Okunoshima is a small island located in the Seto Inland Sea of Japan, in Hiroshima Prefecture. Known as “Rabbit Island” (Usagi Jima), it is home to hundreds of wild rabbits that roam freely across the island. While it has become a popular tourist destination, the rabbits face serious challenges including water shortages and lack of food. This guide will help you make the most of your visit while also helping protect the island’s beloved residents.<\/p>\n
Take the JR Kure Line from Hiroshima Station to Tadanoumi Station (approximately 1.5 hours, around \u00a51,300). From Tadanoumi Station, it is a short 5-minute walk to Tadanoumi Port. Ferries operated by Onomichi-Imabari Route depart regularly and take about 15 minutes to reach the island. The round-trip ferry ticket costs approximately \u00a5620 for adults.<\/p>\n
From Omishima Island on the Shimanami Kaido, you can take the Omishima Ferry to Okunoshima (about 13 minutes, \u00a5310 one way).<\/p>\n
Drive to Tadanoumi Port. There is a parking lot near the port (approximately \u00a5500\/day). Cars are not allowed on the island \u2014 it is pedestrian only.<\/p>\n
While Okunoshima is often marketed as a “rabbit paradise,” the reality is that these rabbits face daily struggles. Fresh water is scarce \u2014 there are no natural water sources on the island. During summer, many rabbits suffer from dehydration. Natural vegetation has been overgrazed, leaving the rabbits dependent on food brought by tourists.<\/p>\n
When tourist numbers drop (especially in winter and during the pandemic), the rabbits face severe food shortages. Many do not survive the winter months.<\/p>\n
Our volunteer community has built a real-time SOS Map where visitors can share the latest information about water levels, food availability, and injured rabbits across the island. When you visit, open the map on your smartphone to check which areas need water the most, and report your water refills with one tap.<\/p>\n
You don’t need to join any organization. Simply bringing 5 liters of water and filling empty water bowls around the island makes a huge difference. This “self-volunteer” approach has been spreading among visitors, and it all started through this website.<\/p>\n
If you want to connect with other volunteers, visit our community forum where both Japanese and international volunteers share information and organize group activities.<\/p>\n
Okunoshima is small enough to walk around in about 2-3 hours. The perimeter path is approximately 4 km. There is one hotel on the island \u2014 Kyukamura Okunoshima \u2014 which offers accommodation, meals, and hot spring baths. A shuttle bus runs between the ferry pier and the hotel.<\/p>\n
Key spots include the Poison Gas Museum (documenting the island’s wartime history), the lighthouse, observation deck, and various ruins from the wartime era. Rabbits can be found throughout the island, with larger populations near the hotel and campground areas.<\/p>\n
Every visitor who brings water and shares information on the SOS Map contributes to saving rabbit lives. Your visit is not just tourism \u2014 it can be an act of compassion. Open the SOS Map, check where help is needed, and become part of the community protecting Okunoshima’s rabbits.<\/p>\n