Okunoshima: Japan’s "Rabbit Island" Where Bunnies Rule
Okunoshima, affectionately known as Rabbit Island, is a captivating little spot in Japan where the charm of wild bunnies far outweighs the darker history that once plagued the island.
Nestled in the East Sea, Okunoshima is a small island that has become world-famous for being home to hundreds of friendly, free-roaming rabbits. These cuddly creatures now rule the island, bounding through forests, chasing tourists, and posing for viral photos and videos.
Visitors flock to the island to experience the delight of interacting with the fluffy residents, but the story of how the bunnies arrived is as mysterious as the island itself.
The island’s history, however, isn’t as cute as its current residents.
From 1929 to 1945, Okunoshima was a secret chemical weapons testing site during World War II, where Japan produced over 6,000 tons of poison gas. The island was deliberately kept off maps and chosen for its remote location, far from civilian populations.
During this time, a colony of rabbits was brought to the island to be used in testing the effects of the poison gas. Some believe the rabbits that roam the island today are descendants of those original test subjects who were freed at the end of the war, though there’s a counterclaim that all of the rabbits were killed when the facility was shut down.
The most popular theory, however, is that the island’s current bunny population began with just eight rabbits introduced by schoolchildren in 1971.
These rabbits, unchecked by natural predators, bred prolifically, and the population has since exploded into the hundreds, possibly even thousands. Okunoshima is a predator-free zone, with dogs and cats strictly prohibited, making it the perfect place for rabbits to thrive.
Today, Okunoshima has evolved into a peaceful, popular tourist destination, with visitors able to enjoy more than just the bunnies. The island offers beautiful beaches, a small golf course, and serene camping grounds.
But the real draw is the adorable, ever-friendly rabbits that greet visitors. Tourists can purchase rabbit food to interact with the animals and even witness stampedes of bunnies running toward them.
The island has become something of an internet sensation, with videos of these adorable rabbits regularly going viral.
While the island's poison gas museum provides a glimpse into its haunting past, the rabbits have become the main attraction. The juxtaposition of this tragic history with the island’s now-adorable vibe offers a unique and powerful story.
Whether you’re there for the bunnies or the history, Okunoshima makes for a one-of-a-kind getaway.
Bonus: Other Animal Islands in Japan
If you love Okunoshima, you might want to explore other animal islands across Japan. Here are three more places where animals reign:
Home to Japan’s famous snow monkeys, who are often seen lounging or playing in hot springs.
An island that is almost entirely populated by cats, where they roam freely and even have their own shrine.
Known for its friendly deer that wander the streets, interacting with tourists and being a symbol of good fortune.