Rabbit Island Japan (Okunoshima): Access, Rabbits & Travel Tips

Table of Contents

Introduction

Okunoshima, often called Rabbit Island Japan, is a small island in Hiroshima Prefecture where many free-roaming rabbits can be seen along quiet paths, open spaces, and coastal areas. With easy ferry access, peaceful walking trails, and ivy-covered wartime ruins, the island offers a unique mix of cute rabbit encounters, photography spots, and unusual history.

When I visited, the island felt peaceful, but not like an ordinary animal attraction. Some rabbits rested quietly in the shade, while others came close if I stayed calm. This guide introduces what to expect, how to enjoy the rabbits responsibly, and what else you can see while walking around Okunoshima.

How to Get to Okunoshima Rabbit Island

Gateway: Tadanoumi Port (Takehara, Hiroshima). Ferries take about 15 minutes to reach the island. The port is a short walk from JR Tadanoumi Station (JR Kure Line).
By car (driving access): You cannot take a car onto Okunoshima, but ferries also run from Omishima’s Sakari Port, making it a convenient stop when driving along the Shimanami Kaido.
On the island: Okunoshima is easy to explore on foot, with flat walking paths, shaded rest areas, a small museum, a seasonal campsite, and the Kyukamura Okunoshima resort hotel.

Tip: Ferry timetables and fares can change seasonally—always check the latest information before your trip.

Why are there rabbits on Okunoshima?

The exact origin of Okunoshima’s rabbits is still debated, but one widely told explanation is that a small number of rabbits were released on the island in the early 1970s, possibly by local schoolchildren. Over time, the population grew, and Okunoshima became widely known as Rabbit Island Japan.

There is also a common misconception that today’s rabbits are descendants of animals used in poison gas experiments during World War II. However, this story is generally considered unlikely. Rabbits were used in wartime testing on the island, but those animals were reportedly killed after the war and are not thought to be related to the rabbits seen there today.

Can You Feed the Rabbits on Okunoshima? Important Rules

Yes, visitors can feed the rabbits on Okunoshima, but it is important to do it carefully. The rabbits are not pets, and poor feeding habits can make them sick or draw them into dangerous places.

Bring suitable rabbit food before arriving on the island. Rabbit food is not sold on Okunoshima, so prepare it around Tadanoumi Port or before your trip.
Do not give them human food. Avoid snacks, bread, sweets, onions, green onions, and any food that is not suitable for rabbits.
Do not feed them on roads. Feeding near roads can make rabbits run toward bicycles, service vehicles, or other traffic.
Do not touch, chase, or pick them up. Stay calm and let the rabbits approach naturally.
Take leftover food back with you. Do not leave food on the ground after the rabbits stop eating.
Do not bring pets or release animals on the island. This can harm the rabbits and the island’s ecosystem.

Best Times & Simple Photo Tips

When to go: Early morning and late afternoon provide soft light and active rabbits.
Angles: Crouch low at a curious rabbit; fill the foreground with figures, trees, or the sea behind.
Hands: If offering pellets, keep your palm flat for safe, photogenic close-ups.
Summer: Rabbits often nap in shaded areas during midday; perfect for relaxed portraits.

Rabbits resting under the shade of trees on Rabbit Island Japan

Encounters Along the Walk

Okunoshima’s paths are full of surprises. Rabbits may appear suddenly near benches, under shrubs, or by old tunnels. Part of the charm lies in never knowing exactly where the next rabbit will appear.

Black rabbit near the old brick tunnel on Rabbit Island Japan

A Quiet Look at the Ruins

Scattered across the island are ivy-covered remains of former wartime facilities. These silent structures add a different atmosphere, reminding visitors of the island’s past. Most people come for the rabbits, but taking a short detour to see these ruins adds depth to your visit.

Ivy-covered wartime ruins on Okunoshima, Rabbit Island Japan

FAQ

Are the rabbits on Okunoshima wild?
The rabbits are free-roaming European rabbits that live on the island and are used to people, but they are not pets. Visitors should observe them gently and avoid chasing, touching, or picking them up. How many rabbits are on Okunoshima?
The exact number changes and is difficult to confirm. Local tourism sources often describe the island as home to hundreds of rabbits, though the number can vary depending on season, weather, and food conditions. Can children feed the rabbits?
Yes, but only with adult supervision and suitable rabbit food. Children should feed them away from roads and should not chase or lift the rabbits. Can you walk around the whole island?
Yes. Okunoshima can be explored on foot, and a full circuit is manageable for many visitors. However, there are some slopes, so comfortable shoes, water, and heat protection are useful in summer. How long do you need on Okunoshima?
Many visitors spend a few hours on the island to see the rabbits, walk the main paths, visit the ruins, and enjoy the coastal scenery. Is Okunoshima worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you like animals, quiet islands, photography, and unusual historical places. It is not just a rabbit spot; the island also has wartime ruins and a peaceful Seto Inland Sea atmosphere.

Author’s Impression

Watching rabbits on Rabbit Island Japan is like stepping into a fairytale. They peek out from the shade, sniff at camera lenses, then flop back down into shallow scrapes in the soil. The scene feels calm, cute, and wonderfully slow-paced. Watching them up close gave me not only delight but also a gentle reminder to simply observe and respect their space.