When there's a day off, our favorite anime characters know it's time to kick off their vacation. Beach episodes are some of the most famous episode types in anime, but there have been some great series centered around other times of the year.
There are even movies or entire series dedicated to finding that perfect relaxation spot!
10 Barakamon - Beautiful Scenery Complemented With The Occasional Nosy Neighbor
Who wouldn't want to retreat to the island town on the Goto Islands? Isolated from the rest of Japan, this remote island town set the stage for the slice-of-life anime, Barakamon. A gentle, salty breeze greets one's nostrils, followed by the sounds of the sea and the boisterous but kind-hearted villagers. It's the perfect getaway for any calligraphy prodigy with too big of an ego. Complemented by the beautiful scenery and loveable characters, the anime condenses itself into a short but beautiful tale of self-reflection and discovery under the guise of a "vacation arc."
9 The Beach Episode From Gintama - Never a Dull Moment With Yorozuya
Whether it's fighting Hasegawa for the last few coins under the vending machine or walking in the blistering heat to exterminate beach aliens, there's never a dull moment with the Yorozuya members. Trouble seems to find the trio wherever they go, but they're strong enough to handle it. Gintoki's always up for a quick buck, even if the job is well above his paygrade.
8 Kaicho Wa Maid-sama! - Maids, Swimsuits, And Beaches!
A maid café on a beach sounds like a dream come true. In this two-episode arc, Maid Latte hosts a one-day event to bring in the customers. Cute maid girls in swimsuits? And in a cozy beach resort with good food? How could this get any better?
Upon invitation, Misaki Ayuzawa and the girls from Maid Latte arrive at the beach for some easy work and extra days to relax. But those who are familiar with the craziness of Kaicho wa Maid-sama! know this simple fact: where Misaki goes, Takumi Usui will follow.
7 Ouran High School Host Club - Karuizawa, The Ideal Summer Getaway
Despite Haruhi's efforts to get away, the Host Club always seems to find a way to find her. Haruhi spends her summer vacation working at a pension in the beautiful Karuizawa. Located in Nagano, Japan, Ouran fans are familiar with the famous resort area in Episode 15.
Encouraged by Tamaki Suoh, the Host Club's leader, the boys argue over who will reside in the pension's last open room. The challenge? To see who can be the most "refreshing" to the guests. Of course, Haruhi only wants to spend her vacation as she pleases.
6 Himoto Umaru-chan! - A Hikikomori's Ideal Winter Vacation
Spending winter vacation alone sounds like a dream come true for everyone's favorite bratty shut-in. As long as her classmates don't see her true self, that is. Curl up in front of the TV with a popular anime or video game while surrounded by a mountain load of junk food. Ring in the new year or wish everyone a Merry Christmas from the comfort of the couch in typical Umaru fashion.
5 Toradora! - Fuzzy Feelings During New Year's
Just seeing Ryuji and Taiga spending their New Year's together brings the warmest, fuzziest feelings. If staying at home sounds too dull, head over to the local shrine a couple of hours before midnight! Take a loved one or go alone and take in the delectable smells coming from the food stands. It's New Year's, so there's nothing wrong with splurging on all kinds of street food. Takoyaki, yakitori, amazake - there's so much to try before ringing in the new year!
4 Lucky Star - Winter Comiket And A Shrine Visit
Speaking of ringing the new year, how about ringing it in with the girls from Lucky Star? Konata drags her friends, Kagami and Tsukasa, around Comiket, Japan's largest dojinshi-centered event. The three spent their money buying up all the latest fanmade goods and comics. Well, it was more for Konata than anyone else. After their day trip, the three girls head to the shrine to celebrate the end of the year.
3 K-On! The Movie - The Memories That Matter
With graduation around the corner, the Light Music Club decide on a trip to London to celebrate. But the journey isn't just for them but also to bid farewell to Azusa Nakano, their newest member, who they will be leaving behind. Amongst the delicious English cuisine, mini-concerts for the locals, and the beautiful London landscape, the girls contemplate their futures after high school as well as the deep bond they've formed over the years.
2 Laidback Camp - Mountain Ranges, Hot Springs, And Cozy Campfires With Friends
Although not exactly a "vacation arc," Laidback Camp still provides everything fans need to sit back and relax. A cozy campfire, light-hearted characters, and breath-taking scenery. Follow Rin Shima, Nadeshiko Kagamihara, and their classmates from the Outdoor Activities Club as they travel across the rural areas in Japan.
From hot springs to mountainous terrain, these girls will stop at nothing to find the perfect camping spot while creating some beautiful memories along the way. Laidback Camp is the ideal anime to cozy up to during the fall and winter times.
1 Non Non Biyori: Vacation - Beautiful Countryside In Every Season
Speaking of entire anime based on vacation, how about Non Non Biyori: Vacation? There's everything an anime fan could want when looking for their next getaway. As the anime progresses, the rural village of Asahigaoka never fails to stand out. From bright, blazing hot summers to blistering cold winters, the natural landscape is a sight to behold during every season.
Also, there's never a dull moment when the five village children are out and about. The three Koshigaya siblings: Natsumi, Komari, and Suguru, newcomer Hotaru Ichijou, and the youngest, Renge Miyauchi, are ready to greet any traveler with a friendly "Nyanpasu~!"