photo by tailsofwonders.com
Do you want to be in the middle of a mob of super cute fluffy bunnies? If yes, visit Okunoshima, a little island in the Seto Islands Sea. It had been secretly known among rabbit lovers in Japan, but it has become internationally famous as the “Rabbit（Bunny） Island” after a movie was posted on Youtube. Now, the number of international tourists visiting this island keeps increasing. So, let’s explore Okunoshima, the sanctuary of cute fluffy rabbits.
About Okunoshima
Okunoshima is a little island of 4.3km in circumference in the Seto Islands Sea. This small island is a part of the Geiyo Islands 3km off the shore of Tadanoumi-cho Takehara city of Hiroshima. Surrounded by beautiful nature, approximately 700 rabbits habitats here. It started from 8 rabbits reared in a primary school outside the island which were eventually released on this island. Soon these rabbits settled in the wild and the population rapidly increased. There is a public accommodation and museum but the island is basically uninhabited. It is a great environment for bunnies as there are no motor vehicles running on this island except for a free bus from the accommodation to ferry port and some construction vehicles. Since movies about this island on the internet sites were introduced on many other medias in overseas, Okunoshima has become one of the hottest sightseeing destinations. By the way, Okunoshima is recognized as just a peaceful little island with lots of bunnies, but it also has a rather dark past. There used be the gas manufacturing plant operated by the Imperial Japanese Army to develop internationally banned poison gas, then erased from the map to conceal the secret. Detailed information of the time is exhibited in the Okunoshima Island Poison Gas Museum. Also, there is a former gun battery and an observatory on top of the hill located in the middle of the island.
Rabbits in Okunoshima
The rabbits inhabiting in Okunoshima are generally called the European rabbits. The European rabbit has a habit of digging networks of burrows. You need to watch your step not to fall over as the ground on the island is full of rabbit halls. Just with a little walk after a ferry ride from Tadanoumi Port to Okunoshima, you will see many rabbits resting here and there. Rabbits can be seen anywhere on the island, though, the best spot is the lawn reserve in front of the only accommodation in this island “Kyukamura Okunoshima” which is 15-minutes walking from the ferry port. Rabbits around this area are friendly and often come to people to ask for some food when they are hungry. On the other hand, rabbits living on hillside are very timid and hardly feed from a human hand. Basically, rabbits are nocturnal nature so they are motionless and resting in shade or their burrows especially during the daytime of a hot day. If you want to see them being more active, stay overnight and go out during the nighttime or dawn.
Must-have item to attract bunnies
The first thing you should never forget is rabbit food. Once you get on a ferry to Okunoshima, there is no place to get rabbit food. So, make sure to purchase pellets at Tadanoumi Port or get some vegetables from a convenience store around the port. If you can allow some time beforehand, cut some carrots or cabbages in large pieces so that you can easily feed rabbits without being accidentally bitten on your finger. Also, cut vegetables are available from some supermarkets. If you carefully observe tourists visiting Okunoshima, you probably notice bags of vegetables in their hands. Rabbits in Okunoshima know that humans bring food for them, that is the reason why they straight come to people once they hear rustling noise of plastic bags. So, if you want to be surrounded by furry bunnies, a bag of vegetables is must-have item when visiting Okunoshima. But not all vegetables are good for rabbits. Onions, shallots, chives and capsicums don’t agree with rabbit’s diet. Also, never give human food to rabbits such as sweetened food and bread.
Activities in Okunoshima other than rabbit watching
Time flies when you are enjoying rabbit watching, taking photos and feeding them, but there are many more activities you can enjoy in Okunoshima. You may also want to try some of other activities such as:
Camping
There is a lawned camping area facing the ocean. You ma0y get a visit from rabbits while staying overnight in Okunoshima. Make sure to bring all you need for your stay including food and drinks as there is no shops in this island.
Hot spring baths
Okunoshima has natural radon hot springs which is effective to sooth symptoms like a cold constitution or fatigue. Visitors can use two hot spring baths at Kyukamura Okunoshima. The baths are also open for tourists who are not staying at Kyukamura.
Local gourmets
The restaurant in Kyukamura offers many delicious dishes and buffet menus fully using fresh seafood, brand named wagyu beef and local vegetables. Among all, local specialty octopus is the most popular among tourists.
Hiking
Enjoy a 360 degree panoramic view of the Seto Islands Sea from an observatory on the top of the hill located in the middle of the island. The route leading to the top of the hill is rather easy one as the footpaths are well paved, but make sure to wear good hiking shoes just in case.
Bike riding
Okunoshima is a small island so you don’t really need a vehicle to visit around places here. But if you want to make a circuit of the island, hiring a pushbike is the best way. There are electronic bicycles and bikes with a child seat are available to hire. Don’t over speed for rabbits’ safety, please.
Beach and swimming pool
The Okunoshima Beach is open during July and August every year. The sea water is amazingly transparent. There are public showers and toilets. Also, there also is a small swimming pool perfecto for families. Don’t forget to bring swimming suits when visiting Okunoshima during summer.
Important manners
Of course it is understandable that you get tempted to get closer and tame rabbits, but try to refrain from cuddling them and just gently touch ones that are not afraid of people. Never chase after a rabbit. They don’t have much tolerance for stress, therefore they might easily weakened or accidently get injured if you force them unwanted contacts. To protect rabbits’ safety, it is important watch rabbits in open areas instead of busy places such as streets or building entrances when you make a contact with rabbits. Also as a basic manner, take rubbish with you and don’t litter on the island. Rabbits would put anything in the mouth, so they may accidentally eat a toxic object and die. Never dispose cigarette butts.
Basic information
Name
Okunoshima
Address
Okunoshima Tadanoumi-cho, Takehara-shi Hiroshima-ken
Access
Take Shinkansen (bullet train) from Hiroshima Station to Mihara Station
→Change train to JR Kure Line to Tadanoumi Staion
→Walk 5-minutes Tadanoumi Station to Tadanoumi Port
→Take Omishima Ferry for 12 minutes from Tadanoumi Port to Okunoshima Pier
Links
Takehara Tourist Information (Japanese)
Kyukamura Okunoshima
Hippety hop and hippety hay, five little bunnies went out to play
While there are a few “cat islands” in Japan, Okunoshima is the only one “rabbit island” in Japan and probably in the world as well. In these days, more English signs are prepared in the island in order to welcome increasing international tourists. If you are feeling tired with hectic days, why don’t you come and see cute rabbits in Okunoshima and enjoy relaxing time.
