Guide
Okunoshima is a small island with a circumference of approximately 4 km, located about a 15-minute ferry ride from Tsumi Port in Takehara, Hiroshima. It is officially designated as a National Park and is widely known as "Rabbit Island" or "Rabbit Island" due to the large population of friendly rabbits living there. While it once carried the heavy title of the "island erased from maps" due to its history as a chemical weapons production site, it has been transformed into a beloved destination where nature and wildlife thrive, attracting visitors from all over the world.
The island possesses a profound historical background. Due to the presence of a former poison gas factory, it was once a place shrouded in secrecy, often referred to as an island removed from official maps. Today, the island serves as a place of learning and reflection. With well-maintained facilities and historical documents, visitors can explore the duality of the island: the vibrant, living nature of the present and the somber, historical shadows of the past.
Key highlights include the Poison Gas Museum, which provides deep insights into the island's history, and the Okunoshima Visitor Center, which offers information for travelers. For those looking to stay overnight, Kyukamura Okunoshima provides comfortable accommodations, hot spring baths (onsen), and delicious local cuisine. A major highlight for many is the chance to interact closely with the many rabbits that roam freely throughout the island's natural environment.
Okunoshima reveals a different face throughout the seasons. In the summer, visitors can enjoy the beach and outdoor pool facilities. The island is a perfect place to feel the gentle breeze of the Seto Inland Sea while watching the seasonal changes in the landscape. It is highly recommended to check ferry schedules and seasonal activity availability before your visit.
There are various ways to enjoy the outdoors on the island. By staying at Kyukamura Okunoshima, you can enjoy activities such as camping, tennis, and fishing. For a more active way to explore, you can participate in a cycling tour to see both the natural beauty and the historical sites of the island at your own pace.
The primary access point is Tsumi Port in Takehara, Hiroshima Prefecture. A ferry ride from the port takes approximately 15 minutes. The surrounding area offers many scenic spots overlooking the beautiful Seto Inland Sea, making it easy to include Okunoma in a broader Hiroshima sightseeing itinerary.
Movement on the island is primarily by foot, bicycle, or via shuttle services from accommodations. Private vehicles are not permitted on the island. To protect the environment and the health of the rabbits, please strictly follow rules regarding food and waste (do not leave food scraps behind).