Samurai & Period Pieces:
* Rurouni Kenshin: A wandering swordsman who vows to protect the weak, with a complex love triangle. (Romance is a strong element.)
* Samurai Flamenco: A young man with a strong sense of justice becomes a masked hero, with a budding romance. (Romance is present but not the main focus.)
* Hakuoki: A young woman travels through Japan during the Bakumatsu period and meets a group of Shinsengumi samurai. (Romance is prominent, with multiple potential love interests.)
* The Vision of Escaflowne: A high school girl is transported to a magical world where she meets a prince and becomes involved in a war. (Romance is present, but the focus is on the fantasy setting.)
* Gintama: A humorous take on the Edo period with a strong focus on action and comedy. (Romance is a minor element, but present in some arcs.)
* Mushishi: A wandering Mushishi (a kind of spiritual healer) encounters various people and supernatural phenomena. (Romance is not a focus, but there are hints of it in some episodes.)
Fantasy & Historical Fiction:
* The Ancient Magus' Bride: A young orphaned girl is bought by a powerful magus in a world of magic. (Romance is a central theme.)
* Utawarerumono: A young man with amnesia finds himself in a strange land and becomes involved in political intrigue. (Romance is a strong element in later seasons.)
* Spice and Wolf: A traveling merchant meets a wolf goddess who aids him in his business ventures. (Romance is a slow-burn but significant element.)
* Arslan Senki: A young prince must reclaim his kingdom after it is conquered by a powerful enemy. (Romance is a minor element, but present.)
* Maou-sama Retry! (The Devil is a Part-Timer!): A demon king is transported to modern-day Tokyo and has to adjust to his new life. (Romance is a lighthearted element.)
Others:
* Violet Evergarden: A former soldier who has lost her memories tries to find the meaning of love through writing letters for others. (Romance is a major theme, though it's more about finding love in the world.)
* Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu: A tale set in pre-war Japan following a struggling rakugo performer and his relationship with his mentor. (Romance is present, but the focus is on the art of rakugo.)
Important Note: The presence and strength of romance varies greatly within these series. Some are focused primarily on the romantic element, while others only feature it as a minor subplot.
Remember to research each anime before watching to ensure it aligns with your personal preferences.