Rabbit Island (Okunoshima)

Hiroshima · Day Trip

300–480 min

🚶 5 5 min walk from Tadanoumi Station (JR Kure Line)

¥¥

Insider Tip

For a truly unique experience, consider staying at the island's only hotel, Kyukamura Ohkunoshima. This allows for early morning or late evening rabbit interactions when the island is quietest and rabbits are most active, providing unparalleled photo opportunities without day-tripper crowds. Additionally, visit the Poison Gas Museum first to gain historical context before enjoying the rabbits, enriching your understanding of the island's dual nature.

JEMS Tip

JEMS optimizes travel to Okunoshima by coordinating ferry times with train arrivals at Tadanoumi Port, typically securing tickets for the least crowded crossings. We can arrange a private transfer from Mihara Station directly to the Tadanoumi ferry terminal, bypassing local train transfers. Furthermore, we provide pre-packaged, approved rabbit food to ensure responsible feeding and advise on lesser-known trails for unique rabbit encounters away from main paths.

About

Okunoshima, widely known as Rabbit Island, is a small island in the Seto Inland Sea, famous for its abundant population of wild rabbits that roam freely. Beyond its charming furry residents, the island holds a poignant history as a secret site for poison gas manufacturing during World War II, commemorated by a museum. Visitors can feed and interact with the rabbits, explore scenic trails, and learn about its hidden past.

Crowd Avoidance

To avoid peak crowds, visit on a weekday, ideally Tuesday through Thursday. Arrive at Tadanoumi Port for the earliest ferry (around 8:00 AM) or target a late afternoon ferry (after 3:00 PM) for fewer visitors. Avoid all Japanese public holidays and the Golden Week period (late April to early May) entirely, as ferry queues can be hours long and the island becomes extremely congested.

Getting There

From Hiroshima Station, take the JR Kure Line to Tadanoumi Station, often requiring a transfer at Mihara Station. The train journey typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours. From Tadanoumi Station, it's a short 5-minute walk to Tadanoumi Port for the 15-minute ferry ride to Okunoshima.