Okunoshima (Rabbit) Island

#japantrip Located off the coast of Hiroshima, Okunoshima Island is widely known as Rabbit Island due to its teeming population of wild rabbits that freely roam the entire land, beckoning food from visitors such as myself who very readily offered whatever scraps I had cos’ how could anyone resist these OH-SO-ADORABLE bunnies?! 🐰😍 Unbeknownst to many, the island harbours a tragic past, stemming from a secret chemical weapons factory being built in 1929. By the end of World War II, mustard gas and tear gas were being made at this factory, severely damaging the health of locals who were made to run this operation in the dark. Till this day, ruined military outposts & abandoned storehouses remain as permanent scars of the island’s horrid past, and a museum presents details of the poison gas manufacturing through words & disturbing images. Thankfully, the tame rabbits have become the saving grace, drawing tourists & locals alike to this place so we can enjoy its current natural beauty.