So you’re in Tokyo, stuffing your face with ramen, hunting down gachapon machines, and trying not to get lost in Shinjuku Station (good luck). But maybe you’re craving something a little more offbeat. Enter: Okunoshima Island, better known as Rabbit Island—an actual island overrun by hundreds of fluffy, semi-wild bunnies.
It sounds like a Disney movie. It’s not. (Well, sometimes it is. Other times it’s more like a creepy Netflix doc. We’ll get to that.)
Wait… This Bunny Island Has a Secret Past?
Now, before we hop straight into train schedules and ferry times, there’s something you should know.
Ōkunoshima hasn’t always been a cuddly paradise. Long before it became famous for floppy ears and fuzzy noses, the island played a very different role in Japan’s history — and knowing that adds an unexpectedly meaningful layer to your visit.
From Secrets to Snuggles
Back in the 1930s and through World War II, this tiny island was home to something far less adorable than bunnies: a top-secret poison gas factory. Yep — as in, actual chemical weapons.
So secret, in fact, that Ōkunoshima was literally erased from maps. Locals in nearby towns had no idea what was happening offshore. The island’s remote-yet-accessible location made it the perfect hiding place for something the world wasn’t supposed to see.
Today, many of those wartime buildings still stand — in eerie silence. Crumbling storage sheds, power stations, and overgrown watchtowers are scattered across the island. Some you’ll pass while riding your rental bike. Others you’ll find unexpectedly, hidden behind trees, half-swallowed by nature.
There’s even a tiny Poison Gas Museum if you’re curious enough to peek inside (it’s sobering but short — and doesn’t take up much time).
It’s a surprising bit of history most visitors don’t expect — and one that makes the peaceful presence of the rabbits today feel even more special. The contrast between past and present is, honestly, part of what makes the island unforgettable.
And the rabbits? No one’s 100% sure where they came from. Some say they were released after the war, others claim school kids let a few loose in the 1970s and—boom—rabbit explosion. Either way, they now rule the island. It’s their world; we’re just visiting.
But how do you get to this island of surprises, snuggles, and secret stories?
Let’s map it out.
🧭 💨 Did You Know?
🗺️ Ōkunoshima was once so top-secret, it was literally removed from Japanese maps.
The island operated as a chemical weapons facility during WWII — and hardly anyone knew. Even locals nearby were kept in the dark.
👉 Today, those wartime ruins still dot the island, quietly hidden behind trees and trails now ruled by rabbits.
Getting There from Tokyo (Yes, It’s Totally Doable — Even for a Day Trip)
I know what you’re thinking: A bunny island sounds adorable… but is it even realistic to visit from Tokyo?
Surprisingly, yes — whether you’re doing it as a whirlwind day trip or a more relaxed overnight stay, Ōkunoshima is absolutely within reach from Tokyo. You just need a bit of planning and a love of long train rides with beautiful views.
We opted for the overnight version (more on why below), but both options are doable depending on your schedule.
🕖 Step 1: Morning Shinkansen from Tokyo Station
Start your journey early with the Hikari 503 shinkansen, which departs Tokyo Station around 7:03 AM and gets you to Fukuyama Station just before noon — the perfect start to your Rabbit Island adventure.
⏱️ Travel time: ~4.5 hours
💴 Covered by JR Pass? Yes (Hikari trains are fully included)
🎁 Don’t forget your ekiben!
Before boarding, make time to browse the ekiben stalls in Tokyo Station’s Gransta area (inside the gates). These beautifully packed regional bento boxes are more than just a meal — they’re a whole experience.
Think salmon rice triangles, tamagoyaki, grilled beef over seasoned rice, and even quirky themed boxes (like bullet-train-shaped packaging for kids and train nerds alike).
It’s the most delicious way to kick off your day — and yes, you’ll feel very accomplished eating it as the countryside flies past your window at 200+ km/h.
🍎 Step 2: Stop for Bunny Snacks — And Do It Early
One of the most important things you can do before boarding the ferry is stock up on bunny food — because contrary to what some blogs say, you absolutely cannot buy rabbit food once you’re on the island.
We had originally planned to stop at the Family Mart outside Tadanōmi Station, which is what most people online recommend. But luckily, we found something better (and were very glad we did): a fresh produce stall inside Sun Station Terrace at Fukuyama Station.
They had all the fresh veggie options — all for less than convenience store prices. And as it turned out, by the time we got to Tadanōmi, the Family Mart was sold out!
While you’re at Tadanōmi Port, we also recommend grabbing a couple ¥100 bags of rabbit pellets from the ferry terminal shop. Despite what some websites claim, the bunnies on the island loved these and these are actually healthier for them to eat anyway.
So between veggies and pellets, you’ll be well-stocked — just don’t plan to resupply once you’re on the island, because there are no shops or vending machines for bunny food there. Once you’re out, you’re out.
🛤 Step 3: Transfer to Mihara → Tadanōmi
From Fukuyama, take the JR Sanyō Line to Mihara Station (~18 minutes), then switch to the JR Kure Line for Tadanōmi Station (~12 minutes). Both are covered by your JR Pass and are relatively easy to navigate. Sit on the LEFT side of the train for the best views!
⛴ Step 4: Ferry to Ōkunoshima
From Tadanōmi Port, hop aboard the ferry for a scenic 15-minute ride to the island. Boats run roughly once per hour — try to check the schedule in advance if you’re timing your day precisely.
💴 Cost: ¥360 one-way
🎫 JR Pass? No — the ferry is not covered
🐰 First bunny sighting: If you’re lucky, a few rabbits may be waiting for you at the dock the moment you arrive!
When you disembark, you can either:
- 🚶♀️ Walk to the left along the coast — it’s just a few minutes on foot to reach Kyukamura Ōkunoshima, the island’s only hotel
- 🚌 Hop on the free shuttle bus waiting at the pier if you’re carrying luggage or want to save time
And this area just outside the hotel? It’s bunny central.
🪑 TIP: Sit on the shaded benches under the trees in the park across from the hotel — if you’re still, bunnies will literally jump onto your lap. Have some pellets or veggies ready and get your camera out!
This is the perfect moment to slow down, soak it all in, and realize: yes, you really did just travel across Japan to hand-feed rabbits on an island.
🏨 Step 5: Stay Overnight or Just Visit for the Day?
We chose to stay overnight at Kyukamura Ōkunoshima, the island’s only hotel — and we’re so glad we did.
Why? Because we wanted to see the bunnies at sunrise and sunset, when they’re most active, and also visit the deer in Nara the next day. It made the entire trip feel smoother, more intentional, and way more relaxing.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the two options:
Option A: Day Trip
- 🚆 Long but doable from Tokyo
- ⏳ Feels rushed — limited bunny interaction time
- 🐰 Misses sunrise/sunset bunny activity
- 💰 Cheaper (no hotel)
Option B: Overnight Stay (what we did!)
- ⏰ More time to explore + relax
- 🐇 Best bunny moments (dawn & dusk)
- 🚲 Option to rent e-bikes and explore the island
- 🛏️ Room includes breakfast + dinner (gluten-free available)
🏨 Kyukamura Ōkunoshima: Basic but clean, kind staff, decent buffet, and a seriously dreamy location. We recommend booking early — it sells out fast.
Whether you visit for the day or make it part of a bigger loop (like we did with a side trip to Nara’s bowing deer), getting to Rabbit Island from Tokyo is more than possible — it’s an unforgettable part of any Japan itinerary.
Yes, it’s a bit of a trek, but hey—Japan’s trains run like clockwork, and bunny hugs await.
🎒 What to Bring (and What Not to Do on Rabbit Island)
Ōkunoshima may look like a storybook, but don’t be fooled — it’s a real island with minimal infrastructure, jungle trails, and zero shops once you’re in the thick of it. Packing smart is essential if you want to enjoy the bunnies and survive the surprise cardio.
✅ What to Bring
- 🥕 Bunny Food (remember, we talked about this earlier)
- Fresh veggies
- We recommend the ¥100 bunny pellets from the Tadanōmi Port Terminal Shop (the bunnies do love them!)
- ⚠️ You cannot buy bunny food on the island, and vending machines don’t sell it either — come prepared or expect heartbreak.
- 💧 Water (Always)
- Bring more than you think you need.
- Trust us — what starts as a “quick bunny stroll” can suddenly turn into a 3-hour jungle trek over the highest point on the island.
- Ask us how we know… 😅
- 🧢 Sun Protection
- Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- There’s very little shade outside the hotel area
- 👟 Good Shoes
- The island trails can get rough. Sneakers or hiking sandals are way better than flip-flops.
- Especially if your “shortcut” ends up being a stair-filled pilgrimage to a lookout point that nearly breaks your will to live.
- 🧻 Wet Wipes / Hand Sanitizer
- No soap in most bathrooms, and bunny snack residue is real.
- 🛍️ Plastic Bag for Trash
- There are no public trash bins on the island — so be kind and pack it out.
- A little grocery bag will do the trick.
- 📸 Camera / Phone (Fully Charged!)
- You will cry if your phone dies as a bunny hops into your lap under golden light.
- 💴 Cash (¥)
- Small ferry terminals and island shops don’t take cards.
🐰 Bonus Soul-Saving Tip
Somewhere between gasping for breath, drenched in mid-July sweat, and wondering if we’d made a terrible mistake, a single fluffy bunny emerged from the bushes, sprinted toward us, and basically said:
“You’ve got this. I believe in you. Also… where’s my carrot?”
We lived. We fed him. It was magical.
🚫 What Not to Do
- ❌ Don’t feed them random human food
- Bread, crackers, cookies = no good. Stick to safe veggies and rabbit pellets.
- ❌ Don’t pick them up
- They’re wild, and it stresses them out. Let them come to you.
- ❌ Don’t chase or crowd them for pics
- The best photos come when you’re still and snack-equipped.
- ❌ Don’t litter
- Remember that plastic bag you brought? You’ll need it.
- ❌ Don’t show up unprepared
- There are no stores on the island. What you bring is what you have.
🐇 What to Do on Rabbit Island (It’s More Than Just Fluffy Faces)
Yes, the bunnies are the main event. But if you’ve made it all the way to Ōkunoshima, there’s so much more to explore — from WWII-era ruins swallowed by jungle, to wide ocean views, to that oddly perfect “I just survived a cartoon forest” sense of accomplishment. Here’s how to plan your time wisely.
🌅 1. Prioritize Sunrise and Sunset Bunny Encounters
The rabbits are most active at dawn and dusk, so plan your feeding and photography sessions for those windows. Mornings are peaceful, quiet, and ideal for gentle encounters. Evenings are golden-lit and social, with lots of action around the hotel and park/grassy area.
🪑 Pro Tip: Sit still on a bench under the trees in front of Kyukamura Hotel with treats in hand — they will jump onto your lap.
🚲 2. Rent an E-Bike (But Don’t Skip the Trails!)
Kyukamura offers electric bicycles for rent, which are perfect for cruising the paved loop road around the island — especially on hot or humid days.
✅ Great for E-Bikes:
- Smooth coastal roads and scenic stretches
- Easy rides between the hotel, ferry, and beachfront ruins
- Efficient loop around the island for casual sightseeing
- 🧪 Poison Gas Factory ruins
But here’s the catch: 🥾 Ōkunoshima’s best-kept secrets can only be explored on foot.
🚶♀️ Only Reachable on Foot:
- 🌿 Wooded jungle trails cutting across the island
- ⛰️ Scenic lookout point at the summit (bring your cardio game!)
- Crumbling WWII bunkers, forgotten staircases, and quiet inland paths
🥵 Real Talk: Our “shortcut” turned into a surprise two-hour jungle trek straight up and over the mountain. We were sweaty, dehydrated, and deeply questioning our life choices — until a tiny bunny popped out of the bushes like a woodland motivational coach. Best. Moment. Ever.
💣 3. Visit the Abandoned Poison Gas Factory
Once a top-secret chemical weapons site, this ruined factory is now eerily beautiful. Overgrown and half-swallowed by vines, it’s a haunting place that reflects a heavy past — and a stark contrast to the fluff and charm surrounding it.
📍 Located along the inner trail
📸 Incredible for atmospheric photos and urban exploration fans
⚠️ Important: Do not enter the buildings. While many visitors are tempted to explore inside, these structures are unstable and not maintained for public access. Signs in Japanese and English clearly advise against going in — for your safety and out of respect for the history.
🧠 Tip: You can still get great photos and a powerful sense of the site from the outside. Stick to the marked paths and avoid crossing any fencing or barriers.
🏛️ 4. Drop by the Poison Gas Museum
This small but powerful museum covers the island’s history as a chemical weapons production site during WWII. It’s sobering, respectful, and incredibly informative.
💴 Entry: ¥150
⏱️ Time: Allow 20–30 minutes
🧠 Best for older kids and adults
🏖️ 5. Picnic and Relax By the Water
If you’re not off chasing ruins, there are a few beachy coves and shady picnic spots with ocean views — and yes, rabbits hang out here too.
🏨 Where to Stay: Inside the Bunny Zone
If you’re going all the way to Rabbit Island, don’t rush it. Spending the night on Ōkunoshima lets you experience the island at its quietest, fluffiest, and most magical — with sunrise bunny encounters, starlit skies, and a peaceful hush once the day-trippers leave.
🛏️ Kyukamura Ōkunoshima: The Island’s Only Hotel
There’s just one place to stay on the island itself, and it’s the Kyukamura Ōkunoshima hotel — a well-run, national park resort that blends traditional Japanese hospitality with rustic nature lodge vibes.
Here’s what to expect (and why we loved it):
- 🐇 You’re waking up with rabbits. They’re all over the hotel grounds, especially in the grassy park out front.
- 🌅 Sunrise and sunset are pure magic. These are peak bunny hours — and you’ll have them all to yourself.
- 🍱 Buffet dinner and breakfast are included — and genuinely impressive.
- Allergen labeling is clear and thorough.
- Gluten-free items are marked, which made our stay much easier.
- 🚲 Bike rentals are available for cruising the paved loop road around the island.
- 🛁 Onsen-style bathing: Most rooms do not have showers, so you’ll use the hotel’s public bath facilities. (Toilets are in-room.)
🧖♀️ If this is your first time doing Japanese onsen-style bathing, it’s a fun cultural experience — just be ready to bathe nude and rinse off thoroughly before entering the shared hot spring. Don’t worry — it’s separated by gender and very clean.
💰 What It Cost Us
We paid $214 USD for two people for a one-night stay in July (a Tuesday) in a Japanese-Western mixed room with two twin beds, a tatami mat sitting area, and a private toilet (but no shower). The price included both dinner and breakfast, which was an excellent value for the comfort, food, and experience.
📦 What to Bring for an Overnight Stay
- 🥕 Plenty of bunny food (we recommend buying this in Fukuyama, not just relying on the FamilyMart)
- 🧃 Your favorite drinks or snacks — there’s a vending machine and small café, but options are limited
- 🗑️ A plastic bag for trash (you must carry everything out)
- 🧤 A small towel or lap mat if you want rabbits to sit on you (they are wild and not the cleanest little critters)
🌟 What Makes This Stay So Special?
A night at Kyukamura Ōkunoshima isn’t just about convenience — it’s a chance to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty and quiet magic of the island. Beyond the bunnies, there are thoughtful touches and rare sights that make this stay truly unforgettable:
- 🌊 Ocean views from most rooms: Wake up to the shimmering Seto Inland Sea right outside your window.
- 🛁 Natural hot spring baths: The hotel’s onsen uses mineral-rich waters perfect for unwinding after a long day of exploring.
- 🍣 Locally sourced buffet meals: Dinner and breakfast feature regional ingredients, including fresh seafood caught in the surrounding waters — surprisingly impressive for an included hotel meal.
- 🌌 Evening nature walk with glowing surprises: Join the hotel’s guided after-dinner walk and you might catch a glimpse of bioluminescent organisms in the shallows. The Seto Inland Sea is home to sea fireflies (Vargula hilgendorfii) — tiny creatures that emit an eerie blue glow when disturbed, like flickering stars in the water.
🌙 Staying overnight transforms your visit from a fun day trip into a peaceful, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The Verdict
If you love quirky adventures, fuzzy animals, and a side of history, Okunoshima is worth the trek. Go for the bunnies, stay for the sunset, and leave with a deeper appreciation that even the fluffiest places can hold dark secrets. It’s a trip that’ll leave you with stories to tell, photos to share, and maybe a newfound respect for the resilience of both rabbits and history.