Last updated on October 10, 2024 by Krysti
Planning to visit Japan’s Rabbit Island? Then look no further! Because I’ve got you covered with this ultimate guide to Okunoshima Island.
Known for its adorable and friendly rabbits, Okunoshima is an incredibly fun destination, one that offers a unique and joyful experience.
Here, you’ll find more than a thousand free-roaming rabbits, all wandering around the island in search of affection – and a tasty snack, of course.
While these furry inhabitants are undoubtedly the main attraction, they’re not the only appeal here.
From stunning coastal views to unique ruins, and a surprisingly dark history, Okunoshima has much to offer.
In fact, I recently explored the island on a day trip and was captivated by its enchanting atmosphere and unique attractions.
It’s a destination that I highly recommend and one that I cannot wait to share with you.
That being said, let’s dive right in and discover all there is to know about Okunoshima Rabbit Island in Japan.
The Troubling History of Japan’s Rabbit Island
Factory ruins on Okunoshima Island.
Although Okunoshima presents itself as a charming and joyful destination, the island actually has a pretty dark past.
Once home to local fishermen, the island was seized by the Imperial Japanese Army in 1929 for the covert development of chemical weapons.
The secrecy surrounding this operation was so extensive that the Army destroyed all records of Okunoshima and even went so far as to remove it from the country’s maps.
The weapons that they were developing, which included the likes of mustard gas and tear gas, were used by the Japanese during World War II. However, to ensure their effectiveness, they were first tested on rabbits.
This has led some to believe that the island’s current rabbit population is in fact descendant of those test subjects, who may have been freed at the end of World War II.
Others, however, say that the rabbits were actually pets that were released by a group of schoolchildren, years after the war ended.
Regardless of their origins, these furry inhabitants were able to flourish given the absence of natural predators. And, today, the rabbits serve as Okunoshima’s official mascot, helping to rebrand the island as a holiday destination – despite its dark and troubling history.
Where is Okunoshima Island?
Situated just off the coast of Hiroshima Prefecture, Okunoshima is part of the Geiyo Islands, a group of islands located within the Seto Inland Sea.
Accessible via Tadanoumi Port in the city of Takehara, Okunoshima lies about 70 kilometers north of Hiroshima City and 20 kilometers east of Hiroshima Airport.
Hiroshima to Okunoshima Ferry Port
When traveling from Hiroshima, I recommend driving to the island’s ferry terminal, Tadanoumi Port, as it’s easier and much more convenient.
The drive only takes about an hour. And from there, it’s just a quick 15-minute ferry ride over to the island.
That being said, if you’d prefer to use public transportation, there are several options available:
- Local Bus: You can take the local bus, which departs from Hiroshima Station and travels to the Tadanoumi Eki Mae Bus Station. The journey takes about an hour and a half and is relatively affordable.
- Local Train: There’s also a local train that departs from Hiroshima Station; it, however, only travels to Hiro Station. Once here, you’ll need to transfer to another local line bound for Tadano-Umi Station. While this is the cheapest option, it’s also the longest, as it takes about 2 hours in total depending on transfer times.
- Shinkansen (Bullet Train): Finally, there’s the Shin, which departs from Hiroshima Station and travels to Mihara Station. Once here, you’ll need to transfer to the local train bound for Tadano-Umi Station. While this is the most expensive option, it’s also the quickest, as it only takes about an hour to reach your final destination.
Once you arrive at the train station or the bus station, it’s only a five minute walk over to the ferry terminal.
The Okunoshima Island Ferry
The ferry docked on Okunoshima Island.
Before boarding the ferry, you’ll need to buy your tickets from the store that’s located across the street. There’s an automated machine here that you can use to purchase your tickets.
The ferry departs for Okunoshima Island roughly every 45 minutes to an hour. And the ride takes about 15 minutes.
For the ferry’s most up-to-date departure times, be sure to check out the island’s official website.
Pro Tip: If you plan to purchase rabbit food, be sure to do so at the store before you board the ferry. While they do offer bags of food on Okunoshima Island, they tend to sell out pretty quickly.
Best Time to Visit Okunoshima Island
Like much of Japan, I’d recommend visiting Okunoshima Island in either the spring or the fall.
Simply put, this is when you’re likely to encounter the best weather with mild temperatures and minimal rain.
Spring is an especially beautiful time of the year to visit, as the island is home to several cherry trees. However, it is important to note that this is also when you’re likely to encounter more crowds.
If you wish to avoid this, aim for fall. The weather will still be nice – and you’ll get the added bonus of experiencing the autumn leaves.
Meanwhile, summer and winter are valid options. Just keep in mind that winter can be a bit cold, especially with the wind chill. And summer can be incredibly hot – which means the rabbits won’t be as active.
How to Get Around Okunoshima Island
The island of Okunoshima is very small and very walkable. It would probably only take you a few hours to walk all the way around it!
That being said, bikes are a common method of transportation here. And, if you so choose, you can rent them from the island’s hotel, Kyukamura Okunoshima.
There’s a marked bike path that circles the island, although you can’t access every attraction from it.
Okunoshima Rabbit Island Map
To help you plan your trip, here’s a quick map overview of all the places mentioned in this guide to the Japanese Rabbit Island.
If you’d like to view an interactive version of this map, click here!
6 Fun Things to Do on Okunoshima Island
The Rabbit Island of Okunoshima is not just incredibly cute – it also offers a wealth of fun and surprising activities. These are just a few of my favorites!
Enjoy the Rabbits
The rabbits on Okunoshima Island are very friendly and will happily run up to you for treats – so be sure to have some ready to go!
Feed them, take pictures with them, and enjoy their overall cuteness!
You can find the rabbits spread out all over the island – we even found some on top of the island’s highest peak.
That being said, many of them do congregate in the brush near the campground, in front of the hotel, and by the Visitor’s Center.
A Note on Interacting with Okunoshima Rabbits
While the rabbits here are friendly and comfortable around visitors, it’s important to remember that they’re wild animals, not pets!! So please refrain from carrying them, picking them up, or chasing them around.
Also, please don’t feed them in the middle of the road. There are cars and shuttle buses that come through periodically, so for their own safety lure them out of harm’s way!
Check Out the Beach
Nestled along the coast near the Visitor’s Center, you’ll find a small secluded beach that offers great views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Here, you are free to enjoy the views, take a dip in the ocean, or just sit back and relax.
It’s even a nice place to take a break and enjoy a picnic!
Admire the Views from Hyokkori Observation Deck
For the best vantage point head up to the Hyokkori Observation Deck.
Situated on top of the island’s highest peak, this observation deck offers incredible 360° views of the Seto Inland Sea and surrounding islands.
To access this observation deck, there are two hiking trails that you can utilize – a dirt path or a paved road.
Both take about 15-20 minutes to hike, although the dirt path is a bit steeper.
Pro Tip: Be sure to grab a map from the Ferry Waiting Terminal when you arrive on Okunoshima Island. This will show you where all the trails and attractions are located.
Visit the Poison Gas Museum
Despite its small size, the Poison Gas Museum does a great job sharing the history of Okunoshima Island.
The focus here is less on the rabbits and more on the people who worked in the factories.
Unfortunately, as you’ll learn, many of these individuals suffered serious health consequences as a result of the hazardous chemicals that they worked with.
The museum aims to raise awareness about this and draw attention to the long-lasting impacts of chemical warfare.
Discover the Island’s Ruins
The ruins of a laboratory on Okunoshima Island.
Spread across the island are a number of ruins that were left behind by the Japanese Army.
Consisting of laboratories, storage facilities, and power plants, these decaying buildings offer a glimpse into the island’s dark history.
Visitors are welcome to wander around and check them out. Just be sure to pay attention to any posted signs or warnings, as some of the buildings may not be safe or structurally sound.
Camp Along the Shore
If you plan to spend the night, consider camping out at Okunoshima Camping Ground.
Located right along the water, the campground offers great views of the ocean – and is regularly frequented by the island’s rabbits.
You can bring your own tent or use one that’s already set up on-site.
The campground also offers hammocks, communal BBQ areas, fire pits, restrooms, and access to a nearby onsen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Japan’s Bunny Island
Here are my thoughts on some commonly asked questions about Okunoshima Island.
Is Okunoshima Worth Visiting?
Yes, I would say that Okunoshima is certainly worth visiting! Especially if you’re already in the Hiroshima area. The island is such a unique destination compared to the rest of Japan – and the rabbits are so incredibly cute!!
How Much Time Should I Spend on Okunoshima Island?
Okunoshima is the perfect destination for a day trip. With one day on the island, you’ll be able to explore pretty much all of the attractions. It’s even possible to visit for just half a day if you’re short on time. While you won’t be able to see everything this way, you’ll at least get to spend some quality time with the island’s bunnies.
How Much Does It Cost to Go to Okunoshima Island?
The ferry over to Okunoshima is very affordable. The price per person, one way for adults, is 360 yen or about $2.50. And the price per child, one way for those under 11 years of age, is 180 yen or about $1.25.
What Facilities Are Available on Okunoshima Island?
While facilities on the island of Okunoshima are a bit limited, the island’s hotel, Kyukamura Okunoshima, does offer a variety of services for guests and non-guests alike. Here, you’ll find a restaurant, a cafe, a gift shop, public hot springs, as well as bicycle rentals. In addition to this, the island is home to a visitor’s center, a ferry passenger terminal, public restrooms, storage lockers, and free public Wi-Fi in designated areas.
Is Japan’s Rabbit Island Ethical?
I’ll be honest, I was a bit worried about this – and delayed my visit to the island for this very reason. But, in the end, all of the rabbits I met seemed to be very healthy and happy. They’re free to roam around the island as they see fit, they have no natural predators that they need to worry about, and they get plenty of food and water from visitors. On top of that, the island was actually pretty clean – there was way less bunny poo than I thought there would be!
Final Thoughts: Okunoshima Island
So there you have it – my complete guide to Okunoshima Island. Hopefully, this article is helpful in planning your own trip to Japan’s famous Rabbit Island.
No matter what you decide to do here, I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time. After all, Okunoshima is an incredibly unique and historic destination – one that is sure to surprise and delight you!
Are you planning on visiting Rabbit Island in Japan? If so, what are you most looking forward to? Let me know in the comments below!
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Thank you for this incredibly informative post! I learned so much and am definitely going to plan a trip to Okunoshima island whenever I visit Japan with my family!
Thank you! I’m glad you found it helpful!!