If you’re looking for a unique anime to dive into this winter, Tasokare Hotel is a must-watch. Premiering on January 8, 2025, this mystery-driven series, based on SEEC’s popular mobile game, offers a captivating blend of supernatural intrigue and emotional storytelling. Set in a twilight-shrouded hotel that exists between life and death, it’s a perfect pick for fans of introspective narratives and episodic mysteries. Here’s everything you need to know about this standout Winter 2025 anime.
What Is Tasokare Hotel About?
Tasokare Hotel takes place in a mysterious hotel that exists in a state of perpetual twilight, a limbo where souls caught between life and the afterlife reside. The protagonist, Neko Tsukahara, voiced by Rika Momokawa, wakes up in this enigmatic place with no memory of who she is or how she arrived. Guided by the hotel’s quirky staff—including a manager with a flaming head—she’s led to a room filled with objects tied to her past. These items serve as clues to help her unravel her identity and decide whether to move on to the afterlife or return to the living world.
Each episode introduces a new guest, whose personal story unfolds like a self-contained mystery. To leave the hotel, guests must recall three key details: their name, the circumstances of their near-death experience, and whether they are alive or dead. This “mystery of the week” format, reminiscent of Death Parade, combines emotional depth with compelling puzzles, making every episode a fresh exploration of human experiences, regrets, and redemption.
Why Tasokare Hotel Stands Out
1. Unique Premise and Setting
The hotel’s limbo-like setting, bathed in an eternal twilight, creates an eerie yet inviting atmosphere. Its art nouveau-inspired visuals and 1920s aesthetic add a timeless charm, setting it apart from more action-heavy anime this season. The concept of a transitional space where souls confront their past is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant, appealing to viewers who enjoy introspective stories.
2. Engaging Episodic Storytelling
Each episode focuses on a new character’s journey to recover their memories, offering a mix of heartwarming and heartbreaking tales. While some guests are complex and sympathetic, others are flawed or even unrepentant, adding moral ambiguity that keeps the narrative engaging. Neko’s own mysterious backstory weaves through these episodes, providing a slow-burn arc that ties the series together.
3. Strong Voice Cast and Music
The Japanese voice cast, including Rika Momokawa as Neko, Kodai Sakai as Atori Haruto, and Yusuke Shirai as Masaki Osoto, brings depth to the characters. The opening theme, “Tasokare,” by Kayoko Yoshizawa, and the ending theme, “Twilight,” by Rib, perfectly capture the show’s melancholic yet hopeful tone. Composed by Yo Tsuji and sugarbeans, the soundtrack enhances the series’ atmospheric vibe.
4. Connection to the Mobile Game
Based on SEEC’s 2017 mobile game, which has over 1.1 million downloads, and its 2022 remake Tasokare Hotel Re:newal, the anime adapts the game’s escape-room-style narrative into a visual medium. While the game focuses on puzzle-solving, the anime emphasizes character-driven stories, making it accessible even if you haven’t played the original.
Where and When to Watch
Tasokare Hotel began streaming on January 3, 2025, five days ahead of its TV broadcast on January 8, 2025, on Tokyo MX and other networks. It’s available globally on platforms like:
- Amazon Prime Video (English-speaking territories)
- It’s Anime YouTube Channel (free streaming)
- Tubi
- Plex
- bilibili (Southeast Asia)
- Anime Onegai, TVING, and Anime Key
Streaming schedules may vary by platform, so check your preferred service for exact times. The series, produced by PRA and directed by Kōsuke Koremizu, will run for 12 episodes until March 26, 2025.
How It Compares to Other Winter 2025 Anime
Winter 2025 is packed with exciting anime, including Sakamoto Days and Honey Lemon Soda. However, Tasokare Hotel carves its own niche with its slower, more reflective pace. Compared to high-energy mystery shows like Ameku M.D. or The Apothecary Diaries Season 2, it leans into a calmer, almost dreamlike vibe. While some viewers might find it too sedate, its premise and character focus make it a refreshing addition to the season.
Should You Watch Tasokare Hotel?
If you enjoy anime like Death Parade or The Night Beyond the Tricornered Window, which blend supernatural elements with human drama, Tasokare Hotel is for you. Its mix of episodic mysteries and a central character arc offers both immediate satisfaction and long-term intrigue. While the animation is modest, the storytelling and atmosphere shine, making it one of the best anime of Winter 2025 for those seeking something thoughtful and unique.
Final Thoughts
Tasokare Hotel is a hidden gem in the Winter 2025 anime lineup, offering a poignant exploration of life, death, and memory. Its limbo-like setting and compelling character stories make it a standout for fans of mystery and drama. Whether you’re drawn to its supernatural premise or its emotional depth, this anime is worth checking out. Stream it now on Amazon Prime Video or other platforms, and let Neko’s journey pull you into the twilight.
