Okunoshima

Attraction

Prefecture

Hiroshima

Type

Attraction

N/A

1 review

Restaurant Train Access

About This Destination

A small island in the Seto Inland Sea famous for its hundreds of friendly wild rabbits.

Okunoshima is a tiny island in the Seto Inland Sea that has become one of Japan's most unusual tourist attractions thanks to its population of hundreds of wild rabbits. The friendly rabbits approach visitors freely, making it a beloved destination for animal lovers. The island also has a somber history as a secret poison gas manufacturing site during World War II, documented in the Poison Gas Museum. Visitors can enjoy cycling around the island, relaxing at the Kyukamura resort hotel, and exploring the ruins of the wartime facilities.

Location

Prefecture: Hiroshima

Address: Takehara, Hiroshima, Japan

Nearest Station: Tadanoumi

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Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Unknown

Food Options: Restaurant at Kyukamura resort hotel on the island

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Okunoshima (Rabbit Island)?

Take the JR Kure Line to Tadanoumi Station (about 1.5 hours from Hiroshima). From there it's a 5-minute walk to the ferry terminal. Ferries run every 30–60 minutes and take 12–15 minutes. Check the schedule — the last ferry back is around 5–6 PM. A day trip works, but staying overnight at the Kyukamura resort gives you the rabbits in the early morning and evening when most day-trippers have left.

Can I feed the rabbits on Okunoshima?

Yes, but bring your own rabbit-safe food — fresh vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and leafy greens are best. Avoid bread, crackers, and human snacks, which make the rabbits sick. You can buy proper rabbit food at shops near Tadanoumi Station before boarding the ferry. The rabbits are most active and hungry in the early morning and late afternoon.

What else is there to do on Okunoshima?

The island has a sobering history as a secret WWII poison gas factory — the Poison Gas Museum near the ferry pier (small admission) explains it well. Rent bikes (around 600 yen for 4 hours from the Kyukamura) to explore the wartime ruins scattered around the island. The Kyukamura resort has hot spring baths open to day visitors and a restaurant. Swimming beaches open in summer, and the island loop is about 4 km.

When is the best time to visit Okunoshima?

Spring and autumn give the most pleasant weather for walking and cycling the 4 km island loop. Summer is hot but adds beach swimming. Avoid Japanese long weekends and Golden Week if you want fewer day-trippers. Early morning (right after the first ferry) and late afternoon are when the rabbits are most active.

Nearby Destinations

⛩️

Oyamazumi Shrine 7.8km

🎯

Shimanami Kaido 9.7km

🎯 Other Attraction in Hiroshima

Shimanami Kaido

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