What Makes The Apothecary Diaries Special?
The Apothecary Diaries (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto) captivated audiences with its unique blend of elements that set it apart from typical anime. Before diving into similar shows, let’s identify what makes Maomao’s story so compelling:
- A brilliant, pragmatic female protagonist who relies on intelligence rather than magical powers
- Historical setting with authentic cultural details (imperial China-inspired)
- Mystery-solving narrative that combines medical knowledge with deductive reasoning
- Subtle romance that doesn’t overshadow the protagonist’s personal journey
- Court politics and intrigue that creates tension and obstacles
- Beautiful, detailed art style that brings the historical setting to life
If you’re drawn to the historical setting, the intelligent female lead, or the mystery-solving aspect, these shows will satisfy that particular craving.
1. Raven of the Inner Palace (Kōkyū no Karasu)
Raven of the Inner Palace is perhaps the closest spiritual sibling to The Apothecary Diaries, featuring another historical Chinese-inspired imperial court setting with a mysterious, intelligent female protagonist.
Why It’s Similar:
- Setting: Takes place in an imperial palace heavily influenced by ancient Chinese culture
- Protagonist: Follows Ryuu Jusetsu (the Raven Consort), a sharp-minded woman with specialized knowledge
- Mystery Format: Each episode presents mysteries that need solving, often involving supernatural elements
- Court Politics: Explores the dangerous politics and social hierarchy of palace life
- Relationship Dynamic: Features a developing relationship between the female lead and a male authority figure (the emperor)
What Sets It Apart:
The supernatural elements are more prominent, with Ryuu having magical abilities to communicate with the dead. The mysteries often involve ghosts and curses rather than purely medical or political puzzles.
If you enjoyed Maomao’s independent nature and how she navigates court politics while solving mysteries, Raven of the Inner Palace offers a similar experience with a supernatural twist.
2. Ascendance of a Bookworm (Honzuki no Gekokujō)
For those who appreciated Maomao’s practical knowledge application and determination to improve her situation, Ascendance of a Bookworm delivers a similar protagonist in a different setting.
Why It’s Similar:
- Brilliant Female Protagonist: Main character Myne (Maine) uses her knowledge from her previous life to innovate in a medieval world
- Detailed World-Building: Meticulously portrays medieval society with realistic economic and social systems
- Knowledge as Power: Shows how specialized knowledge can be leveraged to overcome societal limitations
- Social Hierarchy Navigation: Depicts the challenges of operating within a rigid class system
- Problem-Solving Focus: Emphasizes practical solutions to complex problems
What Sets It Apart:
The setting is European-inspired rather than Asian, and it involves reincarnation as its premise. It focuses more on technological and economic development rather than mystery-solving.
Fans of Maomao’s methodical approach to problems and her determination to pursue her passion despite societal constraints will find Maine’s journey equally satisfying.
3. Snow White with the Red Hair (Akagami no Shirayuki-hime)
If you enjoyed the subtle romance alongside a capable heroine who excels in her field, Snow White with the Red Hair offers a beautiful story about a skilled herbalist forging her own path.
Why It’s Similar:
- Herbalist Protagonist: Shirayuki, like Maomao, is knowledgeable about herbs and medicine
- Period Setting: Takes place in a medieval-inspired world with kingdoms and castles
- Strong-Willed Female Lead: Features a determined woman who refuses to be defined by others
- Balanced Romance: The romantic subplot enhances rather than diminishes the heroine’s journey
- Beautiful Aesthetics: Gorgeous animation and attention to detail in environment design
What Sets It Apart:
The romance is more central to the plot, and the political intrigue is less complex. The tone is generally more optimistic and lighter than The Apothecary Diaries.
This anime is perfect for viewers who appreciated Maomao’s herbalist knowledge and wanted to see more development of the romantic elements while still having a capable female protagonist.
4. The Ancient Magus’ Bride (Mahoutsukai no Yome)
For those drawn to The Apothecary Diaries’ atmosphere of mystery and the detailed portrayal of specialized knowledge, The Ancient Magus’ Bride offers a supernatural take with similar themes.
Why It’s Similar:
- Detailed Knowledge System: Deep exploration of magical herbs, potions, and creatures
- Female Protagonist’s Growth: Follows Chise’s development from vulnerable to self-reliant
- Atmospheric Storytelling: Rich in visual and emotional atmosphere
- Relationship Evolution: Features a complex relationship that develops gradually
- Blend of Beauty and Darkness: Combines stunning visuals with darker themes
What Sets It Apart:
Set in a fantastical version of Britain with explicit magic rather than historical Asia. The relationship dynamic is more unconventional and central to the story.
If you enjoyed the atmospheric quality of The Apothecary Diaries and its attention to detail regarding herbs and medicine, but wouldn’t mind a more fantasy-oriented setting, this series provides a similar sensory experience.
5. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (Sōsō no Frieren)
While different in setting, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End shares The Apothecary Diaries’ methodical pacing and focus on a knowledgeable, observant female protagonist.
Why It’s Similar:
- Observant Female Lead: Frieren, like Maomao, notices details others miss
- Methodical Approach: Both protagonists tackle problems with careful analysis
- Rich World-Building: Detailed, immersive world with its own consistent rules
- Character-Driven Narrative: Story advances through character interactions and growth
- Blend of Episodic and Overarching Plot: Balances standalone stories with larger narrative
What Sets It Apart:
Frieren is set in a high fantasy world with elves, humans, and magic. It also deals with themes of immortality and the passage of time that aren’t present in The Apothecary Diaries.
If you appreciated Maomao’s analytical mind and the show’s thoughtful pacing, Frieren offers a similar contemplative experience in a fantasy setting.
6. Moriarty the Patriot (Yūkoku no Moriarty)
While featuring a male protagonist, Moriarty the Patriot shares The Apothecary Diaries’ focus on mystery-solving, societal critique, and clever protagonists working from the shadows.
Why It’s Similar:
- Intelligent Protagonist: Features a brilliant mind solving complex problems
- Historical Setting: Set in Victorian-era England with detailed period elements
- Social Hierarchy Analysis: Critically examines class differences and exploitation
- Mystery Format: Each arc involves intricate mysteries and puzzles
- Strategic Manipulation: Protagonists in both shows carefully manipulate situations to achieve justice
What Sets It Apart:
Moriarty is male and the show takes a more active approach to addressing societal ills through vigilante justice. The setting is Western rather than Eastern.
For fans who enjoyed the deductive reasoning and social commentary aspects of The Apothecary Diaries, Moriarty offers similar intellectual satisfaction with a more action-oriented approach.
7. Woodpecker Detective’s Office (Kitsutsuki Tanteidokoro)
For the historical mystery enthusiasts, Woodpecker Detective’s Office provides another period piece with complex mysteries and social commentary.
Why It’s Similar:
- Historical Mystery: Set in Meiji-era Japan with authentic period details
- Intelligent Problem-Solving: Features brilliant characters solving complex mysteries
- Social Context: Examines the changing social landscape of its historical period
- Beautiful Art Style: Distinctive, atmospheric visuals that enhance the setting
- Blend of Fiction and History: Incorporates real historical figures and events into its narrative
What Sets It Apart:
Features male protagonists rather than a female lead, and focuses on literary figures rather than medicine or herbalism.
This anime will appeal to those who enjoyed the historical accuracy and mystery-solving elements of The Apothecary Diaries but are open to a different cultural context.
8. In/Spectre (Kyokō Suiri)
If the mystery-solving and intellectual battles of The Apothecary Diaries appealed to you, In/Spectre offers a modern setting with similar elements.
Why It’s Similar:
- Clever Female Protagonist: Kotoko Iwanaga uses her intelligence to solve supernatural problems
- Deductive Reasoning: Emphasis on logical thinking and information gathering
- Complex Problem-Solving: Mysteries are solved through intellect rather than action
- Dialogue-Heavy: Rich in thoughtful conversations and debates
- Unique Female Lead: Protagonist with distinctive personality and unconventional approach
What Sets It Apart:
Set in modern Japan with supernatural elements. The relationship dynamics are different, with the female lead being more openly affectionate toward the male protagonist.
For those who enjoyed watching Maomao’s analytical mind at work, In/Spectre provides a similar experience of watching a brilliant female character outsmart opponents through careful reasoning.
9. Hyouka
While set in modern times, Hyouka shares The Apothecary Diaries’ meticulous attention to detail and its focus on solving mysteries through observation and deduction.
Why It’s Similar:
- Mystery-Solving Format: Centered around unraveling small but intriguing mysteries
- Attention to Detail: Both protagonists notice minute details others overlook
- Methodical Approach: Emphasizes logical, step-by-step problem solving
- Character Growth Through Investigation: Characters develop as they solve mysteries
- Beautiful Animation: Stunning visuals that enhance the storytelling
What Sets It Apart:
Modern high school setting rather than historical. The mysteries are everyday puzzles rather than matters of life, death, or politics.
Hyouka will appeal to viewers who enjoyed the deductive reasoning aspects of The Apothecary Diaries and appreciate character-driven narratives with subtle development.
10. Spice and Wolf (Ōkami to Kōshinryō)
Spice and Wolf shares The Apothecary Diaries’ focus on specialized knowledge (economics instead of medicine) and features intelligent protagonists navigating a historical setting.
Why It’s Similar:
- Historical Setting: Medieval European-inspired world with detailed economic systems
- Intelligent Female Character: Holo, while not human, is wise, observant, and clever
- Knowledge as Power: Emphasis on how specialized knowledge (economics) provides advantages
- Developing Relationship: Features a gradual, respectful relationship build on mutual respect
- Political/Economic Intrigue: Characters must navigate complex trade and political situations
What Sets It Apart:
Focuses on economics and trade rather than medicine and court politics. The female lead is a wolf deity rather than a human.
This series will appeal to fans who appreciated the historical setting and intellectual problem-solving of The Apothecary Diaries, particularly if they’re interested in economic rather than medical puzzles.
Comparing Key Elements Across Recommendations
| Anime | Historical Setting | Smart Female Lead | Mystery Elements | Beautiful Visuals | Subtle Romance | Politics/Intrigue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Apothecary Diaries | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Raven of the Inner Palace | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ascendance of a Bookworm | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Snow White with the Red Hair | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| The Ancient Magus’ Bride | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Moriarty the Patriot | ★★★★★ | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Woodpecker Detective’s Office | ★★★★★ | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| In/Spectre | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hyouka | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Spice and Wolf | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
Which to Watch First Based on What You Loved
If what you loved most about The Apothecary Diaries was:
- The historical Chinese-inspired setting: Start with Raven of the Inner Palace
- The brilliant female protagonist: Try Ascendance of a Bookworm or Spice and Wolf
- The medical/herb knowledge: Snow White with the Red Hair or The Ancient Magus’ Bride
- The mystery-solving: Moriarty the Patriot or Hyouka
- The methodical pacing and character development: Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
- The court politics and intrigue: Raven of the Inner Palace or Snow White with the Red Hair
Conclusion
The Apothecary Diaries stands out for its unique combination of elements—a historical setting, a brilliant female protagonist who relies on knowledge rather than special powers, and intricate mysteries that blend medical expertise with deductive reasoning. While no anime perfectly replicates this specific formula, each recommendation captures several key aspects that made Maomao’s story so compelling.
From the imperial court mysteries of Raven of the Inner Palace to the medieval economics of Spice and Wolf, these ten anime provide various entry points for fans seeking that special blend of intelligence, atmosphere, and storytelling that made The Apothecary Diaries so captivating.
📌 Finding Your Next Anime After The Apothecary Diaries
Are there any other anime with protagonists who use medicinal knowledge like Maomao?
Besides Snow White with the Red Hair, you might enjoy Dr. STONE, where the protagonist uses scientific knowledge (including medical) to rebuild civilization. Though it features a male lead, the show emphasizes knowledge application similarly. For a more fantasy approach, Mushishi follows a medicine-man who treats supernatural ailments.
Which of these recommendations has the most similar visual style to The Apothecary Diaries?
Raven of the Inner Palace has the most similar visual aesthetic, with its Chinese-inspired imperial setting, rich colors, and detailed costumes. Snow White with the Red Hair also shares the vibrant color palette and attention to detail, though in a European-inspired setting rather than Eastern.
I really enjoyed the court politics in The Apothecary Diaries. Which anime has the strongest political intrigue?
Raven of the Inner Palace offers the most similar court politics, being set in an imperial palace with competing factions. For more intense political machinations, though not in an Eastern setting, Moriarty the Patriot delves deeply into class struggle and societal manipulation. If you’re willing to venture into a fantasy setting, The Heroic Legend of Arslan features complex court politics and military strategy.
Are there any anime similar to The Apothecary Diaries that are more action-oriented?
While The Apothecary Diaries is deliberately low on action, Moriarty the Patriot offers more action sequences while maintaining the intellectual puzzle-solving. Dororo provides a historical Japanese setting with a medical element (the protagonist’s prosthetics) but with significantly more action and supernatural elements.
Which of these anime are completed versus still ongoing?
As of March 2025, Raven of the Inner Palace, Snow White with the Red Hair, The Ancient Magus’ Bride (Season 1), Woodpecker Detective’s Office, Hyouka, and Spice and Wolf have completed their initial runs. Ascendance of a Bookworm has completed three seasons with more material to adapt. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End and Moriarty the Patriot are ongoing series with new seasons in production. In/Spectre has completed two seasons with more potentially coming.