22/6/2016

Okunoshima: Rabbit Island!

Island draws tourists to see more than 1,000 rabbits

Por Andrea Kahlow

Community writer

Okunoshima, also known as Rabbit Island, is a small island between Shikoku and Honshu. While technically part of Hiroshima Prefecture, it is also quite close to Ehime Prefecture. There are no human residents on this island, but there are over 1,000 rabbits. No one really knows why the rabbits are there. Some believe they were brought as test subjects for the poison gas factory and warehouse that was in operation on the island up until WWII, but there is little evidence to support it either way. Nowadays, the island draws tourists from all over the world to see the dozens and dozens of rabbits. With a campground and one hotel on the island, it's a great place for a weekend trip!