Okunoshima: Japan's Rabbit Island and Its Hidden History
How to visit Okunoshima, the island of wild rabbits in the Seto Inland Sea: feeding rules, its wartime past, the ferry and staying the night.
Quick answer
- What it is: a small island in the Seto Inland Sea, part of Takehara City in Hiroshima Prefecture.
- Famous for: more than 500 wild rabbits that roam freely.
- History: a secret poison gas factory during the war, now remembered in a museum.
- Time needed: half a day, or stay overnight at the island's hotel.
- Best time: spring and autumn, on weekdays.
When the ferry docks at Okunoshima, rabbits appear from the bushes and hop over to see who has arrived. The island is a gentle place today, but it hides a dark chapter of history.
Why Okunoshima is a wonder
Okunoshima is home to more than 500 rabbits, believed to descend from pets released in the 1970s. With no natural predators, they spread across the island.
Visitors come to walk among them on quiet paths and beaches with views across the Inland Sea.
A secret past
From the 1920s to 1945, the island housed a secret poison gas factory and was removed from many maps. Ruins of power plants and storage buildings remain.
The small Poison Gas Museum tells the story of the factory and the workers who suffered from its effects.
What to see
| Spot | What you see | Time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry pier | Rabbits waiting to greet visitors | 15 minutes |
| Island walking path | A loop around the island | 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Poison Gas Museum | The history of the wartime factory | 30 minutes |
| Power plant ruins | Abandoned wartime buildings | 20 minutes |
| Observation point | Views over the Inland Sea | 20 minutes |
When to go
- Spring: mild weather and young rabbits.
- Autumn: comfortable temperatures for walking.
- Weekdays: fewer visitors.
- Summer: rabbits rest in the shade during the heat of the day.
Our tip: Bring rabbit food from the mainland, as it is not always sold on the island, and feed only what the rabbits will eat while you watch.
Getting there
- To Tadanoumi: take the JR Kure Line to Tadanoumi Station, about 25 minutes from Mihara.
- Ferry: ferries from Tadanoumi Port reach Okunoshima in about 15 minutes.
- From Hiroshima: allow about 1.5 to 2 hours in total.
Rabbit rules
- Do not leave piles of food. Wild boars eat leftovers and have begun to attack rabbits.
- Feed only what the rabbits will eat, and take leftovers home.
- Do not pick up, chase or hurt the rabbits.
- Pets are not allowed on the island.
Frequently asked questions
How many rabbits are on Okunoshima?
More than 500 wild rabbits.
Can you feed the rabbits?
Yes, but only small amounts while you watch, and take leftovers home.
How do you get to Okunoshima?
Take a ferry from Tadanoumi, about 15 minutes.
Why was Okunoshima secret?
It housed a poison gas factory during the war.
Ouchi-juku
A row of thick thatched roofs along an old mountain road.
We check this guide regularly. Prices, hours and rules in Japan can change, so confirm with the official sources below before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.