Laid-Back Camp has solidified itself as the quintessential anime about the great outdoors. Whether they’re camping alone or together, Rin and her friends are always appreciating the world around them. From Lake Motosu to Mt. Fuji, these girls know how to make the most out of every trip.
Of course, these girls are not the first (nor the last) to show an immense admiration for nature. From classics like Princess Mononoke to more modern series like Non Non Biyori, there is no shortage of anime that demonstrate a passion for the outdoors.
10 Stay Cozy While Exploring The Great Outdoors (Laid-Back Camp)
As stated previously, Laid-Back Camp is the ultimate cozy, outdoors anime. The girls even named their club the “Outdoor Activities Club,” just in case it wasn’t clear enough for the audience.
Almost every episode is a new expedition for Rin, and a learning experience for Nadeshiko, Chiaki, and Aoi, as they try to figure out the basics of camping. Anime fans looking for a series that is relaxing and wholesome are sure to find exactly what they’re looking for with this show.
9 Experience The Small Town Life (Non Non Biyori)
Similar to Laid-Back Camp, Non Non Biyori is a slice-of-life anime featuring a cast of young girls as they navigate through everyday life. Residing within a small town in the countryside, Renge, Natsumi, and Komari meet Hotaru, a transfer student from the city, who must now adjust to life in their village.
While it might not sound as appreciative of the great outdoors, watching just the first two minutes should solidify it for anyone. This sequence is completely devoid of dialogue while showing the viewer various serene landscapes of the countryside.
8 Embark On A Journey To Antarctica (A Place Further Than The Universe)
High school student Kimari wants nothing more than to make the most of her youth, but every time she tries to explore outside her comfort zone, she gets cold feet. That is until she meets Shirase, another student at her school. She invites Kimari to come with her on an adventure to Antarctica where her mother disappeared three years prior.
While most of the anime on this list focuses more on luscious green landscapes, A Place Further Than the Universe changes things up by presenting the audience with beautiful snowy scenery.
7 Set Out On The Ultimate Road Trip (Kino’s Journey)
In Kino’s Journey, the protagonist, Kino, sets out on an expedition of self-discovery with her talking motorcycle, Hermes. Together, the pair visits a broad array of cities, towns, and countrysides, offering assistance to the people and cultures that they encounter.
Kino’s adventures can range from tragic to hopeful, providing viewers with a wonderful juxtaposition of varying themes. This anime leans more heavily into the supernatural side of things, borrowing elements of both sci-fi and fantasy.
6 Spreading Joy Through Her Camera Lens (Tamayura: Hitotose)
As Fuu Sawatari enters high school, she continues to mourn the loss of her father. She is suddenly reminded of all the happy memories that she will always carry with her, leading to her dawning her father’s old camera and reigniting her passion for photography.
Upon moving back to her old hometown, she is determined to use her camera to create new memories and spread happiness in the world around her. Tamayura: Hitotose features gorgeous scenery that is sure to satisfy any outdoors enthusiast.
5 An Aspiring Artist Discovers Himself (Barakamon)
After an outburst casts shame on him and his work, a young calligrapher, Sei Handa, takes his father’s advice and decides to move to a small town island for some much-needed introspection. Surrounded by the beauty of nature, caring people, and pure inspiration, Handa finds himself discovering his own unique art style, as well as coming to terms with who he is as a person. While not strictly about appreciating the outdoors, the small town slice-of-life anime, Barakamon, is sure to please.
4 A Young Girl Rediscovers Her Passion (Encouragement of Climb)
Aoi once had a passion for climbing mountains, but after falling and injuring herself playing, she develops a fear of heights and gives up climbing. However, upon entering high school, she is reunited with her childhood friend, Hinata, who initially ignited her love for the hobby.
Despite her fear, she agrees to accompany Hinata on a short hike up a local summit, rekindling her passion. With a prominent focus on mountains, the short-form series, Encouragement Of Climb, has plenty of nature appreciation to go around.
3 Boy Meets Sunshine Girl (Weathering With You)
Venturing into the supernatural once again, Weathering With You is a film by Makoto Shinkai, known for writing and directing Your Name. The film tells the story of high schooler Hodaka Morishima who meets Hina Amano, a girl with the power to control the weather through her emotions, called a “sunshine girl.”
Gorgeous animation coupled with an engaging story and likable characters makes Weathering With You a film that manages to demonstrate admiration for the outdoors while being set entirely within the city of Tokyo.
2 An Exiled Prince Seeks Peace (Princess Mononoke)
A Studio Ghibli classic, Princess Mononoke tells of the conflict between the forest spirits and the industrial ironworks. Young Prince Ashitaka has been banished from his village due to a curse that has infected him. Driven by a desire for peace, Ashitaka attempts to facilitate harmony between the two factions, both of them only wishing to protect their own kind.
This powerful tale about environmentalism is a story that continues to remain relevant as it explores issues and consequences that persist even today.
1 Enter A Mysterious World (Mushi-Shi)
Mushi-Shi follows Ginko as he dedicates himself to researching and understanding creatures knowns as “Mushi.” The series is presented as an anthology without an overarching plot with Ginko traveling the world dealing with different occurrences related to these beings. The vast majority of episodes take place in forests and small towns, creating a sense of tranquility and conveying an appreciation for nature. With a heavy focus on the outdoors, it is a perfect anime for fans of Laid-Back Camp and similar shows.
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