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Okunoshima, also known as “Rabbit Island,” is a small and scenic island located just off the coast of Takehara in Hiroshima Prefecture. The island is famous for its population of approximately 1,000 wild rabbits, which roam freely and have become surprisingly used to human visitors. These curious creatures are the main attraction, delighting travelers who come to feed and interact with them.
The island itself is peaceful, with its only human residents being the staff of a single hotel. Over the years, its charm has captured the attention of tourists from around the globe, earning it a reputation as one of Japan’s most whimsical destinations.
However, beyond the rabbits, lies a lesser-known side to Okunoshima. The island holds a significant and haunting history. Whether you’re drawn by the adorable rabbits or curious about its past, here’s everything you need to know about visiting Rabbit Island in Japan.
The History of Okunoshima
In the late 1920s, the Japanese Imperial Army launched a secret program to develop chemical weapons, selecting Okunoshima as the site for its operations. The island’s isolated location made it an ideal choice for maintaining security and minimizing risks to major cities like Tokyo in the event of an accident. To preserve its secrecy, Okunoshima was even removed from official maps during this period.
Construction of a poison gas production facility began in 1927 and was completed in 1929. The plant primarily manufactured mustard gas and tear gas, both of which were tested on rabbits brought to the island for this purpose. Employees were recruited under the guise of working at a standard manufacturing plant, and even high-school students were brought in to assist with labor.
Between 1929 and 1945, the facility produced over 6,000 tons of poison gas, which was deployed during the Sino-Japanese War, the Russo-Japanese War, and World War II. It’s estimated that this gas was responsible for the deaths of approximately 80,000 Chinese soldiers and civilians during the conflicts of the 1930s and 1940s.
After Japan’s surrender in World War II, the chemical weapon facilities on Okunoshima were dismantled, and most of the rabbits used in testing were euthanized by the American military. According to local legend, a small number of these rabbits were released into the wild, where they thrived and multiplied, eventually giving rise to the island’s famous population.
How to Get to Rabbit Island in Japan
Today, Okunoshima and its lone hotel are part of Japan’s National Park Resort system, offering visitors a tranquil escape rich in both natural beauty and history. Despite its dark past, Rabbit Island in Japan is a delightful place to explore, with its charming rabbit population and peaceful atmosphere.
Okunoshima is conveniently accessible from Osaka or Hiroshima, whether you travel by train or join a guided tour departing from Hiroshima. If you’re traveling from Tokyo, the journey is also manageable by reserving a seat on the Shinkansen (bullet train). Using a JR Rail Pass can significantly reduce the cost of travel, making it an economical option for exploring Japan.
For the best experience, I recommend arriving in the seaside town of Takehara the night before your visit. Takehara is a charming and quiet town, offering a refreshing break from the bustling crowds of Japan’s major cities. Depending on where you stay, the journey to Okunoshima is quick and straightforward.
The closest train station to Okunoshima is Tadanoumi Station, which is accessible via the local Kure Line from Takehara. Once at Tadanoumi, a short five-minute walk will bring you to the ferry terminal. Before boarding the ferry, stop by the Rabbit Cafe and Gift Shop to purchase a ticket (310 JPY each way). The cafe also offers coffee, souvenirs, and rabbit food—essential if you wish to feed the rabbits, as food is not sold on the island.
The ferry ride to Okunoshima takes about 15 minutes. Keep in mind that the schedule varies by season, so it’s wise to confirm departure times in advance. For a quieter experience, I recommend taking the first ferry of the day. My early morning departure at 7:30 a.m. had only a handful of passengers, allowing me to have much of the island to myself.
What Is There to Do on Rabbit Island?
While the main draw of Okunoshima is undoubtedly its population of adorable rabbits, the island offers a few other attractions for those curious about its history. Scattered remnants of its dark past, such as abandoned buildings from the chemical weapons era, can be found throughout the island. These include the Power Station Ruins, the Ammunition Storage Warehouse, and the Poison Gas Storehouse, all of which add an eerie contrast to the island’s otherwise peaceful atmosphere.
Bicycles are available for rent at the Kyukamura Ohkunoshima Hotel, making it easy to get around the island. For those who want to extend their stay, the island also offers campgrounds for an overnight experience.
Okunoshima has a small visitor center and a Poison Gas Museum. The museum sheds light on the realities faced by workers during the island’s chemical weapons production days. Exhibits include the protective suits and gear used by workers, which often failed to provide adequate protection, resulting in severe health issues from prolonged exposure.
For convenience, a shuttle runs around the island, stopping at key points such as the hotel, ferry terminals, and visitor center. However, the island is compact and easy to explore on foot. The main pathway, which circles the island, is approximately 4 km (2.5 mi) long and can be comfortably walked in under an hour.
What to Expect on Okunoshima
If you’ve seen any of the countless videos of Rabbit Island on YouTube, you might already have an idea of what to expect: rabbits everywhere! These adorable critters freely roam the island, delighting visitors with their friendly nature. However, life for the rabbits on Okunoshima comes with challenges that visitors should understand before planning a trip.
The rabbit population has grown significantly over the years, and with few natural predators and limited vegetation, the island’s ecosystem can no longer sustain them. This has made the rabbits heavily reliant on tourists for food. On sunny days, the island teems with visitors bringing food, but on colder or rainy days, when fewer tourists come, many rabbits go hungry.
To ensure the rabbits’ health and well-being, it’s important to feed them responsibly. The best option is to purchase rabbit pellets from the cafe near the ferry terminal before boarding. While it may be tempting to bring foods like lettuce or cabbage, these can harm the rabbits. Such items lack the necessary fiber and can cause bloating, making the rabbits sick. Some visitors bring large quantities of these unsuitable foods and scatter them across the island, causing the rabbits to become overly full and disinterested in eating proper foods. Please avoid this practice to help keep the rabbits healthy.
The rabbits are gentle and friendly. They’ll happily take food directly from your hands, and if you sit on the ground, you might find them hopping right up to or even onto you. Be mindful, though—they’re quick to snatch an unattended bag of pellets if you’re not paying attention.
I thoroughly enjoyed my morning on Rabbit Island in Japan. Visiting Okunoshima was a unique and wonderful experience.
Where to Stay on Rabbit Island in Japan
Green Sky Hotel
The Green Sky Hotel is an excellent choice for anyone spending time in Takehara. Conveniently located just a two-minute walk from JR Takehara Station, it’s perfectly situated for exploring the area. For those planning a visit to Rabbit Island, it takes just 25 minutes to reach Tandonoumi Station.
As a newer establishment, the hotel offers clean, comfortable rooms and modern amenities, making it a welcoming place to relax after a day of sightseeing. Its location is also ideal for exploring Takehara’s historic old town, which is just a short walk away.
For dinner, I highly recommend visiting Kihachi Sushi, a local gem where you can enjoy fresh, delicious sushi and experience authentic Japanese hospitality.
Kyukamura Ohkunoshima
Kyukamura Ohkunoshima, the National Park Resort on Okunoshima, offers a unique opportunity to stay overnight on the island. The accommodations are traditional Japanese ryokan-style rooms, providing a minimalist experience with limited amenities. The resort features a pool, but it is only open during the summer months.
While the room rates may feel steep for what some might consider a fairly average hotel, the real value lies in the experience. Staying overnight means you can wake up to the tranquility of the island, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere before the first ferries arrive.
Nipponia Hotel Takehara Saltworks Town
Nipponia Hotel Takehara Saltworks Town is a charming 4-star ryokan situated in the heart of historic Takehara. This beautifully restored property offers comfortable, air-conditioned rooms, each equipped with a private bathroom and Wi-Fi, ensuring a relaxing and convenient stay.
Guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant, which serves a variety of local and seasonal dishes. With its blend of modern comforts and traditional ryokan ambiance, it’s an excellent choice for those looking to experience the rich history of Takehara while enjoying a peaceful stay.
Have you been to Rabbit Island in Japan? I’d love to hear about your experience. If you’ve enjoyed this post, please leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Do you love animals as much as I do? Continue to my post, “The Perfect Day Trip to Nara, Japan“, to learn more about the magical city of Nara.
I love this post and of course all of the adorable bunnies! Nothing like some cute animals to put a smile on my face :-)
Glad you enjoyed it :)