Okunoshima is a small island located off the coast of Hiroshima, Japan. It is famous for its large population of rabbits. The island has no natural predators, and cats and dogs are not allowed, so the rabbit population continues to grow. Visitors are encouraged to buy food and feed the rabbits, who are very docile and accustomed to human interaction.

There are conflicting accounts of how the rabbits arrived on Okunoshima. Some believe they are descended from eight rabbits released by schoolchildren in 1971. Others believe the original rabbits were test subjects released after World War II.

Beyond the Bunnies: A Dark History

Okunoshima has a dark and tragic past. During World War II, it was the site of a secret chemical weapons factory. Although Japan had signed the Geneva Protocol prohibiting chemical warfare, the factory produced mustard gas and tear gas from 1929 until the end of the war.

The Japanese government went to great lengths to keep the factory secret, even removing the island from some maps. After the war, documents were destroyed, and the Allied forces disposed of the stockpiled chemicals. It wasn’t until decades later that the government admitted wrongdoing and offered compensation to those affected by the factory.

Balancing Past and Present

Today, Okunoshima is a popular tourist destination, offering beautiful beaches, campgrounds, and of course, the famous rabbits. Despite its dark history, the island does not shy away from its past. In 1988, a museum was opened to document the island’s history of poison gas manufacturing. There are also ruined military outposts scattered around the island.

Okunoshima offers a unique experience for visitors. You can interact with adorable rabbits while also learning about the island’s sobering history. The juxtaposition of the island’s dark past with its current status as a popular tourist destination makes it a fascinating and thought-provoking place to visit.

Additional Information:

Here are some other interesting facts about Okunoshima:

  • The island is accessible by ferry from Tadanoumi and Omishima.
  • Okunoshima has the tallest electricity pylon in Japan, measuring 226 meters high.
  • The Hill of the Evening Sun is a great place to watch the sunset.
  • There is a picturesque lighthouse on the southern tip of the island, but it is off-limits to visitors.

This information can be added to your blog post to create a more comprehensive overview of Okunoshima for your readers.

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