Okunoshima is a small island located in Takehara City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Okunoshima is a tourist destination where many rabbits live and you can come into direct contact with them. The island became very famous in the 2000s and is an animal tourist attraction visited by many tourists. It has become known internationally as “Rabbit Island”, and Okunoshima is visited by a large number of foreign tourists. Currently, about 500 cute rabbits live on this island.
Location
Okunoshima is a small island in the Seto Inland Sea.
| Address | Tadanoumicho, Takehara, Hiroshima 729-2311 |
| Population | 22 |
| Number of rabbits | 500 |
History
This island is not the place to appear on the front stage of history. However, it is said that the descendants of the Murakami Suigun lived in the Middle Ages. In modern times, batteries were built on the island and army poisonous gas factories were built. It is said that this area was treated as a blank area in the map for the general public at that time because it was kept secret from confidentiality. Poisonous gas was developed by the Japanese Army from 1929 to 1945, and civilians at that time were deported. There are four types of poisonous gas: blood agents, tear gas agents, blister agents, and vomiting agents. At the end of the war, balloon parts of balloon bombs were also made. After the war, it became a tourist destination, and in 1971, eight rabbits kept in elementary schools bred, and in 2007, it increased to 300. This island has become known as the Rabbit Island and has become very famous for being posted on social media by the media and foreign tourists.
Climate
Takehara City generally has a warm climate. Summers are very hot and humid, and winters are very cold. Temperatures range from 2 ° C to 31 ° C throughout the year. In summer, there are days when the temperature exceeds 35 ° C.
Language
Japanese is used in Japan.
Security
Okunoshima is safe because there are very few people and no incidents occur.
Race
Most of them are Japanese in Hiroshima.
industry
The entire island is owned by the Ministry of the Environment and has a population of only about 20 people. There are no private houses and vehicles are not allowed. The internet environment is in place, and Wi-Fi is available in the hotel. Water comes from the mainland.
religion
Most atheists in Japan.
currency
Japanese yen is used in Japan.
airport
The nearest is Hiroshima Airport.
| Name | Hiroshima Airport |
| Address | 64-31 Hongocho Zennyuji, Mihara, Hiroshima 729-0416 |
| URL | Home Page |
access
If you are going from Hiroshima Airport, take the Geiyo Bus to Shiraichi Station. After that, take the train bound for Itozaki on the JR Sanyo Main Line and move to Mihara. Then take the JR Kure Line / Hiroyuki to Tadanoumi. From Tadanoumi Station, walk to Tadanoumi Port and take the Omishima Ferry to the island. You can check the timetable, map, and stop stations from the URL link.
| Route | Place | Vehicle | Departure Point | Time | URL |
| 1 | Hiroshima Airport → JR Shiraichi Station | Bus | 64-31 Hongocho Zennyuji, Mihara, Hiroshima 729-0416 | 30min | Map |
| 2 | JR Shiraichi Station(JR Sanyo Main Line bound for Itozaki) → JR Mihara Station | Train | Takayacho Kodani, Higashihiroshima, Hiroshima 739-2121 | 30min | Map |
| 3 | JR Mihara Station(JR Kure Line bound for Hiroyuki) → JR Tadano-Umi Station | Train | 1-1-1, Shiromachi, Mihara City, Hiroshima Prefecture 723-0014 | 30min | Map |
| 4 | JR Tadano-Umi Station → Tadano-Umi Port | Waik | 1-chōme-1 Tadanoumi Nakamachi, Takehara, Hiroshima 729-2316 | 10min | – |
| 5 | Tadano-Umi Port → Okunoshima | Ferry | 1 Chome-2-1 Tadanoumi Nakamachi Takehara, Hiroshima 729-2316 | Map |
Rabbit food
Okunoshima has no food for rabbits. You have to buy food in advance and bring it in, so buy it at a shopping center such as Tadanoumi or Mihara. Aeon Mall is within a 10-minute walk from Mihara Station. A large amount of pet food is sold at the pet supplies section on the 2nd floor here, and you can buy it at a low price.
| Address | 2 Chome-13-1 Shiromachi, Mihara, Hiroshima 723-0014 |
| URL | Home Page |
| Open Time | 8:00AM–10:00PM |
Rabbit reduction
In fact, the number of rabbits living on Okunoshima increased to 300 in 2007, 700 in 2013, and 900 in 2018, but has decreased since then, reaching about 500 in 2021. It has decreased. It is known that the coronavirus has stopped tourists from coming to this island at all, and the population has decreased due to lack of food.
Rabbit type
Rabbits on Okunoshima are rabbits called European rabbits. Mammalia Rabbits A rabbit that belongs to the genus Oryctolagus in the family Leporidae. Originally a rabbit that lived in Europe and Africa, it is also introduced in Japan. Body length 35-50 cm. Tail length 4.5-7.5 cm. Weight 1.5-3kg. They live by digging burrows in the ground, and when they feel danger, they escape into the burrows. The diet is a plant diet, eating grass, bark, roots, etc.
Prohibited matter
- Driving on cars and motorcycles other than permitted cars is prohibited on Okunoshima. If you want to take a car or motorcycle on a ferry and land on Okunoshima, you need a parking permit for Kyukamura in advance.
- Landing with pets is prohibited. Never bring in carnivores, especially carnivores, as they can attack rabbits.
- In recent years, tourists have been bullying rabbits. Do not hit or kick the rabbit with a tree branch.
- Rabbits should be fed with pet food for rabbits or plants. If you give bread, snacks, etc., the rabbit will get sick.
Sightseeing Spot 1: Poison Gas Museum
During the war, Okunoshima was under the control of the Army for the purpose of producing poisonous gas. The materials from that time are exhibited in the museum.
| Address | 5491 Tadanoumicho, Takehara, Hiroshima 729-2311 |
| URL | Home Page |
| Open Time | 9:00AM–4:00PM |
Sightseeing Spot 2: Kyukamura
In addition to lodging, you can enjoy hot springs and local gourmet food. It will be the only accommodation on this island.
| Address | 5476-4 Tadanoumicho, Takehara, Hiroshima 729-2311 |
| URL | Home Page |
| Open Time | Check-in time: 15:00 Check-out time: 10:00 |
Sightseeing spot 3: Observatory
An observatory on a wooden deck at the highest peak of Okunoshima. You can see the Seto Inland Sea 360 degrees.
| Address | 〒729-2311 Hiroshima, Takehara, Tadanoumicho, Okunoshima |
| URL | – |
| Open Time | – |
Sightseeing spot 4: Campground
There are 10 campsites on the fenced lawn, and you can spend a relaxing time watching the stars at night.
| Address | Tadanoumicho, Takehara, Hiroshima 729-2311 |
| URL | Home Page |
| Open Time | – |
Sightseeing spot 5: Beach
A private beach that is a 5-minute walk from the lodgings on Kyukamura Okunoshima. Toilets, showers, changing rooms and shops are open.
| Address | Tadanoumicho, Hiroshima 729-2311 |
| URL | – |
| Open Time | 9:00AM–3:00PM |
Hotel
On Okunoshima, there are only accommodations in the vacation villages introduced above. Therefore, please make a reservation in advance before visiting.
コメント