Japan’s Edo period, or Tokugawa period, was a culturally prosperous and economically thriving time in the country’s history that lasted from the early 1600s to the mid-1800s. Coming out of the turbulent Sengoku period, the Tokugawa shogunate established a society of flourishing pop culture and domestic economy.
The merits of the Edo period made it a popular setting for historical fiction, including anime. Shows set during the Tokugawa period most famously focus on samurai, but some series also highlight the era’s culture, politics, or everyday living. From historically accurate drama to fantastical deconstructions, these are some of the best anime set in Edo Japan.
10 Samurai Champloo
Shinichiro Watanabe’s iconic historical adventure Samurai Champloo is a thrilling exploration of Edo Japan through the eyes of three eccentric vagabonds — outlaw Mugen, ronin Jin, and part-timer Fuu — searching for a samurai who smells of sunflowers. While Samurai Champloo pays homage to the country’s history, its most notable feature is the daring mix of a feudal setting and contemporary hip-hop culture.
Experimental beyond the scope of a simple historical action piece, Samurai Champloo modernizes the Edo period through music, characterization, and dialogue without compromising its authentic charm.
9 Gintama
No anime revamps its historical setting quite as creatively as Gintama — an iconic gag comedy that introduces aliens to the closed-off Edo period society. Years after the battle between humans and aliens ended with mankind’s surrender, the former war hero Sakata Gintoki runs an Odd Jobs operation in Edo.
The city adopted modern technology in the form of cars, phones, and spaceships but remained tied to its culture and sensibilities. A comical blend of historical fantasy and sci-fi, Gintama treats its setting with love and unexpected insightfulness.
8 Miss Hokusai
A prominent feature of the Edo period was its flourishing art scene. The renaissance of the ukiyo-e genre is the focus of Miss Hokusai, a fictional retelling of the life of Katsushika Ōi, an ukiyo-e artist unfairly forgotten by history.
The daughter of the renowned painter Katsushika Hokusai, she lived in her father’s shadow despite being equally as talented. Miss Hokusai celebrates the blooming culture of the late Edo period. At the same time, it doesn’t hesitate to portray its darker sides, such as misogyny, parental neglect, and inequality.
7 House Of Five Leaves
Much more grounded and down-to-earth than typical samurai stories, House of Five Leaves follows a meek-looking ronin with an unreliable reputation, Masanosuke Akitsu. Masa’s shyness outshines his talent and often gets him fired until a mysterious man hires him as a bodyguard.
That’s how Masa gets introduced to Five Leaves — a curious gang of outlaws with unknown motivations. His entanglement with them, while challenging Masa’s moral convictions, leads to countless compelling encounters and odd jobs, all taking place in the gorgeously detailed and well-realized backdrop of Edo Japan.
6 Blade Of The Immortal
Using the Edo period as a backdrop for an intense supernatural action adventure is Blade of the Immortal, a story of an indestructible swordsman cursed with eternal life. Manji was cursed for his crimes with bloodworms placed inside his body to heal almost any wound.
To lift the curse, Manji swears to kill a thousand evil men, starting by hunting down the killers of his 16-year-old companion Rin’s parents. Bloody yet shockingly introspective, Blade of the Immortal is rich with the historical allure of Edo Japan.
5 Ninja Scroll
An old-school cult classic, Ninja Scroll is a fun, gory ride that doesn’t pose as something sophisticated. Yet, it was still one of the most influential anime films of its time, boosting the popularity of adult-oriented animation tremendously.
The wild story of Ninja Scroll is full of twists and turns. It follows Jubei Kibagami, a mercenary swordsman, and his battle against the supernatural ninja organization Eight Devils of Kimon. The goal of his enemies is to overthrow the Tokugawa shogunate, the pillar of the Edo period’s prosperity.
4 Amatsuki
Unlike fans of historical anime, the hero of Amatsuki, delinquent high schooler Tokidoki Rikugou, has no interest in Japanese history. Upon failing the course, Tokidoki is forced to do make-up work in a museum that virtually recreates the Edo period through a high-tech simulation.
Yet, things don’t go according to plan, and after getting attacked by a demon, Tokidoki finds himself trapped in the simulation. Adjusting to life in the past, the boy must discover the way back to his time while protecting his new home from demons.
3 Basilisk
The tale of the historical action series Basilisk begins at the dawn of the Edo period, in 1614, with a war between two ninja clans — Iga and Kouga. They get dragged into a dispute between two of the current shogun’s grandsons about inheriting the throne.
With a long history of hatred between Iga and Kouga, the clans now must submit 10 of their best ninja each to determine the heir in a deadly battle royale. The tender hope for peace between the clans might shatter in the war.
2 Peacemaker Kurogane
Peacemaker Kurogane takes place right before the Meiji Restoration ends the Edo period, and the whispers of future changes float throughout the story. After he and his brother lose their parents, Tetsunosuke Ichimura, an energetic teenager seeking revenge, joins the Edo period’s most influential and famous special police force — the Shinsengumi.
Starting from the lowest ranks, Tetsu gradually works his way upward while getting to know the organization’s legendary members. Peacemaker Kurogane is one of anime’s most in-depth explorations of the Shinsengumi from within.
1 Mononoke
Set during the very tail end of the Edo period, Mononoke is a distinctively unusual work of historical horror gleaming with avant-garde flair. Viewers immediately notice the series’ unorthodox art style. Shimmering watercolor visuals of abstract quality add to the overall surreal feel of the anime.
The nameless protagonist of the show is a lone medicine seller who travels in search of mononoke — harmful spirits bound to negative emotions he investigates and destroys. The combination of historical and supernatural makes Mononoke an unforgettable horror experience.
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