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Rabbit Island, Okunoshima: A False Paradise
The real reason why the rabbits on Okunoshima Island don't run away
Okunoshima, a rabbit island floating in the Seto Inland Sea in Takeshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, is a popular tourist destination where visitors can freely interact with rabbits, attracting many travelers from both Japan and abroad. However, behind the scenes of the cute photos spread on social media and the island's reputation as a paradise, the island's rabbits are facing serious health problems. Please read this before enjoying your trip.
Interacting with rabbits on Rabbit Island may be harming them.
The rabbits on Okunoshima Island are not managed by anyone and rely on tourists to feed them, so they don't run away when tourists approach. However, that doesn't mean they like being touched.
Every year during Golden Week and summer weekends, many tourists visit the island, putting the rabbits in a stressful situation, surrounded by humans all day long. Inappropriate feeding, forceful interaction, and being chased by children all add up, resulting in a constant stream of rabbits becoming weak or injured.
The feeling of "cuteness" can unknowingly hurt rabbits—it's important to be aware of this reality when interacting with them on Okunoshima Island.
The Truth Behind Japan's Rabbit Island (Okunoshima): What Tourists Need to Know
The rabbits of Ohkunoshima are not "wild" in the way many tourists believe. Without any management or care, they rely entirely on human handouts, which is why they approach visitors. However, this does not mean they enjoy being touched or handled.
During peak seasons like Golden Week and summer holidays, these rabbits face extreme stress, surrounded by humans all day. Improper feeding, forced physical contact, and being chased by children lead to constant injuries and physical decline.
Your love for these animals should not inadvertently cause them harm. Before visiting, please understand the reality behind the "Rabbit Paradise" myth and choose to be a responsible, ethical tourist.
To interact with rabbits safely
The idea that "vegetables are safe" is a major misconception. Many tourists bring carrots and cabbage to Okunoshima Island, but these put a serious strain on the rabbits' digestive systems, causing stasis and potentially leading to death. Please feed the island's rabbits only hay and pellets.
Checklist of things to avoid before sightseeing
❌ Do not feed them vegetables such as carrots and cabbage.
❌ Walk slowly so as not to step on the rabbits at your feet.
❌ Do not chase rabbits or shout loudly.
❌ Do not touch or hold.
❌ Always take any leftover food with you (leaving it behind can lead to poor hygiene and attract wild animals).
✅ Use only hay and pellets; take home any leftovers.
Check before you go – Feeding animals and actions you shouldn't do.
Even when visiting as a tourist, there are certain minimum points you should keep in mind.
Do not touch them unnecessarily (especially do not pick them up).
Don't chase or surround them.
Feed only the right food in the right amount.
Never give them processed food meant for humans.
I will not interact with individuals that appear to be unwell.
More important than physical contact is avoiding putting a burden on them.
What is happening to the rabbits on Okunoshima Island right now
The rabbits on Okunoshima Island are currently in a serious situation.
Nutritional deficiencies and digestive diseases are rampant due to irresponsible feeding.
Fractures and stress-induced deaths caused by tourists carrying and chasing after dogs.
At the end of 2024, several incidents occurred in which rabbits were abused and killed.
Serious injuries and deaths resulting from vehicle accidents
Because there are no restrictions on reproduction, diseases and injuries are likely to spread easily.
Please don't just "see, touch, and forget" about the rabbits on Okunoshima Island.
There are currently rabbits on the island surviving in terrible conditions. The best support tourists can offer is to visit with accurate information and to spread awareness of the situation to others.
Information about rabbit conservation activities on Okunoshima Island, how to support them, and details about the rescued rabbits are available on the dedicated website.
Detailed information about rabbit conservation efforts on Okunoshima Island, including details about rescued rabbits and how to support them, is available on our dedicated website. If you would like to learn more about the island's situation or to offer your support, please visit our website.
What is happening to the rabbits on Okunoshima Island?
Okunoshima Island in Hiroshima Prefecture is known as "Rabbit Island" and attracts many tourists. However, behind the scenes, the rabbits are exposed to harsh conditions and are in danger of losing their lives.
Irresponsible feeding leads to frequent cases of malnutrition and aspiration.
Bone fractures and deaths from stress caused by tourists picking up and chasing after animals.
By the end of 2024, a large number of rabbits had been killed through animal cruelty.
Serious injuries and deaths resulting from vehicle accidents
Some individuals were found to have injuries that appeared to be the result of intentional abuse.
Because there are no restrictions on reproduction, diseases and injuries are likely to spread easily.
In this situation, the government's response is insufficient, and the reality is that we have no choice but to rely on volunteers and private support.
The Ministry of the Environment approves of the protection and rescue of sick or injured rabbits on the island, with the understanding that they will be cared for for life. In fact, injured and sick rabbits are receiving treatment from kind rescuers and foster families, and are living happily in their homes.
What we can do
Do not touch, chase, or pick up rabbits.
Maintain a quiet distance and avoid stressing the rabbits.
To spread awareness of the island's reality and to lobby the local government.
If you find an injured child, please contact a trustworthy organization or rescuer.
Rabbits are not merely "tools" for tourism. They are living animals that deserve respect. Your actions can have the power to change the future of these rabbits.
A 23-month journey: Okunoshima, Rabbit Island - Rescuing 27 injured and sick rabbits and passing on lives to 33 more.
July 2024 - May 2026: Okunoshima Island Rabbit Rescue Activities and Financial Report
Activity Record
Our rescue activities, including "Ranpu," which began in July 2024, have allowed us to rescue 27 injured or sick rabbits over 23 months and connect them with medical care. Including births during our care, we have supported the lives of a total of 33 rabbits.
Income and expenditure report
We are deeply grateful for the warm support we have received from all over the world.
Total donations: 8,752,068 yen
Total medical expenses: 7,532,563 yen
Miscellaneous expenses (food, supplies, etc.): 908,681 yen
Balance as of the end of May 2026: 310,824 yen (Medical expenses: 205,185 yen / Miscellaneous expenses: 105,639 yen)
Thank you to everyone
Your continuous monthly donations and surprisingly large contributions, driven by your desire to save even just one rabbit, have empowered us. There are many people whose contact information we don't have, so we can't thank you in person, but we would like to take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude. Initially, the rescue group members were responsible for all expenses, but thanks to the dedicated support (totaling 906,051 yen) from those who cared about our activities, we have been able to maintain a suitable living environment for the rabbits.
