The Ultimate Guide to the Most Enchanting Cottagecore Anime Ever!

Cottagecore enthusiasts can delight in a plethora of remarkable anime series. Despite its several years in existence, cottagecore continues to rise in popularity, seeping into various aspects such as interior design and media. Anime, particularly the slice-of-life genre, perfectly captures the cozy and satisfying rustic elements that make cottagecore so alluring.

Even before the emergence of the term cottagecore, anime has long portrayed the simple joys of rural life. Studio Ghibli's renowned films like Howl's Moving Castle and Kiki's Delivery Service stand as prime examples and are regarded as some of the finest anime movies ever created. Furthermore, captivating rural slice-of-life series like Non Non Biyori and Natsume's Book of Friends offer an abundance of exquisite cottagecore anime for immediate enjoyment.

Anne Of Green Gables

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The anime adaptation of L.M. Montgomery's beloved children's novel has garnered recognition as a cottagecore text, showcasing its strong ties to the aesthetic. Mirroring the original book, the story revolves around the adventures of Anne, the flame-haired orphan, who is mistakenly sent to live with a farm couple instead of the expected male farmhand. This unexpected turn of events sets the stage for a heartwarming narrative that captures the essence of cottagecore.

Flying Witch

A delightful twist of fate unlocks a new chapter in Anne's life as she seamlessly integrates into the warm embrace of a close-knit farming community. Anne of Green Gables, an endearing anime with a simplistic yet captivating narrative, embodies the enchanting essence of cottagecore. Although its animation may showcase signs of its era, admirers of Ghibli productions will discover this hidden gem particularly intriguing due to the involvement of Isao Takahata, the future director of Grave of the Fireflies.

Available On Crunchyroll

Flying Witch is the perfect show for fans of Kiki's Delivery Service and other witchy cottagecore media. The story follows Makoto Kowata, a trainee witch who must leave home to study witchcraft in the wider world. Accompanied by her black cat Chito, she heads to Aomori, a region known for its abundant nature and ideal environment for practicing magic.

Although there may be superior supernatural slice-of-life anime series, Flying Witch shines with its endearing cast of characters and the peculiarities of the magical world that Makoto must navigate as she learns her craft. While it may not reach the same heights or possess the same picturesque beauty as Kiki's Delivery Service, Flying Witch strikes a delightful balance of quirkiness, making it a fantastic choice for a cottagecore series.

Hakumei And Mikochi

Available On HiDive

Hakumei and Mikochi stands out among the vast array of anime, as it has the power to ignite a longing within viewers to reside in the idyllic countryside. However, what sets this series apart is its ability to awaken a deep desire to inhabit a quaint abode nestled at the foot of an ancient tree. Appropriately named Tiny Little Life in the Woods, the show beautifully encapsulates the extraordinary existence of its two main characters who measure just a few inches in height.

Anime is renowned for its adorable animal sidekicks, and Hakumei and Mikochi is no exception. The forest is home to a delightful array of woodland creatures, along with other tiny inhabitants, rendering them the ideal companions for a slice-of-life glimpse into their idyllic existence. Coupled with exquisite artistry and captivating music, this series offers the epitome of a laidback experience, particularly appealing to fans of the cottagecore aesthetic. Its absence of drama further enhances its allure.

Non Non Biyori

Available On Crunchyroll

Non Non Biyori offers a charming escape to rural life with a cozy and enchanting cottagecore vibe. Unlike other anime, it goes beyond the norm with its four seasons, captivating side stories, and even a movie. Viewers seeking a longer retreat in a serene and natural world will find this series perfect. The story revolves around Hotaru Ichijou, who leaves the hustle and bustle of urban Tokyo to embrace the simplicity of a remote village in the Japanese countryside, devoid of city conveniences.

With its soothing and laid-back atmosphere, Non Non Biyori is a true slice-of-life anime that allows viewers to unwind and appreciate the benefits of living far away from the chaos of the city. While there may be more profound and intricately crafted series out there, Non Non Biyori serves as an extended vacation to the countryside that many people yearn for. Its endearing sense of humor only adds to the reasons why this anime is worth watching.

The Ancient Magus' Bride

Available On Crunchyroll

Not all cottagecore anime necessarily require a cottage, but it definitely adds to the charm of The Ancient Magus' Bride. This series revolves around Chise Hatori, a 15-year-old Japanese girl who is sold at an auction to the enigmatic Magus, Elias Ainsworth. She is then brought to his exquisitely beautiful home, where she becomes his apprentice and, supposedly, his future wife.

Silver Spoon

The Ancient Magus' Bride offers a refreshing twist on the popular theme of being whisked away to a magical realm through its incorporation of a rural English backdrop and its unique Western fantasy elements. By immersing viewers in an enchanting world filled with fairies and mystical creatures, the series strikes a perfect balance between escapism and a dreamy portrayal of countryside life, making it a truly captivating experience.

Available On Funimation

The heart of the cottagecore aesthetic lies in the desire to escape the chaos of urban life and find solace in the countryside, which is also the central theme of Silver Spoon. This series revolves around Yuugo Hachiken, a high-school student who, worn down by overwhelming academic pressure, chooses to attend an agricultural school instead.

While there are numerous anime that showcase pet ownership, Silver Spoon takes a unique approach by immersing its protagonist in the world of farm animals, even delving into their physiology. Though the show incorporates the rural elements that cottagecore enthusiasts appreciate, it primarily serves as a comedy that playfully highlights the challenges faced by newcomers to such a lifestyle.

Howl's Moving Castle

Available On Max

When it comes to cottagecore anime, no studio has embraced it quite like Studio Ghibli. And among their impressive collection, "Howl's Moving Castle" stands as one of the most iconic stories. For enthusiasts of cottagecore, the peaceful simplicity of young Sophie Hatter's life at the beginning of the movie is nothing short of idyllic. Working diligently alongside her family, crafting hats by hand in their cozy shop, she finds contentment in her labor. However, a fateful encounter with a malevolent witch drastically alters her fate, leaving her trapped inside the aged body of an elderly woman.

Though not hailed as director Hayao Miyazaki's finest work in terms of storytelling, Howl's Moving Castle is a mesmerizing and ambitious tale that celebrates the enchantment found in everyday life. It weaves together the extraordinary with the ordinary, from the awe-inspiring sight of Howl's magical castle, propelled by steam and clinging to its metal legs, as it traverses through stunning natural landscapes. As Sophie joins Howl on a journey to break her curse amidst a raging war threatening their peaceful land, the sublime melodies of Joe Hisaishi's sweeping score serve as the perfect companion.

Natsume's Book Of Friends

Available On Funimation

Natsume's Book Of Friends stands as a prime example of a subgenre within anime that aims to offer its audience a serene and tranquil experience, often centered around an appreciation for nature. This series, in particular, appeals to those enchanted by the cottagecore aesthetic. The main character, Takashi Natsume, may struggle to connect with others, but his ability to perceive and interact with mysterious creatures known as Yokai grants him a unique and profound bond with the natural world.

Embracing a soothing and uplifting approach, Natsume's Book Of Friends follows an episodic format where Natsume aids various yokai, resulting in numerous heartwarming moments. While the story's pacing and character development might be deemed slow by some, the show consistently improves throughout its six-season run. Moreover, the breathtaking depiction of natural landscapes in each episode ensures a powerful escapist experience for viewers.

Kiki's Delivery Service

Available On Max

One of the enchantments of cottagecore lies in the concept of finding solace through the embrace of simplicity and nature, a theme that resonates deeply in the timeless tale of Kiki's Delivery Service. Thrust into the world as a mere 13-year-old with the aspiration of becoming a bona fide witch, Kiki swiftly secures employment in the quaint town of Koriko, where she offers her extraordinary aerial courier services to a bakery that graciously takes her under its wing upon her arrival.

Only Yesterday

The uniqueness of Kiki's Delivery Service lies in its portrayal of the anime setting, particularly the town of Koriko, which exudes a genuine charm with its bustling streets and traditional way of life. However, what truly sets this film apart as a perfect cottagecore anime is a particular part where Kiki seeks solace in a remote log cabin owned by an artist named Ursula. This enchanting escape to a humble abode nestled in the tranquil woods will undoubtedly satisfy the desires of those who have yearned to experience the joy of living in a cozy cottage.

Available On Max

Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli movies often incorporate elements of cottagecore, but it is director Isao Takahata who truly highlights the idyllic countryside life in one of the most underrated Ghibli films. Instead of featuring a child protagonist, Only Yesterday centers around Taeko Okajima, an independent woman craving a break from her urban life in Tokyo.

Accompanied by memories of her childhood self, Taeko escapes to the countryside to live with her relatives and immerse herself in the life of a working farmer. What sets Only Yesterday apart as the perfect cottagecore movie is its thought-provoking exploration and discussion of the unique aspects of rural life. Simultaneously, the nostalgic portrayal of rural Japan captivates viewers, and the heartwarming ending ties it all together flawlessly. For any cottagecore enthusiast, Only Yesterday is the perfect anime to watch.