Kosupa Travel

In honor of the holiday season, I’m excited to share something special – a guide to one of Japan’s most unique destinations!

Looking for a place to escape and relax surrounded by adorable fluffy animals? Let me introduce you to Okunoshima, also known as “Rabbit Island,” located in Takehara City, Hiroshima Prefecture. This fascinating island is home to approximately 500 wild rabbits! Based on my recent picnic experience there, I’ll share detailed information about how to interact with the rabbits, important rules to follow, and the best times to visit.

What is Okunoshima?

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Okunoshima is a small island in the Seto Inland Sea. While it has a dark history as a former poison gas factory site, it’s now part of the Seto Inland Sea National Park. Besides its famous rabbit population, the island offers beautiful natural scenery and historical sites, making it a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists.

Why Are There So Many Rabbits on Okunoshima?

The story behind Okunoshima’s rabbit population is tied to its history. During World War II, when the island housed a poison gas facility, rabbits were brought in for testing purposes. After the war, when the facility was closed, these rabbits were released and became wild, eventually multiplying to create today’s population. While the island is now known as a peaceful “Rabbit Island,” it’s important to remember and reflect on its complex history.

How to Get to Okunoshima

You can reach Okunoshima by taking a 15-minute ferry ride from Tadanoumi Port in Takehara City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Ferries run approximately once per hour, and tickets cost 720 yen (round trip) for adults and 360 yen for children.

My Visit to Okunoshima

I visited Okunoshima in April during cherry blossom season. As soon as I stepped off the ferry, rabbits were everywhere! Despite reports of declining rabbit populations, there were still plenty of them hopping around, creating a magical atmosphere.

The Best Way to Enjoy the Island: Picnicking

One of the best ways to enjoy Okunoshima is having a picnic. Since there are limited food options on the island, I recommend buying snacks or lunch before taking the ferry. Once you spread out a picnic blanket and settle in the pleasant sunshine, curious rabbits will gradually approach you.

In honor of the holiday season, I’m excited to share something special – a guide to one of Japan’s most unique destinations!

Looking for a place to escape and relax surrounded by adorable fluffy animals? Let me introduce you to Okunoshima, also known as “Rabbit Island,” located in Takehara City, Hiroshima Prefecture. This fascinating island is home to approximately 500 wild rabbits! Based on my recent picnic experience there, I’ll share detailed information about how to interact with the rabbits, important rules to follow, and the best times to visit.

What is Okunoshima?

View this post on Instagram

Okunoshima is a small island in the Seto Inland Sea. While it has a dark history as a former poison gas factory site, it’s now part of the Seto Inland Sea National Park. Besides its famous rabbit population, the island offers beautiful natural scenery and historical sites, making it a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists.

Why Are There So Many Rabbits on Okunoshima?

The story behind Okunoshima’s rabbit population is tied to its history. During World War II, when the island housed a poison gas facility, rabbits were brought in for testing purposes. After the war, when the facility was closed, these rabbits were released and became wild, eventually multiplying to create today’s population. While the island is now known as a peaceful “Rabbit Island,” it’s important to remember and reflect on its complex history.

How to Get to Okunoshima

You can reach Okunoshima by taking a 15-minute ferry ride from Tadanoumi Port in Takehara City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Ferries run approximately once per hour, and tickets cost 720 yen (round trip) for adults and 360 yen for children.

My Visit to Okunoshima

I visited Okunoshima in April during cherry blossom season. As soon as I stepped off the ferry, rabbits were everywhere! Despite reports of declining rabbit populations, there were still plenty of them hopping around, creating a magical atmosphere.

The Best Way to Enjoy the Island: Picnicking

One of the best ways to enjoy Okunoshima is having a picnic. Since there are limited food options on the island, I recommend buying snacks or lunch before taking the ferry. Once you spread out a picnic blanket and settle in the pleasant sunshine, curious rabbits will gradually approach you.

Picnicking Under the Cherry Blossoms

During my visit in cherry blossom season, I spread my picnic blanket under the cherry trees. The rabbits quickly approached, seemingly asking for food! Their adorable behavior brought smiles to everyone’s faces.

Feeding the Rabbits

Once the rabbits come close enough, you can offer them appropriate food. While feeding is allowed on the island, it’s crucial to check what foods are safe for rabbits beforehand to avoid harming their health.

Important: Don’t Take the Rabbits Home!

While these rabbits are incredibly cute, it’s strictly prohibited by law to remove them from the island. This rule exists to protect both the rabbits’ ecosystem and prevent the spread of diseases. Similarly, bringing rabbits to the island is also forbidden. Even if you can no longer care for your pet rabbit, never abandon it on Okunoshima.

Important Rules

There are several important rules to follow when visiting Okunoshima:

• Do not chase or try to catch the rabbits
• Do not step on or kick the rabbits
• Take all your trash with you

These are common-sense rules, but it’s important to avoid causing distress to the rabbits or disturbing other visitors.

Beyond Rabbits: Other Island Attractions

While the rabbits are the main attraction, Okunoshima offers many other interesting sites worth exploring.

Poison Gas Museum: The museum provides insights into the island’s sobering wartime history, displaying historical documents and photographs from when the island served as a poison gas manufacturing facility.

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War Memorial: A memorial dedicated to those who lost their lives during the poison gas manufacturing operations serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of peace.

Mount Kurotaki: The island’s highest point offers panoramic views of Okunoshima and the surrounding Seto Inland Sea. The hiking trail is well-maintained and suitable for casual hiking.

Beach: During summer months, visitors can enjoy swimming. However, please note that rabbits cannot swim, so be mindful of their presence near the water.

Camping Ground: The island features a camping area where visitors can stay overnight. It’s a great spot for stargazing and outdoor barbecues.

Kyukamura Okunoshima: This resort facility on the island offers accommodations, restaurants, and hot springs. Day visitors can also use the hot spring facilities.

Visitor Center: Learn about the island’s nature, history, and rabbit population at the Okunoshima Visitor Center.

[Previous Instagram structure maintained with original styling]

Best Seasons to Visit

While Okunoshima welcomes visitors year-round, spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are particularly recommended due to their mild temperatures. Since interacting with the rabbits involves spending time outdoors, visiting during cooler seasons can make your experience more comfortable. Cherry blossom season (late March to early April) is especially popular, offering the unique experience of watching rabbits hop around under flowering trees.

Accommodation Options

Final Notes

Important Notes:

The information provided is current as of April 2024 and may be subject to change. Please check the official Okunoshima website for the latest updates.

Remember that these are wild animals. Please take care not to injure them or cause them any distress.