Okunoshima: The Rabbit Island of Japan

Published October 15, 2026 at 11:35 AM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Picture a quiet island in a calm blue sea, where a soft crowd of rabbits hops up the path to greet every ferry that arrives. That is Okunoshima, often called Usagi Shima, or Rabbit Island, one of the most delightful day trips in western Japan. The island sits in the Seto Inland Sea, a region of gentle waters and green hills, and it has become a favorite for animal lovers, photographers and families. This guide explains where Okunoshima is, how to get there, how to enjoy the rabbits properly and what else the island has to offer.

Okunoshima is a small island in the Seto Inland Sea, considered part of the city of Takehara in Hiroshima Prefecture. It lies close to the coast, in an area dotted with other islands and fishing towns, and it is part of the Inland Sea National Park system. The island is only a few kilometers around, which makes it ideal for a relaxed visit with time for walking, picnicking and photos.

The rabbits are the main attraction, and estimates of their number run from several hundred up to around a thousand. Hunting is forbidden on the island, and dogs and cats are not allowed, so the rabbits can roam freely. They are used to people and are often very friendly, trotting toward visitors with curious noses. Their relaxed behavior and fluffy appearance have made the island a smash hit on social media, and it draws visitors from all over the world.

Getting There

The usual route begins at Tadanoumi, a small port town in Takehara. You can reach it by local train on the JR Kure Line, and from Mihara it takes roughly twenty minutes. Buses also run between Hiroshima and the port for those who prefer road travel. From Tadanoumi Port, a ferry carries passengers across to the island in about fifteen to twenty minutes, and the boats usually run at regular intervals during the day. The island can also be reached from Omishima by another ferry route.

It helps to check the latest ferry timetable and the time of the last boat back before you set out, so you do not get stuck. Fares are modest, and tickets are bought at the port. If you plan to visit in summer, bring sun protection, since shade can be limited, and in colder seasons wear a warm layer because sea breezes can be cool. A day trip from Hiroshima is easy to arrange, and the whole outing can fit comfortably into a single day.

Meeting the Rabbits Politely

The rabbits are wild-living animals, and the island works best when visitors treat them gently. Posted signs at the ferry terminals and around the island explain the rules, and following them protects both the animals and the environment. Do not chase or pick the rabbits up, because they can be easily startled and may scratch or nip. Keep your fingers away from their mouths, since an excited rabbit can bite accidentally when food is nearby. Please do not leave trash or food scraps behind, as garbage can attract pests and harm the animals.

Feeding is a popular activity, but it should be done thoughtfully. Rabbit food is typically sold near the mainland ferry terminal, and not on the island itself. Rabbit pellets are a safer choice than many human snacks or vegetables, which can upset a rabbit's stomach. Offer food calmly and let the animals come to you. It is also best not to feed rabbits on the roads, where vehicles pass. Spending time sitting quietly on a bench often brings the best encounters, because rabbits tend to approach calm visitors. Children especially enjoy this slow style of visit, as long as adults remind them to move gently and use soft voices around the animals. Washing your hands afterward is a sensible habit, and many travelers carry a small packet of wet wipes for this purpose.

Walking, Cycling and Relaxing

The main loop around the island is about four kilometers and takes roughly an hour on foot, though most visitors take far longer because they keep stopping for photos and rabbit encounters. Paths pass beaches, wooded stretches and sea views, and some areas have picnic benches. In the warmer months the northern beach attracts families who like to splash in the water. Bikes can be rented at the hotel, so cycling is another good option, and rabbits sometimes hop onto the road, so ride slowly.

The island also has an old-fashioned charm because it is quiet and has few shops. Aside from the hotel and its restaurants, there are few places to buy food, so bring lunch and drinks from the mainland. Look out for the viewpoints along the coast, where sea breezes and open views across the water create a peaceful mood. Weather can close certain interior trails, so follow signs if a path is marked as closed.

Staying the Night

For travelers who want a slower pace, Kyukamura Okunoshima, a resort hotel at the southern end of the island, offers both Japanese and Western-style rooms. It has a public hot-spring bath, restaurants and a relaxed atmosphere, and the name kyukamura can be translated as a village for rest. Staying overnight means you can enjoy the island after the day-trippers have gone, including a quiet sunset over the water and a starry sky on clear nights. Reservations are a good idea, especially in summer and on weekends. Evening walks near the hotel are pleasant, and the lights on the water give the island a calm, dreamy character once the ferries stop running.

If you do stay, take time to enjoy a meal of local seafood. The Seto Inland Sea region is known for its fresh seafood, and the hotel restaurant is a convenient place to sample it. A stay also makes it easier to pair the island with other sights in the area, such as the mainland town of Takehara and other communities along the Inland Sea coast.

Best Times and Photo Tips

Okunoshima can be enjoyed in any season, though each has its own mood. Spring and autumn bring mild weather that is comfortable for walking, summer is the time for the beach and bright blue water, and winter offers crisp air and fewer crowds. Weekends and holidays are busier, so a weekday morning is often the most peaceful choice. For photos, get down to the rabbits' eye level, shoot in soft morning or late afternoon light and let the animals come into the frame naturally rather than reaching toward them.

Quick Takeaways

Okunoshima is a gentle, joyful place where visitors can spend an afternoon among friendly rabbits, with sea views, easy walking and an optional hot-spring night. Check the ferry schedule, bring your own lunch, follow the posted rules and keep a calm, respectful distance from the animals. Go early for fewer crowds and softer light, and wear comfortable shoes. With a bit of planning, your visit will be as happy as it is photogenic, and the rabbits will welcome you in their own gentle way.