Visiting **Okunoshima** (Bunny Island) is a privilege, not a right. Because these rabbits are wild and the island is a protected National Park, the impact of thousands of tourists every week can be severe. From health issues caused by improper food to the dangerous attraction of predators like crows and wild boars, the welfare of the rabbits depends entirely on the behavior of visitors.
To ensure the rabbits stay healthy and the island remains a sanctuary, every visitor must adhere to a strict code of ethical tourism.
**Quick Take**: To learn the most ethical way to interact with the island, I highly recommend the [Sustainability & Ethics Private Concierge](VIATOR_LINK). A guide can teach you “Professional Feeding Techniques” that minimize waste and explain the complex ecology of the island, ensuring your visit leaves a positive impact.
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At a Glance: The Responsible Visitor’s Code
| The Action | The “Why” | The “How” |
|:–|:–|:–|
| **No Road Feeding** | Prevents bus/bike accidents. | Feed only on grass or dirt areas. |
| **No Lifting** | Prevents broken bones and stress. | Let the rabbits approach you. |
| **No Scraps** | Attracts crows and boars. | Take all leftover food home with you. |
| **Water Check** | Rabbits need fresh water. | Refill dry bowls from public taps. |
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The Danger of “Leftover” Kindness
🎯 **Why Must You Take Your Scraps Home?**
One of the biggest threats to the rabbits is **uneaten food**. When visitors leave piles of pellets or vegetables on the ground “for later,” they are actually inviting disaster. This food rots, attracting large numbers of **crows and wild boars**. These predators don’t just eat the scraps; they also prey on the baby rabbits and can be aggressive towards tourists.
**If the rabbits stop eating, pick up the food and take it with you.**
👉 [Book Your Ethical Discovery on Viator](VIATOR_LINK)
✅ Professional guidance on ethical animal interaction
⭐ Includes a “Zero-Waste” feeding kit and disposal bag
**Insider Tip**: Never feed the rabbits human snacks. Bread, cookies, and even certain vegetables like onions or leeks are **toxic** to rabbits. Stick to the high-quality pellets sold at Tadanoumi Port or fresh, leafy greens. Your “treat” could literally be life-threatening for a wild rabbit.
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Don’t Abandon Your Pets
It is a sad reality that some people think Okunoshima is a good place to “set free” their pet rabbits. **This is illegal and cruel.** Domestic rabbits do not have the survival instincts of the island’s semi-wild population and are often attacked or starved. If you see an abandoned domestic rabbit (usually a different breed like a Lop-ear), report it to the **Kyukamura hotel** staff immediately.
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Know Before You Go (Ethics Edition)
| Item | Details |
|:–|:–|
| **Trash** | There are **zero trash bins** on the island. Everything you bring, you must take back to the mainland. |
| **Interaction** | If a rabbit is sleeping or retreating into a burrow, leave it alone. Respect their “Quiet Time.” |
| **Health** | If you see an injured rabbit, do not try to help it yourself. Note the location and tell the hotel staff. |
| **Vandalism** | Do not enter restricted ruins or climb on historical structures. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I feed the rabbits in the road if no bus is coming?
No. It teaches the rabbits that the road is a “food zone,” which makes them more likely to be hit by a bus later in the day.
Why shouldn’t I pick them up?
Rabbits have extremely powerful hind legs but very fragile spines. If they struggle while you are holding them, they can literally break their own backs.
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A Sanctuary for the Future
Okunoshima is a miracle of nature and history. By being a responsible visitor, you aren’t just having a cute afternoon—you are actively participating in the protection of a unique Japanese treasure. Let’s keep the island safe, clean, and fluffy for another hundred years.
👉 **[Book Your Responsible Bunny Island Discovery Now](VIATOR_LINK)**