- 🔪Not Sure Where to Start? Here’s the Best Way to Watch Higurashi: When They Cry (Watch Order Guide)
- 🧩 So… What Is Higurashi: When They Cry All About?
- 🔪 Higurashi: When They Cry – The Best Watch Order (2025 Updated Guide!)
- 🧠 Want to Understand Higurashi Deeply? Try Watching the Arcs Interleaved! (For Hardcore Fans!)
- 🇯🇵 Where to Watch Higurashi: When They Cry in Japan (2025 Edition)
- 🌏 For International Fans: What You Should Know About Watching Higurashi on Japanese Streaming Services
- 🌍 International Streaming Availability of Higurashi: When They Cry
- 💖For Fans Who Love Their Favorite Characters: Highlights & Must-Watch Moments in Higurashi: When They Cry
- 📝 Final Thoughts: Ready to Dive Into Hinamizawa?
- ✅ Before You Go…
🔪Not Sure Where to Start? Here’s the Best Way to Watch Higurashi: When They Cry (Watch Order Guide)
Let’s get straight to the point: The recommended way to watch Higurashi: When They Cry is in release order!
In other words, start with Season 1 → Season 2 → OVAs → Season 5 (Gou) → Season 6 (Sotsu)—and you’re good to go!
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to dive into the Higurashi series, whether you’re a total beginner or a returning fan:
- ✅ The best watch order (with reasons why it works)
- ✅ An optional “interleaved” watch order for deeper understanding
- ✅ Highlights and must-see moments from each season
- ✅ Where to stream Higurashi in 2025 (Japan + worldwide platforms)
🧩 So… What Is Higurashi: When They Cry All About?
Higurashi: When They Cry may start out like a peaceful slice-of-life anime set in a rural village…
But don’t let that fool you—beneath the surface lies a dark, mind-bending horror mystery full of time loops, paranoia, and shocking twists.
Set in the remote village of Hinamizawa in June 1983, the story follows a group of friends caught in a repeating cycle of mysterious deaths and disappearances.
As the truth behind the village’s “curse” begins to unravel, you’ll find yourself gripped by suspense, emotion, and a lot of questions.
Whether you’re watching for the first time or planning a rewatch, this guide will help you understand exactly where to begin and how to enjoy the full story without confusion.
Let’s break down the watch order with highlights and tips for each season—scroll down to get started! 👇
🔪 Higurashi: When They Cry – The Best Watch Order (2025 Updated Guide!)
If you’re planning to dive into the creepy, emotional, and mind-bending world of Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (When They Cry), good news—the release order is the best watch order! 🧠🔁
But why does that matter? Because Higurashi is a unique story made up of loops, mysteries, and reveals that only make sense when watched in the order they were released. Trust me—messing with the order can spoil some major twists, and nobody wants that.
So let’s break it down:
✅ Higurashi Anime Series – Recommended Watch Order (Release Order = Chronological)
| Order | Type | Title | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| ① | TV (Season 1) | Higurashi no Naku Koro ni | 2006 |
| ② | TV (Season 2) | Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai | 2007 |
| ③ | OVA (Season 3) | Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei | 2009 |
| ④ | OVA (Season 4) | Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kira | 2011 |
| ⑤ | OVA | Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kaku: Outbreak | 2013 |
| ⑥ | TV (Season 5) | Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Gou | 2020 |
| ⑦ | TV (Season 6) | Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Sotsu | 2021 |
💡 Why This Order?
Higurashi isn’t a story you want to jump around in. The plot is carefully structured with question arcs and answer arcs. Watching them in the wrong order could completely ruin the tension, mystery, and emotional payoffs. 😱
Plus, there are arcs that look like remakes… but they’re not! We’ll get to that below.
📦 Recommended Viewing Sets (Grouped for Clarity)
| Set | Titles | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🧩 Set 1 | Season 1 + Season 2 (Higurashi + Kai) | This is the core story: the “Question” and “Answer” arcs. Don’t skip this! |
| 🎁 Set 2 | Season 3 + Season 4 (Rei + Kira) | These are bonus/side stories. Some are silly, but “Saikoroshi-hen” (in Rei) is actually a sequel to Season 2’s ending. Worth your time! |
| ⚠️ Set 3 | Season 5 + Season 6 (Gou + Sotsu) | Looks like a reboot at first—but it’s not. These are direct sequels with new mysteries and outcomes. Watch only after you finish the original! |
🧪 What About Kaku: Outbreak?
- This is a standalone OVA with a totally different story set in a virus-infected Hinamizawa.
- It’s not part of the main timeline.
- You can watch it any time after Kira, but I suggest saving it for last—like an “alternate universe” what-if scenario.
❤️ Why This Order Hits the Hardest
By following the release order:
- You experience the mystery like the original fans did.
- You’ll feel the confusion, fear, and heartbreak, followed by the relief and emotional closure.
- It makes the final twists in Gou and Sotsu way more impactful, especially once you realize how they twist what you thought you knew.
Also… Rei and Kira may seem “skippable,” but they’re packed with charm. “Kira” is mostly for fun (think cosplay, parody, fan service), but “Rei” has an arc that adds real emotional depth. Watch them if you love the characters.
📝 Final Thoughts
Higurashi is not just horror—it’s a rollercoaster of friendship, fate, tragedy, and resilience. Watching it in order makes everything hit harder emotionally 💥💔.
Even the goofier side stories add something—whether it’s character development, closure, or just a laugh between the tears.
So grab your popcorn (or maybe a comfort plushie 😅), and start from the beginning. You’re in for a wild, unforgettable ride through Hinamizawa.
🧠 Want to Understand Higurashi Deeply? Try Watching the Arcs Interleaved! (For Hardcore Fans!)
So, you’ve started Higurashi: When They Cry and you’re thinking,
“Wait… what just happened? Who’s lying? What’s real!?”
You’re not alone. Higurashi’s story is packed with loops, mysteries, and multiple perspectives, and while the standard release order works just fine, there’s a special way to watch it that can really help you grasp the why behind the madness:
👉 Watch the “Question Arcs” and “Answer Arcs” side by side—interleaved, the way they were intended in the original visual novel flow!
It’s a little extra effort, but if you’re the kind of person who loves putting together puzzle pieces while feeling every emotional beat as it lands, this is the watch order for you. 🔍💥
🗂️ Interleaved Watch Order for Deeper Understanding
| Step | Arc Type | Episodes / Arc Title | Series | Notes / Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ① | Question | Ep. 1–4: Onikakushi-hen (Demoned Away Arc) | Season 1 | A chilling intro. Keiichi’s paranoia hits HARD. |
| ② | Answer | Ep. 22–26: Tsumihoroboshi-hen (Atonement Arc) + S2 Ep.1 “Sai-kai” | Season 1 + Season 2 | The answer to Rena’s arc. Emotional AND terrifying. |
| ③ | Question | Ep. 5–8: Watanagashi-hen (Cotton Drifting Arc) | Season 1 | Shion and Mion take the spotlight. Who’s who?! |
| ④ | Answer | Ep. 16–21: Meakashi-hen (Eye Opening Arc) | Season 1 | Finally—we see what was really going on with Shion. |
| ⑤ | Question | Ep. 9–13: Tatarigoroshi-hen (Curse Killing Arc) | Season 1 | Satoko’s tragedy takes center stage. Heartbreaking. |
| ⑥ | Side Arc | S2 Ep. 2–5: Yakusamashi-hen (Curse Replacing) | Season 2 | Not a direct answer, but adds crucial Satoko depth. |
| ⑦ | Answer | S2 Ep. 6–13: Minagoroshi-hen (Massacre Arc) | Season 2 | The core reveal arc. Answers come FAST. |
| ⑧ | Flashback | Ep. 14–15: Himatsubushi-hen (Time Wasting Arc) | Season 1 | Set in 1978. A prequel with young Rika and Akasaka. |
| ⑨ | Final Arc | S2 Ep. 14–24: Matsuribayashi-hen (Festival Accompanying Arc) | Season 2 | The final resolution. Everything comes full circle. |
💡 Why Watch in This Order?
This isn’t the “default” way, but here’s why I personally recommend it for those who want to really get what’s going on:
- 🤯 Mystery, then immediate clarity: You see a confusing arc… and then BOOM, the answer arc gives it new meaning.
- ❤️ Stronger emotional payoffs: You’re not just getting shocked—you’re understanding why each character breaks down (and how they recover).
- 🧩 It mirrors the original visual novel flow, which was designed to gradually pull back the curtain on the truth.
Honestly, watching it like this made me appreciate how delicately structured the story is. You begin to see the timelines layering over one another, and the small hints start to pop.
📝 A Few Friendly Notes:
- If you’re new to Higurashi, watching in release order is totally fine! This interleaved order is more of a second-time-through or deep-dive approach.
- This style is perfect for rewatching, especially if you felt confused the first time.
- The “Yakusamashi-hen” arc is technically filler, but I recommend watching it anyway—it adds useful character context (and honestly, any Satoko arc is an emotional gut-punch 😭).
- “Himatsubushi-hen” (the flashback arc) may seem out of place, but it connects beautifully to the main mystery if you keep it in mind during the final episodes.
🎬 Final Thoughts
Watching Higurashi this way made me fall in love with the story all over again.
You get to follow each mystery and immediately unpack it with fresh perspective.
The dread builds slowly, the answers hit harder, and the resolution is just… beautiful. 😭✨
So if you’re ready to dive deeper into the madness of Hinamizawa—grab your notebook, brace yourself, and start this arc-by-arc journey.
You’ll come out the other side with a whole new appreciation for the series.
🇯🇵 Where to Watch Higurashi: When They Cry in Japan (2025 Edition)
| Title | d Anime Store | U-NEXT | Hulu | Prime Video (JP) | Netflix (JP) | ABEMA | DMM TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1: Higurashi no Naku Koro ni | ✅ Unlimited | ✅ Unlimited | ✅ Unlimited | 🔸 Rental only | ❌ Not available | ❌ Not available | ✅ Unlimited |
| Season 2: Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai | ✅ Unlimited | ✅ Unlimited | ✅ Unlimited | 🔸 Rental only | ❌ Not available | ❌ Not available | ✅ Unlimited |
| Season 3: Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei | ✅ Unlimited | ✅ Unlimited | ✅ Unlimited | 🔸 Rental only | ❌ Not available | ❌ Not available | ✅ Unlimited |
| Season 4: Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kira | ✅ Unlimited | ✅ Unlimited | ✅ Unlimited | 🔸 Rental only | ❌ Not available | ❌ Not available | ✅ Unlimited |
| OVA: Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kaku: Outbreak | ❌ Not available | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Season 5: Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Gou | ✅ Unlimited | ✅ Unlimited | ✅ Unlimited | ✅ Included in Prime | ❌ Not available | ❌ Not available | ✅ Unlimited |
| Season 6: Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Sotsu | ✅ Unlimited | ✅ Unlimited | ✅ Unlimited | ✅ Included in Prime | ❌ Not available | ❌ Not available | ✅ Unlimited |
✅ Legend:
- ✅ Unlimited = Available with monthly subscription (no extra fee)
- 🔸 Rental only = Available via pay-per-episode or purchase (not included in subscription)
- 🆓 Free = Free to watch (with ads, no account needed)
- ❌ Not available = Not available on the platform as of 2025
📝 Notes:
- Netflix Japan does not stream any Higurashi content as of 2025.
- Amazon Prime Video Japan offers Gou and Sotsu in the subscription plan, but earlier seasons and OVAs require rental or purchase.
- ABEMA offers free streaming (with ads) for Season 1 and 2 only. Other entries are unavailable.
- OVA “Outbreak” is not available on any streaming service in Japan. You’ll need to find a DVD or Blu-ray to watch it.
- If you want to stream everything in one place, d Anime Store, U-NEXT, or DMM TV are your best bets!
🌏 For International Fans: What You Should Know About Watching Higurashi on Japanese Streaming Services
Are you an overseas fan thinking of watching Higurashi: When They Cry directly through Japanese streaming platforms like d Anime Store, U-NEXT, or Hulu Japan? Great choice—but there are a few things you should know before jumping in! 💡✨
Here’s a handy guide to help you avoid surprises 👇
📋 Quick Comparison: Major Japanese Streaming Platforms
| Platform | Region Lock | Language Options | Subtitles | Payment Method Tips | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| dアニメストア (d Anime Store) | ✅ Japan-only | Japanese only | ❌ None | Credit card issued in Japan recommended | Anime-focused, cheap, but no English support. |
| U-NEXT | ✅ Japan-only | Japanese only | ❌ None | Accepts some overseas cards, but inconsistent | Huge library, offers manga & e-books too. |
| Hulu Japan | ✅ Japan-only | Japanese only | ❌ None | Requires Japanese account setup | Completely separate from Hulu US. |
| Amazon Prime Video (JP) | 🔶 Some shows region-locked | Japanese only | ❌ None | Works with international Amazon accounts but may restrict video | Best for purchasing older seasons. |
| ABEMA TV | ✅ Japan-only | Japanese only | ❌ None | Free to watch (with ads) | Some shows are free—but with IP block. |
🛑 Key Things to Be Aware Of
1. 🔐 Geo-blocking is real
Most Japanese streaming platforms are region-locked. That means:
- You cannot access the content unless your IP address is in Japan.
- To bypass this, you’ll need a VPN set to a Japanese server.
⚠️ Note: Not all VPNs work reliably with every service.
2. 🈚 No English subtitles
These services are designed for Japanese audiences only, so:
- No English audio
- No subtitles in any language other than Japanese
- You’ll need some level of Japanese comprehension or be watching for the love of the visuals & vibes 🌸
3. 💳 Payment can be tricky
- Some platforms require Japanese-issued credit cards.
- Others (like Amazon JP) may accept international cards, but you’ll still face content restrictions depending on your region.
4. 🔄 Account setup is in Japanese
Navigating account registration pages can be a challenge if you’re not confident in Japanese.
Pro tip: Use a translation browser extension like Google Translate or Mate Translate.
✅ So… Is It Worth It?
If you’re a dedicated fan and want to support the official Japanese release, absolutely yes!
But for most overseas viewers, it’s a smoother ride to watch via Crunchyroll, Hulu (US), or HiDive, which offer English subtitles and fewer access issues.
Still curious about the Japanese version? Try ABEMA—they sometimes offer free episodes (with ads) and no registration needed, though a Japan VPN is required.
🌍 International Streaming Availability of Higurashi: When They Cry
📺 Streaming Platforms & Regional Availability
| Season / Title | Crunchyroll | Hulu (US) | Amazon Prime Video | HiDive | Ani-One (YouTube) | Netflix |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1: Higurashi no Naku Koro ni | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ Purchase only | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Season 2: Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ Purchase only | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Season 3: Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ Purchase only | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Season 4: Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kira | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ Purchase only | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| OVA: Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kaku: Outbreak | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Season 5: Higurashi: When They Cry – Gou | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ Purchase only | ❌ | ✅ (Asia) | ❌ |
| Season 6: Higurashi: When They Cry – Sotsu | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ Purchase only | ❌ | ✅ (Asia) | ❌ |
Notes:
- Crunchyroll: Offers Gou and Sotsu with English subtitles in the USA, Canada, UK, and other regions.
- Hulu (US): Streams Gou and Sotsu in the United States.
- Amazon Prime Video: Provides Seasons 1–4 for purchase; availability varies by region.
- HiDive: Streams Seasons 1–4 with English subtitles in select regions.
- Ani-One (YouTube): Streams Gou and Sotsu with English subtitles in Southeast Asia.
- Netflix: Currently does not offer any Higurashi series internationally.
🕒 Release Dates & Times
- Season 5: Higurashi: When They Cry – Gou
- Japan Broadcast: October 1, 2020 – March 19, 2021
- International Streaming: Simulcasted on Funimation and Hulu in the US; Ani-One in Southeast Asia.
- Season 6: Higurashi: When They Cry – Sotsu
- Japan Broadcast: July 1, 2021 – September 30, 2021
- International Streaming: Simulcasted on Funimation and Hulu in the US; Ani-One in Southeast Asia.
Note: Exact release times may vary by platform and region.
🌐 Language Options
| Platform | Subtitles Available | Dubbed Versions Available |
|---|---|---|
| Crunchyroll | English, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese | ❌ |
| Hulu (US) | English | ✅ (English) |
| Amazon Prime Video | English | ✅ (English) |
| HiDive | English | ✅ (English) |
| Ani-One (YouTube) | English | ❌ |
Note: Availability of dubbed versions may vary by region and platform.
📌 Summary
- Seasons 1–4: Best accessed via HiDive for streaming or Amazon Prime Video for purchase.
- Seasons 5–6 (Gou and Sotsu): Available on Crunchyroll and Hulu in the US; Ani-One on YouTube for Southeast Asia.
- OVA (Outbreak): Currently not available on major international streaming platforms.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please check the specific streaming service available in your region.
💖For Fans Who Love Their Favorite Characters: Highlights & Must-Watch Moments in Higurashi: When They Cry
| Season / Title | 📝 What Makes It Special | 🌟 Fan Highlights & Must-Watch Characters |
|---|---|---|
| Season 1 Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (2006) | 🔸Starts off cute, then gets disturbingly dark! 🔸That “WHAAAT is going on?!” feeling hits HARD. 🔸Perfect intro to the madness of Hinamizawa. | 💚Rena Ryuuguu Her iconic “USO DA!” (You’re lying!) scene is chilling yet oddly adorable! 🧡Keiichi Maebara Watching him spiral into paranoia is oddly mesmerizing… |
| Season 2 Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai (2007) | 🔍 Finally, the answers start rolling in! 💥 Huge emotional payoffs. 😭 It’s all about trust, friendship, and never giving up. | 💜Rika Furude So much more than a mysterious shrine maiden—her struggle is deep. 💙Satoko Houjou From protect-me baby to “wait WHAT?”… she’ll break your heart. |
| Season 3 Rei (2009, OVA) | 😊 A mix of comedy and “what if” side stories. 😢 But the final arc (Saikoroshi-hen) is beautifully bittersweet. | 💛Rika & Satoko duo Still inseparable! But even in a peaceful world, their hearts ache… |
| Season 4 Kira (2011, OVA) | 😂 Full-on comedy & parody chaos! 🎉 It’s fan service time, and it’s wild (in the best way). 🌈 Not plot-heavy, but super fun for fans! | ❤️Shion Sonozaki Yes, there’s cosplay. Yes, you need to see it. 🩷The whole cast is in full fan-service mode—delightfully ridiculous! |
| Season 5 Gou (2020) | 🌀 Looks like a remake… but it’s NOT. ❗ Old stories take a dark, unexpected turn. 🔪 Familiar faces, new mysteries. It’s wild. | 💙Satoko (Awakened ver.) She takes center stage and WOW—her evolution is intense. You’ll either scream at her or cry with her (or both). |
| Season 6 Sotsu (2021) | 🔥 Direct sequel to Gou—it’s time for answers! 🧩 Twists, betrayals, and a tragic friendship unfold. 😭 Emotional damage guaranteed. | 🖤Rika vs. Satoko Your favorite girls are now in full-blown battle mode. Both sides make sense… and it hurts so good. 💥 |
🌟 Who Should Watch?
- 🧡 Fans who feel every character arc deeply
- 💚 Viewers who love drama, suspense, and emotional payoffs
- 💜 People who want to follow their oshi (fave) from start to finish
- 💙 Those who love rewatching just to catch new character details
💬 Whether you’re here for the plot or for your favorite characters, Higurashi delivers both—with trauma, tenderness, and a little bit of madness.
And trust us: watching from the beginning makes the emotional rollercoaster even more intense! 🎢❤️
📝 Final Thoughts: Ready to Dive Into Hinamizawa?
Higurashi: When They Cry isn’t just a horror anime—it’s an emotional rollercoaster full of suspense, tragedy, friendship, and shocking twists that hit harder the deeper you go. 🎢💔
Here’s a quick recap of what we covered:
✅ The best watch order is the release order:
→ Season 1 → Season 2 → OVAs → Gou → Sotsu
✅ Want to understand the mystery better?
Try the interleaved Question & Answer arc order for a richer experience.
✅ We spotlighted the key characters and highlights of each season—perfect for fans who want to connect with their “oshi” 💖
✅ We also explored where to watch Higurashi, both internationally and in Japan (with important notes for overseas users).
Whether you’re a first-time viewer or coming back for a rewatch, Higurashi rewards your attention with deep storytelling and unforgettable characters.
So grab some snacks, dim the lights just a little too much, and prepare to enter the chilling, heart-wrenching world of Hinamizawa. 🔪🌙
👉 If you found this guide helpful, feel free to bookmark it or share it with your fellow anime fans!
And if you have a favorite arc or character… let me know in the comments—I love hearing from fellow Higurashi fans! 💬💕
✅ Before You Go…
📌 Looking for more watch order guides?
Check out our latest articles on:
- 🌟 【Oshi no Ko】– The Ultimate Watch Order Guide (2025)
- 🎓 Classroom of the Elite – Complete Watch & Enjoyment Guide
- 👼 The Promised Neverland – A Complete Watch Order Guide (2024)
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