Okunoshima, Japan (Bunny Island)

About an hour from Hiroshima is a little island called Okunoshima. It's also known as Bunny Island, because it is overrun with furry, floppy eared, bouncy bunnies. And if you like furry, floppy eared, bouncy bunnies, this is definitely somewhere you want to go!

It's about an hour and half train ride from Hiroshima on the Kure Line (covered by the JR Rail Pass) to the Tadanoumi JR Station. From there it's a short walk to the Tadanoumi Port. Every half hour a ferry leaves bound for the island (300 Yen for an adult, 150 for children). The ride is about 15 minutes long with some beautiful mountain views. Once you're dropped off on the island you can begin to wander around yourself, or you can take the bus to the National Park Resort.

The island is crossed with walking trails and ruins of old military buildings, manufacturing plants, and bunkers. During WWII the island was used to manufacture and test chemical weapons. And yes, the bunnies were the test subjects. But after the war, workers set the remaining bunnies free. And now you have Bunny Island.

The Resort houses a restaurant (open for lunch only I think), cafe, and small shop for souvenirs or snacks. You can supposedly purchase rabbit food, but I didn't see that anywhere. We were just lucky enough that the employee out feeding the bunnies gave us a big bag full of the food he had. Or you can bring your own carrots or lettuce.

Although closed when I visited, there is a history museum regarding the poison gas manufacturing and a nature museum more fit for kids. The gas museum is open 9 am - 4:30 pm and costs 100 Yen. At least that's what one site I found said. One site, out of many. I don't know how you figure out the hours, or the cost, or why it was closed when I was there.

But you're there for the bunnies right! Don't worry about not finding any...they will find you. They also know when you're feeding another rabbit, and they don't like it. They'll come running to shove around for their turn. Some of the rabbits are ok with being petted, but don't pick them up. If you sit still somewhere they'll just climb all over you, if that's what you want. Watch your fingers, they'll bite you, although I mostly think by accident.

This is a fantastic place to get away from the city bustle and experience what the world would be like overrun by rabbits. It's cuteness overload, on a beautiful island, with a historical past.

And now...bunnies...