While **Okunoshima** (Bunny Island) is a joy to visit year-round, there is something particularly magical about the island during the **Spring (March to May)**. As the cherry blossoms bloom at nearby sites on the mainland, a different kind of “bloom” happens on the island: the arrival of the new season’s baby bunnies, known locally as **Kousagi**. These tiny, incredibly soft, and energetic creatures are the absolute highlight of a spring visit.
Seeing a family of kousagi emerging from their burrow for one of their first meals is an experience that will melt even the hardest heart.
**Quick Take**: Spring is the busiest and most rewarding time on the island. I highly recommend the [Spring Nature & Heritage Private Discovery](VIATOR_LINK). A guide can lead you to the quieter, less-traveled burrows where the mothers feel safe bringing their babies out, ensuring you get to see the new generation without the midday crowds.
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At a Glance: Spring on Bunny Island
| Feature | Why It’s Special | What to Look For |
|:–|:–|:–|
| **Kousagi (Babies)** | Peak birth season. | Small, high-energy rabbits near the bushes. |
| **Mild Weather** | Perfect for the 4km hike. | Comfortable 15–20°C temperatures. |
| **Flowers** | Local wildflowers and some cherry blossoms. | Pink and yellow accents against the sea. |
| **The “Binky”** | Maximum energy levels. | Rabbits jumping and twisting in the air. |
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The “Kousagi” Experience
🎯 **Where to Find the Babies?**
Baby rabbits are naturally more cautious than the adults. You won’t usually find them at the crowded ferry pier. Instead, head towards the **lawns of the Kyukamura hotel** or the quiet patches of grass near the **southern lighthouse**. Look for movement near the edge of the bushes. If you sit very still and offer a small amount of food, the babies may cautiously hop out to join the adults.
👉 [Book Your Spring Discovery on Viator](VIATOR_LINK)
✅ Expert guidance to the best “nursery” spots
⭐ Includes a special “Soft Vegetable” kit ideal for smaller rabbits
**Insider Tip**: Be extremely gentle with the kousagi. They are very fragile and easily startled. Never try to touch or pick them up—simply observe them from a respectful distance or let them approach your hand for a pellet. This is the best way to ensure they grow up to be healthy, trusting adults.
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The “Binky” Phenomenon
Spring is also the time when you are most likely to witness a **”Binky.”** This is a unique rabbit behavior where they jump into the air and twist their body and head in mid-air. It is a sign of pure joy and high energy. In the cool spring air, you will see many of the younger rabbits “binkying” across the grass, a sight that is guaranteed to make you smile.
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Know Before You Go (Spring Edition)
| Item | Details |
|:–|:–|
| **Crowds** | Spring is the peak tourist season. The 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM ferries will be very busy. Arrive early! |
| **Clothing** | Layer your clothes. The morning sea breeze is cool, but the afternoon sun can be warm. |
| **Ticketing** | Buy your round-trip ferry ticket at Tadanoumi Port to avoid the return queue. |
| **Ethics** | Do not overfeed. With more tourists, the rabbits get full quickly. Small, frequent treats are better. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I feed the babies differently?
They can eat the same pellets as adults, but they especially love small, thin slices of fresh carrot.
Are there cherry blossoms on the island?
There are some, but Okunoshima is more famous for its pine trees and wildflowers. For a major “Sakura & Bunny” combo, check out the parks in nearby **Takehara**.
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A Season of New Life
Visiting Okunoshima in the spring is a celebration of life and peace. By witnessing the newest generation of bunnies as they take their first hops in the safety of the national park, you experience the true heart of why this island is so beloved.
👉 **[Book Your Spring Bunny Island Discovery Now](VIATOR_LINK)**