Okunoshima Rabbit Island Cycling Tour with Local Guide

Imagine cycling around a tiny island in the Seto Inland Sea, where the air is filled with the scent of ocean breezes, and the path is lined with over 700 friendly rabbits. This is exactly what the Okunoshima Rabbit Island Cycling Tour offers—an engaging, balanced blend of natural beauty, fascinating history, and adorable wildlife. While it’s a quick two-hour experience, it packs enough highlights to leave you smiling and craving more.

What we really love about this tour is the chance to explore beyond the typical tourist spots. The knowledgeable local guide, the chance to see historic sites like the power plant ruins, and, of course, the chance to interact with the rabbits make it stand out. Plus, at only around $64, it offers fantastic value—especially considering all the included gear and the insurance. The one thing to keep in mind is that the tour is relatively short, so if you’re eager to explore every corner, you might want to extend your stay on the island independently.

This tour is best suited for travelers with moderate physical fitness who enjoy cycling, history, and wildlife. If you’re after a laid-back experience that combines culture with fun, then this is likely a perfect fit. However, if you’re looking for a full-day adventure or want to explore without time constraints, you might consider adding extra activities afterward.

Key Points

• Balanced Experience: Combines scenic cycling, historical insights, and adorable rabbit encounters.
• Expert Local Guides: Guides like Junko Mills and others provide engaging stories that make history come alive.
• Great Value: At roughly $64, including bike use, insurance, and taxes, it delivers a lot for the price.
• Limited Duration: Ideal for a quick taste of Okunoshima; longer stays require additional planning.
• Weather Cancellations: Tours are weather-dependent with full refunds if canceled due to rain.
• Unique Highlights: Visit sites like the power plant ruins, lighthouse, and gun battery remnants—viewed from a respectful distance for safety.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

First off, the price point of $63.71 per person is quite reasonable for a guided tour that includes bicycle use, insurance, and all taxes. Compared to more extensive day trips, this offers a focused, efficient way to see the island’s top sights without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

The local guides, often praised for their enthusiasm and depth of knowledge, are key to making this experience memorable. One reviewer mentioned a guide named Junko Mills, who was described as “energetic and attentive,” adding an extra layer of engagement that makes even a short 90-minute tour feel packed with insights. Guides do more than just point out sights—they share stories about the island’s complex past, from its role in poison gas production to its wartime secrecy.

Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll See and Experience

Stop 1: Okunoshima Lighthouse

Your journey begins at the Okunoshima Lighthouse, which, although currently off-limits for entry, offers a fantastic vantage point. From here, you’ll get sweeping views of the island and the surrounding sea. A quick 10-minute stop, it’s more about soaking in the scenery than exploring the structure itself.

Stop 2: Okunoshima Island

Next, you’ll cycle around the tiny island itself, which spans only about 4 km in circumference. Here, the emphasis is on experiencing the natural beauty and understanding the island’s history. The island is part of the Seto Inland Sea National Park, and according to reviews, it changes beautifully with each season—offering lush greenery, flowering plants, or even quiet snowy scenes.

A reviewer notes, “The island offers scenic walking and cycling paths with lovely coastal views,” making it clear that this is also a fantastic spot for those who enjoy peaceful nature walks or cycling on gentle trails.

Stop 3: Okuno Shrine

A small but significant site, the Okuno Shrine is where many visitors focus on the peaceful atmosphere. Interestingly, the shrine has become a home to local rabbits, adding a charming touch to this spiritual spot. The 10-minute visit here is a perfect break to appreciate local traditions and wildlife simultaneously.

Stops 4 & 5: Toxic Gas Storage Site & Power Plant Ruins

These two historic sites—the Nagaura toxic gas storage site and the Power Plant Ruins—are key to understanding the island’s darker wartime history. Both are viewed from a safe distance, as entry isn’t permitted for safety reasons. The ruins serve as silent reminders of Okunoshima’s secret past, and one reviewer emphasized how these sites add a layer of depth to the visit, transforming it from mere sightseeing into an educational experience.

Stop 6: Northern Cannon Battery Remnants

The cannon battery ruins are close to the coast, offering an up-close look at weaponry remnants. While only a 15-minute stop, many find it fascinating to see these tangible pieces of history that hint at the island’s strategic significance during wartime.

What Tour Participants Say

From detailed reviews, it’s clear that the guides excel at storytelling—many mention guides like Yuna-san who are described as enthusiastic and helpful. One reviewer appreciated the way the guide shared stories they hadn’t heard before, making the tour feel personalized and insightful. Others mentioned that 90 minutes felt a bit short, with many wishing for more time to explore the island’s nooks and crannies.

The rabbits, which number over 700, are a constant highlight. Multiple travelers mentioned their playful, tame nature—“The rabbits brought endless smiles,” one review states—and that they add a unique charm to this historic site. The friendly nature of the rabbits means you’ll likely have plenty of opportunities for adorable photos and close encounters.

Bike & Accessibility

The tour includes the use of electric bicycles, which help make navigating the island easier, especially given its small size. Several reviews mention how smooth and manageable the bikes are, and that the guides assist with explanations along the way.

While most travelers are comfortably able to cycle, the tour recommends moderate physical fitness. The terrain is gentle, but those with mobility issues or limited stamina should prepare accordingly. The ride offers moments of relaxing wind and scenic views, perfect for laid-back exploration.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip suits history buffs, animal lovers, and those seeking a peaceful escape. The combination of educational sites—like the poison gas factory ruins—and family-friendly nature makes it versatile. It’s ideal for travelers who want a taste of Japan’s wartime past without the overwhelming intensity, paired with the joy of interacting with adorable rabbits.

If you’re short on time but want a well-rounded experience, this tour offers a quick but meaningful glimpse of Okunoshima. However, those hoping to see everything in detail or stay longer might want to plan additional time on their own.

Weather & Cancellation Policy

Tours are dependent on weather, with cancellations happening if a forecast predicts a 60% or higher chance of rain the day before. The good news is that no cancellation fees are charged if rain cancels the tour. Refunds are straightforward if you cancel more than 24 hours in advance, making this a flexible option for cautious travelers.

For around $64, you get a guided, well-organized look at Okunoshima’s highlights—its natural beauty, wartime relics, and, of course, the beloved rabbits. The guides’ enthusiasm and local insights elevate the experience, making history feel alive. It’s a short tour, but packed with enough to leave you feeling satisfied and inspired to explore more independently.

This experience is especially suited for families, couples, or solo travelers interested in a relaxed, educational outing. If you’re after a quick, authentic adventure that balances history and nature, this tour delivers genuine value.

However, if you’re eager to see every corner or have the stamina for a longer, more in-depth exploration, consider extending your stay or adding extra activities.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Since the tour involves cycling and some walking, it’s best suited for those with moderate physical fitness. Children who can comfortably handle cycling should enjoy the experience, especially with the adorable rabbits.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, which is perfect for a quick yet meaningful visit. Keep in mind, it’s designed more as a snapshot than an exhaustive exploration.

Are the historic sites open for entry?
No, the toxic gas storage site and power plant ruins are viewed from a distance for safety reasons. They are primarily for sightseeing and educational viewing.

Do I need to bring my own food or water?
Food and beverages are not included. It’s advisable to bring some snacks or water, especially if you plan to spend extra time on the island afterward.

What if the weather is bad?
If heavy rain or a forecast of 60%+ precipitation occurs, the tour will be canceled at no charge. You will be offered a different date or a full refund.

How do I get to the meeting point?
The tour starts at KYUKAMURA OHKUNOSHIMA, Tadanoumich, Takehara, Hiroshima. The location is near public transportation, making it accessible for most travelers.

In the end, this cycling tour offers a charming window into Japan’s wartime history, paired with the joy of interacting with hundreds of playful rabbits. Suitable for those who appreciate cultural stories, scenic views, and family-friendly fun, it’s a delightful way to spend a couple of hours in Hiroshima’s Seto Inland Sea.