Top 19 Japanese Time Travel Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

19 Novels

Time travel in Japanese web novels ranges from scientific frameworks to magical handwaving. The mechanics matter less than what the author does with them. Common setups include looping until getting the right outcome, traveling back to prevent tragedy, or accidentally ending up in the past with modern knowledge.

Japanese time travel stories often focus on character emotional journeys over hard science. You get protagonists grappling with whether to change events and dealing with consequences when they do. Some blend time travel with isekai elements. The tag appeals to readers who enjoy seeing how small changes ripple into larger consequences.

Completed
1
TOP PICK
About the Reckless Girl Who Kept Challenging a Reborn Man Like Me
4.8
(1.6K ratings)
Genre: drama, fantasy, psychological
“A prodigy at ten, a genius at fifteen, a common man past twenty. ” This is a story of the struggle of an ordinary guy like me who is a “reincarnator” and a reckless and promising girl who is a “genius”.
First Impressions
This web novel, About the Reckless Girl Who Kept Challenging a Reborn Man Like Me, really took me by surprise. With a high rating and a slew of glowing reviews, I went in with pretty high expectations, and I wasn't disappointed. It's a deceptively simple story that manages to pack an emotional punch. The premise is intriguing: a reincarnated man, armed with his past life's knowledge, finds himself constantly challenged by a relentlessly competitive childhood friend. The initial setup feels like a classic setup for wish-fulfillment, but the story quickly evolves beyond that. I was immediately d...
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Completed
2
RUNNER UP
Clearing an Isekai with the Zero-Believers Goddess – The Weakest Mage among the Classmates (WN)
4.2
(1.2K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Makoto Takatsuki is a normal high school student and a hardcore RPG player. However, “normal” goes out the window when his whole class is involved in a bus crash and whisked away to another world!
First Impressions
This title is a mouthful, but after diving in, I found a surprisingly enjoyable isekai story. It's not without its flaws, but overall, it's a refreshing take on a well-trodden genre. Initially, I was wary. Another weak-to-strong isekai? I've read my fair share. However, what immediately grabbed me was the lack of the usual isekai tropes. The MC isn't bullied or abandoned, and his classmates don't suddenly become enemies. Instead, there's a sense of normalcy, which is a welcome change. He's weak, yes, but he's also not a complete idiot, and that already puts it ahead of some others....
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3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Rokujouma no Shinryakusha!?
4.5
(226 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Now that he enters his high school career, Satomi Koutaro begins his life living alone in an apartment that only costs him 5000 yen per month, an extremely cheap deal even for this small apartment. There’s a catch: the apartment is apparently haunted by a cute ghost that has driven its prior occ...
First Impressions
"Rokujouma no Shinryakusha!?" initially struck me as another generic harem comedy, but after diving in, I found myself pleasantly surprised. It's a series that demands patience, rewarding those who stick around past the first few volumes with a surprisingly intricate and engaging story. Admittedly, the premise – a young man trying to hold onto his cheap apartment against a host of otherworldly invaders, all of whom are cute girls – didn't exactly scream "originality." The early volumes felt like a typical introduction to the harem, with each girl vying for Koutarou's attention and the room its...
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4
EDITORS CHOICE
Reincarnated Princess Wishes To Avoid Death
4.4
(212 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
“Why is this happening…? ” Mia Luna Tearmoon, Princess of the Tearmoon Empire, muttered to herself as she stood shackled on the execution platform.
First Impressions
After diving into "Reincarnated Princess Wishes To Avoid Death," I can definitely see why it has garnered such a dedicated following. It's a blend of comedy, drama, and political intrigue, all wrapped up in a shoujo package. The premise itself is intriguing: a princess, facing execution, gets a second chance to rewrite her fate. Initially, I was drawn in by the promise of a "misunderstanding trainwreck" – and it delivers! The humor is a major draw, stemming from Princess Mia's actions being constantly misinterpreted, leading to hilarious and often beneficial outcomes. It's the kind of lighthea...
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Completed
5
EDITORS CHOICE
I Hold Your Voice Alone, Under The Starry Sky
4.7
(207 ratings)
Genre: drama, romance, school life
Shuu is a member of the literary club that can’t write. One day, he gets a mysterious message on his phone from a girl called Eina, and from that impulsive contact, they begin to exchange messages.
First Impressions
"I Hold Your Voice Alone, Under The Starry Sky" is a light novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. It's a quick read, and while it might not be the most groundbreaking story ever told, it delivers a heartwarming and satisfying experience that left me with a pleasant, fuzzy feeling. Initially, I wasn't entirely hooked. Some mentioned a slow start, and I felt that a bit too. But, as I continued, the story's charm began to shine through. The premise, involving a phone call across time or universes, immediately grabbed my attention, and I was eager to see where it would lead....
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6
#6 PICK
I Got Reincarnated And Mistaken As A Genius?
4.2
(779 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Arakawa Kouki is reincarnated to a Japan with a different history than the Japan he knows with the memories of his previous life still intact. Kouki was discouraged, “Aren’t reincarnation stories supposed to be at some fantasy world filled with swords, magic and elves?!
First Impressions
This web novel boasts a unique premise: a reincarnated protagonist whose ordinary actions are consistently misinterpreted as strokes of genius. The blend of genres – from sci-fi and mecha to fantasy and supernatural – promised a wild ride, and after diving in, I have some thoughts. Initially, I was hooked by the comedic potential. The idea of an MC completely oblivious to the awe and terror he inspires is inherently funny. The early chapters deliver on this, setting up a world where even the most mundane actions are blown wildly out of proportion. I found myself chuckling at the absurd situati...
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7
#7 PICK
There is More to my Childhood Friend
4.2
(230 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
High school sophomore Shimoyama Yuuki’s childhood friend, Arina, goes on a journey to defeat the Demon King as a Hero on her 17th birthday.
First Impressions
This novel has been quite the ride! "There is More to my Childhood Friend" throws you headfirst into a world of fantasy, action, and a hefty dose of yandere antics. I went in expecting a typical isekai, but I quickly discovered that it's anything but. The initial setup is familiar: a high schooler, Yuuki, accompanies his childhood friend, Arina, a destined hero, to another world. He sees her as a clumsy airhead and feels obligated to protect her. What he doesn't know is that Arina is anything but helpless. This disconnect immediately hooked me, and I was eager to see how the story would play o...
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Completed
8
#8 PICK
Tsuyokute New Saga (LN)
4.3
(154 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
The Demon King led his army of demons to wipe out the human race. The Hero, Kyle, and his allies attack the Demon King’s castle to defeat the Demon King.
First Impressions
"Tsuyokute New Saga" is a fascinating blend of familiar tropes executed with a refreshing level of competence. The premise, while not entirely original – a protagonist reliving his past with future knowledge – feels like a solid foundation for a compelling narrative. I found myself drawn into the world and the characters, even with the understanding that it treads on well-worn ground. Initially, the "been there, done that" feeling was a bit strong. The setup is reminiscent of other time-traveling, second-chance narratives. However, as I delved deeper, I appreciated the author's commitment to b...
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Completed
9
#9 PICK
Starting Over
4.3
(157 ratings)
Genre: drama, mature, psychological
Starting Over originated as a story on 2ch by Fafoo, who later took the pen name Sugaru Miaki. He then rewrote it as a novel.
First Impressions
"Starting Over" is a novel that definitely left an impression, and it's one I've been mulling over for a while. With its blend of drama, romance, and psychological elements, it's a story that aims to dig deep, and for the most part, it succeeds. It's easy to see why so many readers have resonated with the MC's struggles and the overall themes explored. From the beginning, I was drawn into the premise: a second chance at life, but with the heavy burden of past memories. It's a concept ripe with potential for both heartwarming moments and devastating pitfalls, and the author really leans into th...
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Completed
10
#10 PICK
I (30), Who Works for a Black Company and Died While Regretting My Gloomy Life, Started Over From High School!
4.2
(171 ratings)
Genre: comedy, romance, school life
I (30) spent my youth days living ambiguously, and at the end of my company s*ave life, my body became tattered and died. But when I woke up, I was sent back in time to high school and was given opportunity to start over again.
First Impressions
This title is a mouthful, but the story itself is surprisingly heartwarming. It's a wish-fulfillment story at its core, but with enough charm to keep me reading. The premise is simple: a salaryman, worn down by the corporate grind, gets a second chance at high school. Sounds generic, right? But there's something compelling about watching him navigate teenage life with the wisdom (and exhaustion) of a 30-year-old. Initially, I braced myself for cringe. Reincarnation stories can be hit or miss, especially when romance is involved. But I was pleasantly surprised. The early chapters hooked me with...
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Conclusion

Japanese time travel novels ranked by reader ratings. The tag covers various approaches to temporal mechanics, from loops to one-way trips. Quality depends heavily on how well the author handles causality and character motivation around changing the timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our rankings consider multiple factors: reader ratings (40%), popularity and reading lists (25%), review quality (20%), and editorial assessment (15%). We update regularly to reflect new releases and changing reader preferences.

We update our rankings monthly to ensure they reflect the latest reader ratings and new novel releases.

How We Create Our 2026 Rankings

Our 2026 novel rankings are created through a comprehensive, data-driven process that combines quantitative metrics with qualitative editorial review. Here's how we ensure our rankings reflect the best novels available today.

Data Collection

We aggregate reading data, ratings, and engagement metrics from thousands of readers across multiple platforms, updated regularly throughout 2026.

Community Input

Reader ratings and reviews form the foundation of our rankings. We weight votes based on verified reading history to ensure authenticity.

Quality Scoring

Each novel receives a composite score based on average rating, vote count, reading list additions, and reader retention metrics.

Editorial Review

Our editorial team reviews top candidates for writing quality, translation accuracy, and overall reader experience.

Regular Updates

Rankings are refreshed quarterly to reflect new releases, updated ratings, and shifting reader preferences in 2026.

Transparency

We publish our methodology openly so readers understand exactly how novels earn their positions in our rankings.

Our 2026 Ranking Criteria

40%Reader Rating Score (weighted by vote count and recency)
25%Popularity Metrics (reading list additions, active readers)
20%Engagement Score (comments, reviews, recommendations)
15%Editorial Assessment (writing quality, translation, completeness)

Last updated: January 27, 2026 | Rankings reflect data collected through 2026

Ranked Novels

About the Reckless Girl Who Kept Challenging a Reborn Man Like Me

First Impressions

Clearing an Isekai with the Zero-Believers Goddess – The Weakest Mage among the Classmates (WN)

First Impressions

Rokujouma no Shinryakusha!?

First Impressions

Reincarnated Princess Wishes To Avoid Death

First Impressions

I Hold Your Voice Alone, Under The Starry Sky

First Impressions

I Got Reincarnated And Mistaken As A Genius?

First Impressions

There is More to my Childhood Friend

First Impressions

Tsuyokute New Saga (LN)

First Impressions

Starting Over

First Impressions