While today **Okunoshima** is world-famous for its hundreds of adorable rabbits, it hides a dark and secretive past that earned it the nickname “The Island Erased from the Map.” Between 1929 and 1945, this peaceful-looking island was the site of a top-secret chemical weapons factory. To maintain absolute secrecy, the Japanese government removed Okunoshima from all official maps, making it a “ghost island” where thousands of tons of mustard and tear gas were produced.
Today, the presence of the innocent rabbits hopping among the crumbling ruins of the poison gas storehouses is a powerful and haunting reminder of the transition from war to peace.
**Quick Take**: For history and “Dark Tourism” enthusiasts, I highly recommend the [History & Peace Heritage Private Tour](VIATOR_LINK). A professional guide can provide deep context on the island’s role in WWII, lead you to the most dramatic ruins, and explain the somber meaning behind the **Poison Gas Museum**.
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At a Glance: The Historical Landmarks
| Site | Former Function | What You See Today |
|:–|:–|:–|
| **Power Plant** | Provided electricity for the gas factory. | A massive, blackened ruin overgrown with vines. |
| **Storehouses** | Used to store tons of toxic chemicals. | Haunted concrete shells where rabbits now sleep. |
| **Poison Gas Museum** | N/A | Documents the production and the victims. |
| **Artillery Batteries** | Pre-WWII coastal defense (Russo-Japanese War). | Well-preserved stone fortifications on the hill. |
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The Poison Gas Museum: A Call for Peace
🎯 **Why Visit a Dark Museum?**
The **Poison Gas Museum** (Admission: ¥150) was established in 1988 not just to document the war, but to act as a memorial and an educational center for peace. The exhibits include the protective suits worn by the workers (who often suffered from severe health issues), the equipment used in production, and heart-wrenching documents about the victims of chemical warfare. It is a somber experience that contrasts sharply with the “cute” side of the island.
👉 [Book Your Historical Discovery on Viator](VIATOR_LINK)
✅ Expert commentary on the “Erased Map” era
⭐ Includes a guided walk to the hilltop ruins and batteries
**Insider Tip**: Visit the **Power Plant Ruins** located near the pier. It is the most impressive and largest ruin on the island. While you cannot enter the structure for safety reasons, seeing the rabbits graze peacefully in front of the blackened, windowless walls is arguably the most poignant image on Okunoshima.
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Why are the Rabbits here?
There is a common myth that the rabbits are descendants of the lab animals used in the gas factory. However, the factory rabbits were unfortunately culled when the facility was closed. The current population began in 1971 when a group of eight rabbits was released by a local elementary school. In the absence of natural predators, they thrived, eventually transforming a “place of death” into a “place of life.”
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Know Before You Go (History Edition)
| Item | Details |
|:–|:–|
| **Museum Hours** | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. (Last entry at 3:40 PM). |
| **Photography** | Prohibited inside the museum; allowed (and encouraged) at the outdoor ruins. |
| **Access** | Most ruins are accessible via the 4km loop road that circles the island. |
| **Tone** | The island is now a resort, but please remain respectful when near the historical sites. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the island safe from chemicals today?
Yes. The island underwent massive decontamination after the war and is now a safe, designated national park and resort.
How long does it take to see the ruins?
Walking the full loop takes about 60–90 minutes, allowing you to see the main ruins and the artillery batteries.
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From Secrets to Sanctuary
Okunoshima is a place of profound duality. By exploring the poison gas ruins after you’ve fed the rabbits, you gain a deeper understanding of the island’s journey—from a secret of war to a global symbol of cuteness and peace.
👉 **[Book Your Okunoshima Historical Discovery Now](VIATOR_LINK)**