Okunoshima (Takehara City, Hiroshima Prefecture)

Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)

Okunoshima is a small island in Takehara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, and a tourist destination rich in nature floating in the Seto Inland Sea. Before the war, it was the site of a secret facility related to the production of chemical weapons (poison gas), and after World War II, you can learn about its past at the Poison Gas Museum, which displays the remains and records of that time. Meanwhile, the island has become famous as "Rabbit Island" due to the increased rabbit population that has taken over the island since the war. With tranquil seascapes, walking trails, a campground, and a hotel, it is an attractive place both in terms of history and nature.

Highlights

• Rabbits: There are many rabbits roaming free on the island. Many of them are used to people, so you can enjoy petting them and taking photos (please follow the rules about feeding them).
• Poison Gas Museum (Okunoshima Poison Gas Museum): A facility that conveys the history of poison gas production on the island, the damage it caused, and the situation after the war. It is an important place to learn about historical facts.
• Remains of factories, storehouses, etc.: Buildings, foundations and concrete structures from that time remain on the island, making it a great spot for historical walks.
• Viewpoints and lighthousesThe view of the Seto Inland Sea is beautiful, and you can enjoy the different expressions of the sea depending on the season and time of day.
• Beaches and walking trails: With gentle beaches and short trails, it's perfect for light hiking and picnics.
• Accommodation and CampingThere are accommodations and campsites on the island, so you can not only take a day trip but also stay overnight and enjoy the tranquility of the mornings and evenings.

Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)

• Train + Ferry (common route)
  • Take the JR Kure Line or Sanyo Main Line and get off at Tadanoumi Station.
  • From the station, walk to Tadanoumi Port (approximately an 8-15 minute walk, directions are available on signs).
  • Take a ferry from Tadanoumi Port to Okunoshima. The journey takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes. There are passenger ferries and small boats, and regular ferries operate during the day (number of ferries and times vary depending on the season and day of the week, so it is recommended to check in advance).
• car
  • The most common way to get to the island is to park your car in the parking lot near Tadanoumi Port and take the ferry. As the number of vehicles that can be transported onto the island is limited, we recommend parking on the land side.
• Business hours and operation
  • The first and last ferry departure times and number of trips vary depending on the season and day of the week, so please check the timetable on the official website or at the port before setting off.

Estimated stay (estimated time required)

• Day trip: Half a day to a full day, including round trip travel time (approximately 2-4 hours including walking around the island and visiting the museum).
• A relaxed stay: If you are staying overnight at a lodging or camping facility, one to two days is ideal, including morning and evening walks and stargazing.

Nearby spots

• Takehara City (Townscape Preservation District): Enjoy strolling through historic streets such as Takehara's old town and Sake Brewery Street.
• Kure City (Yamato Museum, etc.): There are many maritime and shipbuilding related museums and historical facilities (accessible by car or public transport).
• Onomichi and Mihara area: It's easy to incorporate sightseeing into your sightseeing plans, including touring Onomichi's hilly towns and temples and shrines, and accessing the Shimanami Kaido area.

Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)

• Etiquette for feeding rabbits: There are limitations to what can be fed to rabbits. Avoid bread, processed foods, and dairy products. Feed them only with special feed and vegetables sold on the island. Chasing or forcibly holding rabbits can cause injury.
• Health and Safety: After touching the rabbits, wash your hands or disinfect them. The island has unpaved roads, steps, and ruins, so please wear comfortable walking shoes.
• congestionFerries can get crowded on weekends and holidays (such as Golden Week and Obon), and rabbits can gather together waiting to enter the island or fighting over food. Taking a ferry on a weekday or early morning will help you avoid the crowds.
• Consideration for historical sitesPoison gas-related ruins and museums are places of remembrance and learning. Please respect the detailed explanations and exhibits, and do not make noise.
• Seasonal precautions: In summer, it can be hot and sunny, and in winter, it can be cold and windy. Please bring drinks, a hat, and appropriate clothing for the season. The ground can be slippery in rainy weather.
• Garbage and nature conservation: There are limited trash cans on the island. Please be considerate of the natural environment and animals by taking your trash home with you.

Please use the above information as a reference and enjoy your stay on Okunoshima, where history and nature coexist, safely and with good manners.