Okunoshima, Japan’s famous “Rabbit Island,” is a small island floating in the Seto Inland Sea — but despite being an island, it’s only about a 15-minute ferry ride from Tadanoumi Port on the mainland. With the Shinkansen or a flight, it’s an easy day trip even from Tokyo or Osaka. Here’s everything you need to know about getting to Okunoshima — by train, plane, or car — plus the ferry schedule and fares from Tadanoumi Port.
By train (Shinkansen + JR Kure Line)
The most straightforward public-transport route to Tadanoumi Port, Okunoshima’s gateway, is to take the Sanyo Shinkansen to JR Mihara Station, then transfer to the JR Kure Line to Tadanoumi Station. The Kure Line ride from Mihara to Tadanoumi takes about 20 minutes, and Tadanoumi Port is about a 5–7 minute walk from the station.
| Route | Approx. time / fare |
|---|---|
| Tokyo Station → Hiroshima Station (Nozomi) | About 3h 50m / unreserved seat ¥18,380 |
| Shin-Osaka Station → Hiroshima Station (Nozomi) | About 1h 21–25m / unreserved seat ¥9,890 |
| Mihara Station → Tadanoumi Station (JR Kure Line) | About 20 minutes |
| Tadanoumi Station → Tadanoumi Port | About 5–7 minutes on foot |
You can also ride the JR Kure Line directly from Hiroshima Station to Tadanoumi Station, though travel time varies with the train pattern, so transferring at Mihara is often smoother. Check official timetables (such as JR Odekake Net) in advance for exact departure times.
By plane (from Hiroshima Airport)
If you’re coming from farther afield, flying into Hiroshima Airport is another option. Limousine buses run from the airport to JR Takehara Station (about 30 minutes) and JR Mihara Station (about 40 minutes); from either, transfer to the JR Kure Line toward Tadanoumi Station.
By car
By car, the Sanyo Expressway or the Nishiseto Expressway (Shimanami Kaido) are the usual routes, both ultimately heading to Tadanoumi Port.
- From “Hongo IC” on the Sanyo Expressway: about 16 km / 25 minutes
- From “Kochi IC” on the Sanyo Expressway: about 23.6 km / 35–40 minutes
- From “Omishima IC” on the Shimanami Kaido: about 5.7 km
Tadanoumi Port has a free parking lot (about 100 spaces), so drivers park here before boarding the ferry. Note that vehicles are generally not permitted on Okunoshima itself — if you need to bring a car onto the island, you must contact Kyukamura Okunoshima in advance (tel. 0846-26-0321). Most visitors park at the port and get around the island on foot or via the free shuttle bus.
Ferry from Tadanoumi Port to Okunoshima
The crossing from Tadanoumi Port to Okunoshima, operated by Omishima Ferry Co., takes about 15–25 minutes depending on the sailing. One-way fares are ¥360 for adults and ¥180 for elementary-school-age children and under; round-trip fares are ¥720 and ¥360. Bringing a bicycle costs an extra ¥120.
| Category | Fare |
|---|---|
| One way (adult) | ¥360 |
| One way (child) | ¥180 |
| Round trip (adult) | ¥720 |
| Round trip (child) | ¥360 |
| Bicycle surcharge | ¥120 (one way) |
There are roughly 10 round trips a day, with the first departure from Tadanoumi Port around 7:30am and the last around 7:10pm (times vary somewhat by season and day of the week, so check Omishima Ferry’s official site for the latest schedule before you go). Once on Okunoshima, a free shuttle bus run by Kyukamura Okunoshima can take you around the island.
Tips for getting there
- Private vehicles are generally not allowed on Okunoshima, so plan around public transport plus the ferry.
- The ferry can run late or get crowded during busy seasons, so build some extra time into your schedule.
- Tadanoumi Port has ticket machines, so you can buy your ferry ticket on the spot.
- If you want time to meet the rabbits and explore the island’s history, take an early ferry and give yourself plenty of time.
Curious what there is to do once you arrive — meeting the rabbits or exploring the island’s history? These articles go into more detail:
A short, roughly 15-minute boat ride from Tadanoumi Port is all that separates you from Okunoshima and the rabbits waiting there. Check your route ahead of time and give yourself a relaxed schedule to enjoy your time on the island.
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