Located just offshore the city of Takehara in southern Japan, the little Ōkunoshima island (大久野島) has a gripping history. During WWII, a poison gas factory (that is now a museum educating visitors on the detriments of this kind of warfare) was built here because of its isolation and distance from Japan’s major cities, with the government even removing it from maps to keep its location a secret.
After the war ended, the island was opened to the public and transformed from a factory to a park. To coincide with this, several rabbits were released on the island. With no natural predators, the rabbit population boomed, resulting in it being given the nickname Usagi Shima (うさぎ島) or ‘Rabbit Island’.
Today, Ōkunoshima is a popular tourist destination for those looking to see these semi-wild rabbits. From the moment you step foot off the ferry, you’ll see hundreds of rabbits hopping around and approaching visitors for food. For a one-of-a-kind experience, try sitting on the ground and sprinkling rabbit pellets around you. You’ll quickly see what it’s like being in the middle of a bunny stampede.
How to safely interact with the rabbits
To ensure that your visit is a positive experience for the rabbits as well, there are some important things to keep in mind when visiting Ōkunoshima.
Contrary to popular belief, fresh vegetables like carrots, lettuce and cabbage should not be a rabbit’s main source of food. These can have little nutritional value and actually cause serious stomach issues if consumed in excess. Instead, you can buy packages of rabbit pellets before you board the ferry to the island. Be sure to stock up before you arrive, as there is nowhere on the island to buy any. At no point should you ever chase the rabbits. Let them choose when and for long they want to interact with you and give them space when they decide to hop away. Rabbits tend to be most active in the morning, so planning a trip earlier in the day gives you a better chance of getting to interact with them.
Other activities..
The island is home to many beautiful beaches
Aside from the rabbits, you can take a tour of the Ōkunoshima Poison Gas Museum. While this may seem like a dark topic, it’s actually a great example of the smaller ‘peace museums’ that have opened up across Japan. Supported by citizens and local government, the museum aims to educate the public about the devastating truths of poison gas and emphasize the importance of peace.
Ōkunoshima also has many beaches and trails to explore on foot or by bike. Many of the trails weave through the island’s hilly centre, with jungle-like terrain and 360-degree views of the Seto
Inland Sea.
Where to stay
While there is a hotel directly on the Island, many visitors choose to stay on the mainland in Hiroshima and visit Ōkunoshima as a day trip.
Top Hiroshima Condominium 20 offers all the comforts of home
Top Hiroshima Condominium 20 is just 300 metres from Hiroshima station. It has all the amenities you could need, including a full-service kitchen and a bathroom with complimentary toiletries.
Dine at one of Hotel Granvia Hiroshima's on-site restaurants
Hotel Granvia Hiroshima is connected to the JR Hiroshima Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Station. With six on-site restaurants, this hotel offers modern accommodation with phenomenal Japanese cuisine.
How to get to the island
The best way to access the island is by ferry from Tadanoumi port
The island is accessible by ferry, departing from Tadanoumi port in Hiroshima Prefecture. From Hiroshima Station, you make your way by train to Tadanoumi Station – this can often involve a transfer from bullet train to local train so be sure to check the schedule before you leave. In total, the journey can take approximately two hours.
Once you arrive at Tadanoumi Station, it’s just a 3-minute walk to the port where you’ll catch the ferry. Once aboard, it takes just 12 minutes to reach the island.
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