There is an island in Japan that is completely occupied by rabbits, but the reason behind it is indeed due to pollution, so let's get to know this amazing island together!
Okunoshima, the historical island of poison gas
Okunoshima is located in Hiroshima Prefecture, about 2.5 miles (or 4 kilometers) off the coast of Japan. It officially became part of the town of Takehara. It is part of the Seto Inland Sea National Park, also known as the Inland Sea National Park in English. The park consists of 3,000 islands in the Setouchi archipelago.
Okuno means "black". It may get its name from what it looks like it is covered in black vegetation from a distance.
Before the 1900s, the island was inhabited by families who made a living from fishing. During the Russo-Japanese War of 1904–1905, Japan built ten forts on the island, turning it from a peaceful and sparsely populated place into a military base.
In 1925, the same year that Japan signed the Geneva Protocol prohibiting the use of chemical weapons, the Japanese military began using the island to carry out a clandestine chemical weapons program. In 1927, the Imperial Army Institute of Science and Technology built a chemical plant to produce tear gas and mustard gas.
It became a poison gas island during World War II.
After World War II, the Allies dismantled the plant and government forces destroyed its documents. It took decades for the government to recognize the harm caused by the plant and provide assistance to workers who were negatively impacted.
In 1988, in order to consciously reveal the secrets of the island, the government created and opened the Okunoshima Gas Museum.
Where do rabbits come from?
Some speculate that the rabbits on Okuno Island came from rabbits that were used for testing when the island was a chemical weapons factory. However, it is rumored that the coalition forces that demolished the factory also destroyed the rabbits, so it is unlikely that this is true.
After World War II, the island became a park. In order to improve the environment of the park, the rabbits were specially released, and the rabbits present today are the descendants of these rabbits, as well as other rabbits that have been specially released in the park over the years.
Rabbit Island today
Today, Rabbit Island has long since become an internet celebrity island and a great place for day trips. There are hotels on the island, as well as restaurants and hot springs to enjoy. There is also a campsite for a more rural experience. Rabbits are at dusk, so they are most active at dawn and dusk. Dusk is probably the best time to see as many rabbits as possible, and this is only possible with overnight stays.
In addition to watching rabbits, you can:
- Buy rabbit food at the port and feed the rabbits. Don't forget to bring your bag back to the port and redeem it for a special Rabbit Island postcard and stamp.
- Rent bikes and cycle on the many trails on the island.
- Stroll along the scenic trails. Follow the trail to the top of the island for a beautiful view of the surrounding ocean and islands.
- Visit the Poison Gas Museum and other historic buildings.
- Head to the island's beaches.
- Grab a coffee at one of the island's cafes and gift shops.
- Visit the lighthouse.