Hanasaku Iroha

When Ohana Matsumae is sent to live with her grandmother in the countryside, she quickly discovers that her new home is the Kissuiso hot spring inn. Produced by P.A. Works in 2011, this 26-episode series blends coming-of-age angst with the day-to-day operations of a traditional Japanese inn. Ohana has to navigate her new life working alongside the inn's quirky staff, learning the value of hard work while dealing with typical teenage social anxieties. The show balances comedic moments with genuine emotional struggles, particularly in how Ohana relates to her demanding grandmother and her new coworkers. P.A. Works delivers their signature talent for painting gorgeous, detailed scenery that makes the rural setting feel distinct and inviting. Scoring a solid 7.9, the series offers a charming, sometimes stressful, but ultimately rewarding look at a young girl trying to find her place in a demanding work environment.