seaons: 2 + 1 ONA (12 Episodes)
• Genre: Slice of Life
• Status: Finished Airing
• Mal Rating: 8.4
• Where To Watch: Funimation, Prime Video

Barakamon ranks among the most plot-heavy iyashikei anime, although its rich story does not overwhelm audiences.

Seishuu Handa’s father sends him to reside on a secluded island for self-reflection after he smacks a calligraphy evaluator in the face for brutally condemning his work.

On the island, he learned to slow down and become a calmer, less worried person. The series centers on Handa’s emotional development, which allows the audience to relax alongside him.

This Iyashikei anime not only heals but also provides comedic relief, which is rare considering Iyashikei anime are mostly lighthearted and do not focus more on comedy.

Most of the moments in the anime will make you feel warm and heartfelt.

10. Amaama to Inazuma (Sweetness & Lightning)

• Number Of Episodes: 12
• Number Of Seaons: 1
• Genres: Gourmet, Slice of Life
• Status: Finished Airing
• Mal Rating: 7.5
• Where To Watch: Crunchyroll

Kouhei Inuzuka, a recent widower, is a compassionate single father who does his best to nurture his young daughter, Tsumugi, but his teaching profession keeps him very busy.

When his daughter Tsumugi questions why she never gets to eat home-cooked meals, he is compelled to learn to cook with the help of one of his students.

Cooking anime is frequently used as Iyashikei anime. Food Wars is, of course, an exception. The anime uses cooking as a subplot.

The relationship between father and daughter is beautifully captured. The artwork and the animation make the anime shine the most.

While the anime has its gloomy moments, viewers get an emotional release as they watch the characters deal with their sadness and go on.

It’s also simply charming, which more than compensates for some of its darker moments.

09. Tanaka-kun wa Itsumo Kedaruge (Tanaka-kun is Always Listless)

• Number Of Episodes: 50
• Number Of Seaons: 1 + 2 Special (38 Episodes)
• Genre: Slice of Life, School
• Status: Finished Airing
• Mal Rating: 7.9
• Where To Watch: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE, Prime Video

Most high school comedies fall under the SOL category, but Tanaka-Kun is an exception.

The uninspired adolescent who can fall asleep anywhere merely wants to enjoy the pleasures of idleness.

Tanaka-Kun is easily considered one of the most soothing anime in the comedy genre. The animation is sleek.

The visuals and art are on point. The side characters are great too.

Tanaka-Kun’s personality permeates the program to the extent that the visual style, despite taking place in an urban setting, has a vibrancy reminiscent of nature.

08. Usagi Drop (Bunny Drop)

• Number Of Episodes: 15
• Number Of Seaons: 1 + 1 Special (4 Episodes)
• Genre: Slice of Life
• Status: Finished Airing
• Mal Rating: 8.4
• Where To Watch: Crunchyroll, Prime Video

A normal office worker, Daikichi Kawachi, travels to his home to mourn his grandfather’s funeral. He discovers that his grandfather fathered an illegitimate child, a 6-year-old girl named Rin.

Usagi Drop is a heartfelt show with 12 episodes that feel like a fitting tribute to single parents. It recognizes all of the parents’ challenges, efforts, and sacrifices.

Seeing the development of Daikichi and Rin’s relationship as it unfolds will make you smile and cry while also restoring your faith in humanity.

Usagi Drop’s soundtrack includes a mix of pieces that are normally relatively mellow or lively. Still, a slow, basic piano piece occasionally punctures the music to highlight the most sensitive portions of the plot.

Usagi Drop is a simple, uncomplicated, and endearing story of what it takes to be a parent. Although the plot and characters are portrayed in an idealized version, the show’s enjoyment is independent of the show’s enjoyment.

The manga, though, provides different joy and pleasure.

07. Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryokou (Girls’ Last Tour)

• Number Of Episodes: 12
• Number Of Seaons: 1
• Genres: Adventure, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Slice of Life
• Status: Finished Airing
• Mal Rating: 8.2
• Where To Watch: Netflix, Prime Video

Yuuri and Chito are said to be the last two individuals on Earth after a mysterious apocalypse. The girls’ journey around the barren land on their Kettenkrad motorcycle, looking for food, water, and shelter.

Girls’ Last Tour’s sci-fi backdrop is grim, but Yuuri and Chito’s outlook is not. These adorable girls struggle daily to find joy and optimism in a tough world.

The nature and art of Girls’ Last Tour truly jump out; it’s highly detailed and dismal but somehow relaxing, and an appropriate, low-key soundtrack backs it.

The darkness in Girls’ Last Tour is mild and stays in the background, enabling fans to concentrate on the sweetness instead.

06. Natsume Yuujinchou (Natsume’s Book Of Friends)

• Number Of Episodes: 74
• Number Of Seaons: 6 + 2 Special (4 Episodes) + 1 Movie
• Genres: Drama, Slice of Life, Supernatural
• Status: Finished Airing
• Mal Rating: 8.3
• Where To Watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Prime Video

Natsume’s Book of Friends is one of the best healing anime. Natsume’s Book of Friends depicts real-life issues faced by many people.

It offers a wonderful blend of comedy and drama, a soothing color scheme, peaceful scenic beauty, and a gentle soundtrack that give it an “Iyashikei” feel.

Natsume’s Book of Friends focuses on the theme of loneliness. This anime sometimes makes you cry, but it often soothes the pain it causes.

05. Flying Witch

• Number Of Episodes: 31
• Number Of Seaons: 1 + 1 ONA (9 Episodes) + 1 Movie
• Genres: Slice of Life, Supernatural
• Status: Finished Airing
• Mal Rating: 7.5
• Where To Watch: Crunchyroll, Prime Video

The title “Witch Training” can be very misleading. No, the anime is not about witchcraft or other cult activities.

The series of Flying Witch revolves around Makoto, a young girl who must leave her hometown to finish her witch training.

She relocates to her relative’s home and starts to acclimate to her new life. She goes to school, studies magic, meets new people and explores the magical world around her.

The plot of The Flying Witch is far from witch-related stuff but focuses on the day-to-day activities of having fun with new friends while being nice to the family.

Our main character is a quiet girl. The other characters are eccentric and endearing, the color schemes are vibrant and wonderful, and the ambiance is soothing and pleasant, almost entrancing.

The sense of living in a tranquil city is brilliantly captured in Flying Witch, which is complemented by its likeable characters.

04. Non Non Biyori

• Number Of Episodes: 38
• Number Of Seaons: 3 + 3 OVA (3 Episodes) + 1 Movie
• Genre: Slice of Life, School
• Status: Finished Airing
• Mal Rating: 7.9
• Where To Watch: Crunchyroll

Remember the Nyanpasu Yabure Kabure trend? It was from the Non Non Biyori anime.

Because of its popularity on Tiktok, the anime Non Non Biyori is well-known among anime fans.

Set in the Japanese countryside, Non Non Biyori follows the daily lives of five students of different ages.

The five students share the same classroom, even though one is a little girl in grade 1. The classroom does not have an elementary school concept.

The anime depicts the carefree nature of girls and how their main concern is what game they have to play next.

The colorful art and enjoyable, calming music make it easy to become captivated by this happy series.

It delivers an immersive experience that lets you forget about whatever is bothering you at the time.

Non Non Biyori conveys the message of appreciating the little things. The story and world-building go well with the concept of the anime.

03. Aria the Animation

• Number Of Episodes: 57
• Number Of Seaons: 3 + 1 OVA (1 Episode) + 1 Special (1 Episode)
• Genres: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Slice of Life
• Status: Finished Airing
• Mal Rating: 7.7
• Where To Watch: Crunchyroll, Prime Video

What comes to mind when you hear the word “Sci-Fi”? Cyberpunk? Space Opera? Not every sci-fi anime is hardcore; some can be very relaxing, and Aria: The Animation proves that.

Akari Mizunashi accepts a position as an Undine, a tour guide in Neo-Venezia, a settlement on a colonized Mars.

Through Akari’s eyes, audiences see the lovely city and discover its delights with her.

The world is, in reality, pretty magical given the sci-fi premise, as gnomes govern gravity and salamanders regulate the weather.

Aria, a slow-paced and beautifully drawn slice-of-life anime, kindly walks audiences through its beautiful setting while touching on the day-to-day lives of its powerful cast of characters.

The soundtrack is also amazing, perfectly fitting the visuals and lighthearted spirit of the anime.

Aria provides a sense of calm and relaxation by focusing on the daily life of its characters. The peaceful soundtrack only adds to the relaxation.

Every day is a new experience for the girls as they practice, make new friends, and learn about the water-covered world, now dubbed Aqua.

Aria: The Animation is focused on its environment, delivering minute details that completely engross the audience in the story, even if the characters are well-developed and compelling.

02. Mushi-Shi (Mushishi)

• Number Of Episodes: 46
• Number Of Seaons: 3 + 1 Special (1 Episode)
• Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Mystery, Slice of Life, Supernatural
• Status: Finished Airing
• Mal Rating: 8.7
• Where To Watch: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Prime Video

Compared to other Iyashikei series, Mushishi is a little bit darker. Mushishi is a bit mature anime.

Ginko is a mushishi, which means he is in charge of resolving issues brought about by Mushi, mysterious beings that act as the fundamental components of life.

These issues can occasionally be fairly significant, but they can also be benign or beneficial. Whatever the tone or storyline, the animation is stunning and enthralling.

The visuals, the scenery, and the music are all top-notch. Mushishi makes the audience feel calm and peaceful.

Rather than gag or drama, Mushishi mainly focuses on the relationship between nature and humans.

The first season as well as the second season, have episodes that give the audience a bittersweet feeling.

The execution of episodes gives off a serene feeling. Mushishi is the only anime on the list that not only heals or comes under the “healing anime” tag but also teaches us about the relationship between nature and humankind.

Mushishi is one of the best Iyashikei anime on the list.

01. Yuru Camp (Laid Back Camp)

• Number Of Episodes: 28
• Number Of Seaons: 2
• Genre: Slice of Life
• Status: Finished Airing
• Mal Rating: 8.3
• Where To Watch: Crunchyroll

A high school student named Nadeshiko Kagamihara attempted to go up Mount Fuji but could only get halfway up the mountain before giving out.

She is saved from the freezing temperatures and hunger by Rin Shima, a lone camper at the nearby campgrounds.

This meeting ushers in a new friendship and adventure for the two girls.

It’s a fun, low-key way to learn about camping and a soothing show about cute girls with an unusual hobby.

Laid Back Camp combines Iyashikei, or “cute girl doing cute things,” with infotainment or entertainment with some educational benefits.

To keep the Iyashikei vibe, Laid Back Camp also includes gorgeous natural scenery and great opening and outro music.

The two seasons of Laid Back Camp are the epitome of Iyashikei, a state of complete joy with a curative quality that will leave you with all the cozy emotions you need to end the day.

Laid Back Camp is one of the best Iyashikei anime.

Other Iyashikei Anime That You Might Want To Checkout.

• 3-gatsu no Lion (March Comes In Like a Lion)
• Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou (Record of a Yokohama Shopping Trip)
• Udon no Kuni no Kiniro Kemari (Poco’s Udon World)
• Sewayaki Kitsune no Senko-san (The Helpful Fox Senko-san)
• Danshi Koukousei no Nichijou (Daily Lives Of High school Boys)