How to Watch Saiyuki Anime in Order

“Saiyuki” is a manga series by Kazuya Minekura, inspired by the ancient Chinese story “Journey to the West.” However, it adds its own twist with fantasy and steampunk elements.

In this version of the tale, a monk who enjoys smoking joins forces with three demons on a journey to the West. They aim to prevent anyone from resurrecting an ancient and powerful demon god.

The series has spawned six anime adaptations so far. The first three seasons were produced by Studio Pierrot, accompanied by several OVA series and films in the 2000s. Afterwards, Platinum Vision took over, followed by Linden Film, which made the latest adaptation.

Here’s the order to watch the “Saiyuki” series:

Saiyuki Anime in Order

• Saiyuki
• Saiyuki Requiem
• Saiyuki RELOAD
• Saiyuki RELOAD GUNLOCK
• Saiyuki RELOAD BLAST

OVA

• Saiyuki RELOAD: ZEROIN
• Saiyuki Ibun
• Saiyuki Gaiden

Specials

• Saiyuki Gaiden: Tokubetsu-hen – Kikikaikai
• Saiyuki Gaiden: Tokubetsu-hen – Hoshi no Shou

1. Saiyuki

• Episodes: 50
• Release: Spring 2000

Long ago, humans and demons coexisted peacefully, but things changed when demons began attacking humans and plotting to free Gyumao, an ancient evil demon.

Now, Genjo Sanzo, a rogue priest, joins forces with three demons—Sha Gojyo, Son Goku, and Cho Hakkai—to embark on a dangerous journey to the west. Their mission: stop the demons from resurrecting Gyumao and restore harmony between humans and demons.

2. Saiyuki Requiem (Optional)

• Episodes: 1 Movie
• Release: Summer 2001

In the anime movie Saiyuki: Requiem, a side story to the main series, the gang embarks on a journey together and encounters a girl in need of assistance. Intrigued, they decide to lend her their aid.

However, the girl’s true intentions are shrouded in mystery, and soon the group finds themselves entangled in Sanzo’s past. As they explore deeper, they uncover hidden truths and confront a vengeful individual harboring a grudge that spans decades.

3. Saiyuki RELOAD

• Episodes: 25
• Release: Fall 2003

In the second season of the anime series Saiyuki, Priest Genjo Sanzo and his companions—Cho Hakkai, Sha Gojyo, and Son Goku—persist in their journey westward to thwart the resurrection of the demon Gyoumao.

Encountering demon slayers and facing internal conflicts within their group, Sanzo Ikkou and his comrades must navigate through challenges and tensions to confront a formidable adversary and achieve their mission.

4. Saiyuki RELOAD GUNLOCK

• Episodes: 26
• Release: Spring 2004

As Sanzo Ikkou travels west to thwart the demon’s resurrection, internal conflicts threaten their mission’s success. Genjo Sanzo, Cho Hakkai, Sha Gojyo, and Son Goku face challenges from within as they confront formidable adversaries from the West, jeopardizing their relationships and their quest’s fate.

5. Saiyuki RELOAD BLAST

• Episodes: 12
• Release: Summer 2017

On the continent of “Shangri-La,” where humans and yokai coexist peacefully, chaos erupts when the Minus Wave drives yokai into a rampage, known as the “Catastrophe.”

As the Three Aspects journey west to halt experiments aiming to revive Gyumaoh, the source of evil, they approach India. However, the Catastrophe’s impact intensifies, escalating their battles along the way.

6. Saiyuki RELOAD: ZEROIN

• Episodes: 13
• Release: Winter 2022

After many years of peace following Gyumaoh’s defeat and imprisonment, trouble stirs as some try to bring him back to life. This causes chaos and a lot of danger for everyone.

To stop this disaster and protect people from harm, Kanzeon Bosatsu sends Son Goku, Genjou Sanzou, Sha Gojyo, and Cho Hakkai on a mission to prevent Gyumaoh from being revived.