I was here on a date back in 2021. As a date spot, it is fantastic as you can feed hundreds of rabbits.

Access: Tadanoumi Port is the gateway to Okunoshima, and you’ll need to get there first.

• From Hiroshima:

  • Take the JR Sanyo Line or the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to Mihara Station, then transfer to the JR Kure Line and alight at Tadanoumi Station.

  • The journey from Hiroshima takes approximately 90 minutes.

• From Osaka or Kyoto:

  • Take the Shinkansen to Mihara Station, then transfer to the JR Kure Line to Tadanoumi Station. The total travel time is around 2.5–3 hours.

Once at Tadanoumi Station, the port is just a 5-minute walk away. From Tadanoumi Port, ferries run regularly to Okunoshima.

• Ferry Details:

  • Travel Time: Approximately 15 minutes.

  • Frequency: Every 30–60 minutes (schedules may vary by season).

  • Ticket Price: Around ¥320 (one-way).

Facilities on Okunoshima

• Bicycles: Rent bicycles at the island for easy exploration.

• Accommodations: Stay overnight at the Kyukamura Okunoshima Hotel, the island’s only lodging.

Attractions on Okunoshima

• Rabbit Encounters: Enjoy feeding and interacting with the island’s adorable rabbits. Rabbit food can be purchased at the port or nearby stores before arriving.

• Historical Sites: Visit the remains of WWII-era facilities, including a former poison gas factory and a small museum detailing the island’s history.

• Nature Walks: Explore scenic walking trails that circle the island, offering beautiful sea views.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring and Autumn: Enjoy mild weather and scenic views. Spring offers cherry blossoms, and autumn features colorful foliage.

• Early Mornings: Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially during weekends and holidays.

About:

Ōkunoshima, also known as Rabbit Island, is a charming yet haunting destination off the coast of Hiroshima. Visitors flock to the island to see its adorable rabbit population, which has a mysterious origin story involving school children and possibly post-World War II test subjects. While the bunnies steal the show, Ōkunoshima also has a dark past as a former chemical weapons factory during World War II. Despite its tragic history, the island now serves as a reminder of resilience and offers a unique blend of cuteness and historical intrigue for travelers to explore.