The paradise of Rabbits is here in Okunoshima, Hiroshima

If you are a rabbit lover, Okunoshima is the next destination. More than 700 feral rabbits live this small island and today another name of the island “Rabbit Island” or “Rabbit Paradise” became more popular than official name.<div

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Why this island is called “Rabbits Island”?

Okunoshima is one of islands in Inland Sea of Japan and it is about 15 minutes by ferry. The circumference is about 4 km and this tiny island is literally occupied by rabbits. There are several reasons but one is related to this island’s unique history. During WWII, Japanese army affected the island with poison gas and rabbits were brought in order to test the effects. To keep this secret matter, the island was once removed from maps. After the war is over, rabbits were freed and they breed in this island. Some gas facilities are still existed and able to visit. By the way, another reason says elementary school kids brought rabbits and released them in the island.

The recommended season is between Spring and Summer

Rabbits are everywhere in Okunoshima and it is not allowed to hold rabbits but you can feed them. Food for rabbits are not sold in the island but you can find it at some stores near the ferry port so better to buy before the departure. You can see rabbits through a year, but during spring and summer there are more new baby bunnies. They become dull during the summer.

Stay for one night in Rabbit Island

Rabbits are more active in early mornings and nights so stay in "Kyukamura Okunoshima" is another option to enjoy more Rabbits Island. In addition, the view of ocean and other islands is marvelous. Just taking a walk refreshes your mind and forget the busy days.

How to visit?

From Tokyo, it is about 2 hours to Hiroshima Airport by an airplane. Take the taxi from Hiroshima Airport to Takehara Station for 25 minutes. From Takehara Station, take the JR Kure Line for 15 minutes and get off at Tadanoumi Station. From Tadanoumi Station, it is a 5 minute walk to Tadanoumi Port. Okunoshima is a 15 minute ferry ride from Tadanoumi Port and the ferry departs every half hour.

Address: Okunoshima, Tadanoumi cho, Takehara City, Hiroshima 729-2311 (Kyukamura Okunoshima)
Tel：+81-(0)846-26-0321(Kyukamura Okunoshima)