Okunoshima is a tiny island in the Seto Inland Sea where hundreds of wild rabbits roam freely, approaching visitors for food and affection. Known simply as "Rabbit Island," it draws visitors from around the world — but there's far more to this place than cute photos.
How to Get There
Okunoshima is reached by a 15-minute ferry from Tadanoumi Port in Takehara, Hiroshima Prefecture.
From Hiroshima: Take the JR Kure Line to Tadanoumi Station (about 1.5 hours, ¥1,170). The port is a 5-minute walk from the station.
From Osaka: Shinkansen to Mihara or Hiroshima, then transfer to the JR Kure Line to Tadanoumi (total 2.5–3 hours).
From Tokyo: Shinkansen to Mihara Station (about 4 hours), then JR Kure Line to Tadanoumi (30 minutes).
Ferry Details
Ferries run roughly every 30–45 minutes from early morning to evening. Round-trip tickets cost ¥720 for adults and ¥360 for children. The last return ferry departs around 7:15pm, but check the schedule for the season you're visiting — winter has fewer sailings.
There's also a free shuttle bus between the island's ferry terminal and the Kyukamura Hotel.
What to Bring
This is critical: buy rabbit food at the mainland before boarding. Small bags of pellets are sold at the café near Tadanoumi Port for about ¥300 per bag. There is nowhere to buy rabbit food on the island itself.
Appropriate rabbit food: Pellets sold at the port, fresh vegetables like carrots and leafy greens.
Do not feed rabbits: Bread, rice, chips, candy, chocolate, or any human food. These cause serious digestive problems.
Other essentials: - Comfortable walking shoes (trails are unpaved in places) - Water and snacks for yourself — there's only one restaurant on the island (at the Kyukamura Hotel) - Sunscreen and hat in summer - A small towel for wiping hands between rabbit interactions
The Rabbits
The island is home to an estimated 700–1,000 wild rabbits. They're descendants of domestic rabbits, likely released in the 1970s, and have thrived in the predator-free island environment. The rabbits are most active in the early morning and late afternoon — midday visitors in summer may find many rabbits napping in the shade.
Interaction Etiquette
- Sit or crouch down and let rabbits approach you
- Hold food in flat, open palms
- Don't chase or pick up rabbits — they're wild animals
- Avoid feeding near roads where rabbits could be hit by the shuttle bus
- Don't leave food on the ground (it attracts crows and rats)
- Keep bags zipped — rabbits will investigate anything that rustles
The Island's Dark History
Okunoshima has a past that contrasts sharply with its current reputation. During World War II, the island housed a secret chemical weapons factory that produced over 6,000 tons of poison gas, including mustard gas and tear gas. The island was erased from maps to keep it hidden.
The Poison Gas Museum (open 9:00–16:00, last entry 15:40, ¥150 adults, free for children under 19) documents this history with artifacts and photographs. Photography is prohibited inside. Scattered around the island, you can still find ruins of the factory buildings, storage tanks, and a power station — haunting concrete shells overtaken by vegetation.
Exploring the Island
The island's circumference is about 4.3 kilometers, and a walking trail loops the entire coast in roughly an hour. You can rent bicycles near the hotel for ¥600, which makes the circuit easier and lets you cover more ground.
The observation deck on the island's highest point offers 360-degree views of the Seto Inland Sea. Only the trail between the campsite and visitor center is reliably open — interior trails may be closed depending on conditions.
Where to Stay
The Kyukamura Okunoshima is the island's only hotel. It's a government-run national park lodge with simple rooms, an onsen bath, and a restaurant. Rates start around ¥8,000–12,000 per person with meals. Staying overnight means you get the island to yourself after day-trippers leave on the last ferry.
There's also a campground (open April–October) for budget travelers.
Ethical Considerations
Okunoshima's popularity has raised welfare concerns. In January 2025, over 70 rabbits were found dead, and a man was arrested for animal abuse on the island. The Takehara municipal government has proposed a tourist tax to fund environmental protection, improved facilities, and animal welfare measures.
Responsible visiting means: - Feeding only appropriate food in moderation - Not abandoning pet rabbits on the island (this has been a problem) - Disposing of all trash properly - Respecting the animals as wild creatures, not props
Best Time to Visit
Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather and active rabbits. Summer is hot and rabbits hide in shade during midday. Winter is quiet with fewer tourists but rabbits are still present and hungry. The island is beautiful year-round thanks to its Seto Inland Sea setting.
Combining with Nearby Attractions
Takehara Townscape Conservation Area (20 minutes from port): A beautifully preserved Edo-period town with traditional wooden buildings, sake breweries, and stone-paved streets. Often called "Little Kyoto of Hiroshima."
Kure (40 minutes by train): Home to the Yamato Museum (displaying a 1:10 scale model of the legendary WWII battleship) and the JMSDF Kure Museum, which features an actual submarine you can walk through. The Yamato Museum is scheduled to reopen by late March 2026 after renovations.
Miyajima Island (1.5 hours from Tadanoumi): Combine Rabbit Island with the iconic floating torii gate for a memorable two-island Hiroshima itinerary. Check our guide to animal experiences beyond cafes for more ideas across Japan.