Okunoshima Rabbit Island, Japan: Everything You Need to Know
Located in the Seto Inland Sea, Okunoshima (大久野島) is one of Japan’s most unique destinations. This small island, also known as ‘Rabbit Island’, is home to over 1000 friendly rabbits freely roaming around. I had only imagined Okunoshima as a cute animal lovers’ paradise, but I was surprised by how much more the island offers: fascinating history, beautiful coastal scenery, hiking trails, and a relaxed island atmosphere.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know to plan your visit, from how to get there and the best things to do, to travel tips and more.
Why Visit Okunoshima, Japan’s Bunny Island
If you’re an animal lover, then Okunoshima is in my opinion a fantastic place to visit. You get the chance to encounter families of wild but friendly bunnies roaming around and chasing visitors for food, as you walk around this small island in the Seto Inland sea. It’s a memorable experience, for both kids and adults!
But the island is more than just cute bunnies: it has a fascinating, lesser‑known history linked to Japan’s wartime past as a secret center of chemical weapons research and production during WWII (the island was even erased from maps issued by the Army during that period to maintain secrecy), along with hiking trails, peaceful beaches, and stunning island views.
In addition, it’s easily accessible as a day trip from Hiroshima, making it a fun and super original addition to your Japan itinerary.
How to Get to Okunoshima from Hiroshima
It is easy to reach Okunoshima from Hiroshima, making it a great day trip idea from the city.
You first need to get to Tadanoumi station (忠海駅). From Hiroshima station, there are three main options:
take a shinkansen to Mihara station and then a local train to Tadanoumi station. This is the fastest option but most expensive: takes about 1 hour and costs ¥4,210 one-way.
take the JR Kure Line to Tadanoumi station (over two-hour journey but only costs ¥1,340). This was the option I chose as I was not in a hurry and wanted to save money. I took the first train in the morning and was able to enjoy a magnificent sunrise and breathtaking views of the sea, as the local train run along the coast.
take a highway express bus (called Kaguya-hime) to Tadanoumi station (takes 1.5h and costs ¥1,600).
Once you arrive at Tadanoumi Station, it only takes a few minutes to reach the small port, where you can catch a ferry or a passenger ship that takes only 15 minutes to get you to Okunoshima, with departures approximately every 30 to 45 minutes. The round-trip ticket costs ¥720.
➡️ You can check the ferry timetable on the Rabbit Island’s Official website.
Best Things to Do in Okunoshima
Meet and Feed the Adorable Rabbits
The highlight of visiting Okunoshima is without saying meeting the island’s hundreds of rabbits. They roam freely everywhere, in the fields and forests, along the paths, even near the beaches and by the ruins.
If you really want to enjoy the interactions with them, then I’d highly recommend to bring rabbit‑safe food (pellets or fresh vegetables like fresh carrots and leafy greens) from the mainland, as it’s not sold on the island. You can read more about this in my travel tips section below ⬇️.
As highlighted on the Rabbit Island’s official website, for the rabbits’ safety, please refrain from holding them in your arms or chasing them, and avoid feeding them on the roads.
Learn About Okunoshima’s Dark WWII History at the Poison Gas Museum
Surrounded by such cuteness, it was strange to learn that Okunoshima was once home to a secret poison gas production facility during WWII. The Okunoshima Poison Gas Museum (大久野島 毒ガス資料館) shares this dark past in a small but informative exhibit dedicated to educating visitors about the dangers and devastating consequences of poison gas warfare. It’s an important memorial that I’d definitely recommend stopping by to better understand the history of the island. The museum is open from 9am to 4pm and entrance costs ¥150.
Hike Around the Island to See Abandoned Ruins and Other Landmarks
One of my favorite parts of visiting Okunoshima was hiking around the island. Most visitors seemed to stay close to the main road, so once I set off on the walking trails, it felt like I had the island almost to myself, apart from a few fellow hikers and, of course, plenty of curious or sleepy rabbits along the way.
The walking trails lead you to a number of remnants of the island’s past, including the ruins of artillery batteries dating from the Russo-Japanese war in 1902, a power plant, and poison gas storage facilities. Seeing these ruins overtaken by nature added a slightly eerie feeling to the walk.
Scattered along the way are other interesting sights, like a small white lighthouse, a shrine slowly collapsing, and Japan’s tallest metal transmission tower, standing 226 meters high. It all made me feel a bit like an explorer uncovering hidden corners of the island. And if you want to take a break indoors, you can also add a stop at the Okunoshima Visitor Center.
Relax on Okunoshima’s Beach
Okunoshima also has a small, peaceful beach (大久野島海水浴場) where you can take a break from exploring. I went there in October, when the shore was calm, but the place seemed ideal for swimming in summer.
If you’re not fond of hiking, this is the perfect spot to slow down. If I visit again Okunoshima, I could easily imagine spreading out a picnic blanket by the sea, reading a book, and letting the sound of gentle waves keep me company.
Take in Scenic Views of the Seto Inland Sea
On a sunny day, you can enjoy wonderful views of the Seto Inland Sea and of the surrounding islands. The path along the shore offers beautiful views, but my favorite viewpoints were from the observation decks higher up on the island, such as the Hyokkori Observation Platform (ひょっこり展望台).
Stop by the Resort Hotel to Shop for Adorable Souvenirs, Have a Meal, or Enjoy the Hot Spring
You can stop at the Resort Hotel on Okunoshima, the only place on the island where you can buy souvenirs and find Okunoshima's only restaurant, as well as a small café.
You can buy snacks and drinks, or browse the souvenir corner for rabbit-themed treats and gifts. I bought a box of manju pastries decorated with rabbits before going on my hike, and they were as good as they were cute. The hotel also has a hot spring bath, not only open to hotel guests but also for day trippers (you can check information about the hot spring opening times and entrance fee on the hotel’s website).
A Few Travel Tips to Enjoy your Time in Okunoshima
Transportation Advice
To ensure that your trip goes as smoothly as possible, I recommend checking transportation options and schedules of both trains and ferries in advance. It’s also better to arrive at the port a little early, as you will probably want to stop at the small shop and there may be a line to purchase ferry tickets. Same goes when you want to catch the return ferry, as you might have to wait in line to board the boat to get back to the mainland;
Once in Okunoshima, you can explore the island on foot or use the free shuttle bus that connects the hotel to the ferry location. Renting bicycles at the hotel can also be an option.
What to Bring to Okunoshima (Especially Rabbit Food)
If you want to feed the rabbits, make sure to bring food from the mainland, either pellets or fresh veggies like carrots. The easiest option is to buy small bags of pellets at the ferry terminal in Tadanoumi Port. They’re inexpensive, don’t take up much space, and the bunnies seem to love them. I bought two bags and they lasted me the whole day. As a bonus, if you return the empty bags when you come back, you can get free original postcards to stamp as a souvenir. You won’t find rabbit food for sale on the island itself, so be sure to get it before you board the ferry.
If you’re planning to hike around the island, I’d also recommend to bring comfortable walking shoes, plenty of water, and a few snacks. Food options on the island are very limited. If you forget to stock up, there’s a small café and gift shop right at the ferry terminal, and a convenience store just a few minutes’ walk from Tadanoumi Station. You can also plan to have lunch at the island's restaurant, but keep in mind that there is only one, so it is likely to be crowded on weekends and during peak season.
Where to Stay on or Near Okunoshima
While most people visit Okunoshima as a day trip, you can also stay overnight at Kyukamura Okunoshima (休暇村大久野島), the island’s only hotel. It offers Japanese‑style rooms, an on-site restaurant, onsen facilities, and easy access to the rabbits after the day‑trippers leave. It could be a great idea if you are more of a slow traveler or want to see the rabbits when they are the most active during early morning and late in the evening, as they are nocturnal animals. Rooms can book out quickly during weekends and holiday seasons, so it’s best to reserve in advance. There’s also a small campsite if you’re into camping.
For more options, nearby Takehara is just one train stop from Tadanoumi Station. The town has a beautifully preserved historic district. If you are looking for a relaxing stay in luxurious surroundings, you might consider staying at Nipponia hotel in a room located in a beautifully preserved traditional building while enjoying exceptional service.
If you prefer a bigger selection of hotels and easy access to more attractions, Hiroshima is the ideal place to stay. Here are three recommendations based on reviews and by budget range:
Budget – WeBase Hiroshima: Stylish and affordable hostel with dorms and private rooms, a friendly atmosphere, and a great location within walking distance of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.
Mid-range – Hotel Intergate Hiroshima: Comfortable and well-equipped hotel offering complimentary evening drinks, free coffee throughout the day, communal bath and easy access to Hiroshima’s main attractions. I’ve stayed in another Hotel Intergate in Kanazawa and loved my experience there.
Luxury – Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel: Connected directly to Hiroshima Station, this upscale hotel offers spacious rooms with city views, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and excellent dining options.
➡️ For more accommodation ideas in Hiroshima, you can check Agoda, Booking or Expedia to find the best deals and locations that suit your travel plans.
Other Places to Visit Near Okunoshima
Hiroshima prefecture has so much to offer and I can’t wait to write detailed guides in the future about Hiroshima city, Miyajima and Takehara (and more places). In the meantime, you can read my article about Mitaki-dera, a peaceful hillside temple easily accessible from Hiroshima which I highly recommend.
Experiences Ideas Nearby
Check out experiences on Klook or GetYourGuide like guided or hiking tours, or traditional experiences or local food tastings nearby.
To Conclude
Whether you’re a family with kids, a couple, or a solo traveler looking for a memorable day trip, Okunoshima is worth adding to your Japan itinerary. Okunoshima is much more than just a cute day out with bunnies, it’s a place where you can experience nature, history, and small‑island charm all in one visit. Whether you’re an animal lover, a history enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique Japan day trip, this little island will leave you with unforgettable memories.
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