Best Historical Manga to Travel Back in Time
Ever wanted to ditch your modern worries and dive headfirst into the past? Well, historical manga gives you that golden time machine—without the risk of losing your Wi-Fi. Whether it’s samurai swords clashing in Edo-era Japan or political scheming in ancient China, these manga bring history to life in ways that textbooks never could.
If you’re a fan of epic wars, cultural richness, and gripping stories from long ago, this list is for you. Let’s take a ride through the 10 Best Historical Manga to Travel Back in Time, counting down to the very best of the best.
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#10: Ooku: The Inner Chambers – Alternate Edo Period Like Never Before
Imagine a world where a mysterious disease wipes out most of the male population. Sounds wild, right? That’s the premise of Ooku: The Inner Chambers by Fumi Yoshinaga. This manga flips the script on gender roles by reimagining the Edo period with women taking over political and military power.
The shogunate is ruled by a female shogun, and the “Ooku” is a harem filled with men who serve her. But this isn’t just gender-bending fluff—it’s packed with rich historical details, deep character studies, and sharp social commentary. If you’re into smart alternate histories, Ooku is a must-read.
#9: Golden Kamuy – A Wild Expedition Through Meiji-Era Japan
Take Indiana Jones, throw him into post-Russo-Japanese war Japan, and sprinkle in some culinary adventure. That’s Golden Kamuy for you. This action-packed historical manga follows Sugimoto, a war veteran, and Asirpa, an Ainu girl, as they hunt for hidden gold across Hokkaido.
Beyond the thrilling treasure hunt, this series shines a spotlight on Ainu culture, Meiji-era military history, and survivalist skills. It’s gory, funny, and incredibly informative. You’ll come for the gold but stay for the historical deep dives and surprisingly heartfelt moments.
#8: Kingdom – Epic War Drama from China’s Warring States Period
Okay, technically Kingdom is set in ancient China, not Japan—but it earns its place on this list with sheer epicness. Set during the Warring States period, this manga chronicles the rise of a young orphan, Xin, who dreams of becoming the greatest general in history.
From mind-blowing battle strategies to intense political drama, Kingdom delivers nonstop action and historical flair. Real historical figures like King Ying Zheng (future Qin Shi Huang) show up, adding weight to the story. It’s like watching Game of Thrones with actual history in the mix.
#7: Vinland Saga – Vikings, Honor, and Vengeance
Ever heard the phrase “violence begets violence”? That’s the core theme of Vinland Saga. This manga tells the story of Thorfinn, a young Viking warrior driven by revenge after the murder of his father. But as the series progresses, it turns into a tale about redemption, identity, and the true meaning of strength.
Set in 11th-century Europe, Vinland Saga captures Viking culture in all its brutal, beautiful glory. With stunning artwork and deep philosophical undertones, it’s not just another action manga—it’s a historical epic that punches you in the gut and then makes you think.
#6: Rurouni Kenshin – The Journey of a Reformed Assassin
If you’re into the romanticism of the wandering swordsman, Rurouni Kenshin is right up your alley. Set during the early Meiji period, this classic manga follows Himura Kenshin, a former assassin trying to live a peaceful life while protecting the weak.
Through Kenshin’s journey, the manga explores Japan’s shift from samurai rule to modernity. With themes of atonement, forgiveness, and social reform, Rurouni Kenshin is more than just flashy sword fights—it’s a deep dive into a nation struggling to find its new identity.
#5: Historie – A Genius Behind Alexander the Great
If you’re fascinated by ancient Greece, you’re going to love Historie. This manga focuses on Eumenes, the historically underrated strategist who served Alexander the Great. Instead of glorifying war, Historie explores the politics, philosophy, and brutality of the ancient world.
What sets it apart? Its realistic tone and morally gray characters. It’s educational without feeling like homework. If you’re into Vinland Saga or Kingdom, Historie will definitely scratch that same historical itch.
#4: Vagabond – The Sword and Soul of Miyamoto Musashi
You’ve probably heard of Miyamoto Musashi, the legendary samurai. But Vagabond brings his story to life in a raw, gritty, and philosophical way. Adapted from Eiji Yoshikawa’s novel, this manga follows Musashi’s path from a violent youth to an enlightened warrior.
The artwork by Takehiko Inoue is nothing short of breathtaking. Every page feels like a painting. But beyond the visuals, Vagabond delves into the soul of its characters, asking tough questions about purpose, ego, and peace. It’s a masterclass in storytelling and visual art.
#3: The Rose of Versailles – Aristocracy, Drama, and the French Revolution
Before Attack on Titan and Death Note, there was The Rose of Versailles. Set in the glamorous but turbulent days leading up to the French Revolution, this manga tells the story of Oscar François de Jarjayes—a woman raised as a man to serve in the royal guard.
Mixing historical events with sweeping romance and palace intrigue, this manga paints a vivid picture of a society on the brink of collapse. Oscar’s inner conflict between duty and identity makes her one of the most iconic characters in shoujo manga history.
#2: Drifters – A Fantastical Take on Historical Warriors
Now here’s one with a twist. Drifters tosses real-world historical figures like Oda Nobunaga, Joan of Arc, and Hannibal into a fantasy world at war. Think Avengers, but with samurais, generals, and warlords from across history.
Despite its fantasy setting, Drifters stays true to each character’s historical personality. You get action, strategy, and over-the-top battles—all wrapped in a bloody, chaotic world. If you love seeing “what if” historical scenarios, this one’s a wild ride.
#1: Berserk – Medieval Grit and Dark Fantasy Brilliance
Topping our list is none other than Berserk. While it blends dark fantasy with historical elements, its depiction of a medieval world torn apart by war, religion, and politics is as raw and immersive as it gets. At the center is Guts, a mercenary whose tragic life spirals into a nightmare of demons and betrayal.
Berserk captures the brutality of medieval times like no other manga. It’s not for the faint of heart—but if you can handle its intensity, you’ll find one of the most powerful, emotional, and haunting stories ever told in manga. There’s a reason it’s considered a masterpiece.
Conclusion
Historical manga isn’t just about old clothes and ancient buildings—it’s about the human experience across time. Whether you’re into gritty war epics like Kingdom, philosophical tales like Vagabond, or twisted fantasies like Berserk, there’s something here that’ll make you feel like you’ve truly traveled through time.
So why not start your historical journey today? Who needs a time machine when you’ve got a stack of manga that can take you from feudal Japan to revolutionary France and beyond?
Let the pages turn, and history unfold. 📚⏳
