If you are an animal lover—especially fond of fluffy, adorable rabbits—you should visit this island that is home to around 300 of them.
Okunoshima is a small island located in the sea between Hiroshima and Shikoku. Today, it is widely known by its Japanese name Usagi Jima (ウサギ島), meaning “Rabbit Island.” Upon arrival, you’ll find rabbits everywhere alongside standard resorts, a six-hole golf course, and camping and picnic areas.
During World War II, however, the island served a very different purpose. From 1929 to 1945, the Japanese military produced five types of poisonous gas on Okunoshima. The island was so secret that locals were ordered to remain silent about its role, and its very name was removed from official maps. Even today, visitors can still see traces of old fortifications and factory ruins scattered along walking paths.
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Now restored and redeveloped, Okunoshima has transformed into a popular tourist destination. With its natural beauty and upgraded resorts, the island has become a kind of “kingdom of rabbits,” home to around 300 free-roaming bunnies.
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Here, hunting is prohibited, and bringing cats or dogs onto the island is not allowed. The rabbits roam freely, and visitors are welcome to play with them or feed them with rabbit food sold for just over 100 yen.
Travelers can enjoy watching the rabbits, petting them, and taking photos, as the animals are tame and accustomed to human presence. During cherry blossom season, the island also doubles as a scenic flower-viewing spot, where you can stroll along sandy beaches, admire the blossoms, and interact with the island’s most beloved residents.
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How to Get There: To reach Okunoshima, take a ferry from the coastal towns of Tadanoumi or Omishima. Since the island is relatively small, you can explore all its corners in just over an hour.
