Private Full-Day Okunoshima and Hiroshima Sake Breweries Tour

Experience the Charm of Hiroshima’s Rabbit Island and Sake Breweries in a Full Day

If you’re looking for a balanced mix of playful wildlife and authentic Japanese culture, the Private Full-Day Okunoshima and Hiroshima Sake Breweries Tour offers just that—at a price that reflects its personalized touch. For around $233 per person, you’ll spend about 9 hours and 20 minutes exploring the unique Okunoshima Island, famously known as Rabbit Island, and sampling some of the best sake in Saijo or Takehara. Led by an English-speaking private guide, this tour is ideal for travelers eager to see both nature and tradition while enjoying the comfort of a tailored experience.

What we particularly appreciate about this tour is the intimate access it provides—being transported directly from Hiroshima with round-trip transportation and ferry fares included. The highlight? Over 900 wild rabbits roaming freely—perfect for animal lovers and those wanting a lighthearted break from sightseeing. Plus, the sake tasting in the brewery town of Saijo gives a hands-on taste of Japan’s most iconic alcoholic beverage.

A potential consideration? Since the tour involves multiple transfers and stops, it’s a full day, which may feel a bit rushed if you prefer slow-paced sightseeing. But for those who enjoy a well-structured itinerary covering diverse interests, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suited for adventure-seeking travelers, animal enthusiasts, and sake aficionados looking for an engaging, authentic experience without the hassle of planning logistics.

Key Points

• Unique wildlife experience with over 900 rabbits wandering freely on Okunoshima Island.
• Expert guides enhance your understanding of Japan’s sake culture and local history.
• Convenient transportation with ferry fares and round-trip travel included, saving hassle and time.
• Flexible stop options allow you to choose between Saijo or Takehara for sake tasting.
• Authentic culture through visits to brewery towns and preserved historic areas.
• Well-paced itinerary balances sightseeing, tasting, and relaxing moments for a full day of discovery.

Exploring Hiroshima’s Rabbit Island and Sake Breweries in Depth

Why This Tour Stands Out

This full-day adventure is designed for travelers who want to experience something a bit different from the usual Hiroshima sights. The highlight is undoubtedly the visit to Okunoshima, or Rabbit Island—a place where the sight of hundreds of rabbits frolicking in the wild is both charming and amusing. These rabbits are so tame you can feed them and even pet them, making it a favorite for animal lovers of all ages.

Another standout feature is the chance to sample authentic sake in Saijo or Takehara. Sake isn’t just a drink here; it’s a craft, a tradition, and a window into Japanese culture. With guided insights into how to buy and taste sake, you’ll leave not just with a bottle but with a better understanding of this iconic beverage.

Itinerary Breakdown

Start at Hiroshima Station: You’ll meet your guide at the North Exit by 8:00 am, a location close to public transit and easy to find. From here, a local bus takes you approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to Tadanoumi Port. The journey offers glimpses of Hiroshima’s outskirts, setting a relaxed tone for the day. It’s a good idea to arrive a bit early for the ferry, giving you time to enjoy the scenery or grab a coffee.

Ferry to Okunoshima: The 15-minute ferry ride from Tadanoumi Port is smooth, offering a preview of the island’s peaceful vibe. Once there, you’ll have about 2 hours and 30 minutes to explore. The rabbits are the main attraction—familiar, well-fed, and often approaching visitors for treats. The island itself is peaceful, with remnants of its past as a chemical weapons factory, now overshadowed by the cute rabbits and natural beauty.

Sake Tasting in Saijo or Takehara: After the rabbit adventure, you’ll transfer to Saijo, Japan’s sake brewing capital. Here, you can choose a brewery to visit—either Saijo or Takehara—each offering a glimpse into Japan’s liquor-making traditions. The tour includes insights on how to buy sake and how to savor it, making it easy to replicate the experience at home. Expect about 1 hour and 15 minutes in Saijo or Takehara, enough to enjoy a tasting session and maybe purchase a bottle.

Optional Stop at Takehara: For those wanting to cut down on travel time, Takehara offers a Townscape Preservation Area where you can enjoy preserved historical streets and, if open, a sake brewery. Takehara’s less crowded atmosphere and similar sake experiences make it a good alternative to Saijo, especially if you prefer a more relaxed vibe.

Wrap-up and Return: The day concludes with a return transfer from Saijo or Takehara to Hiroshima. The 17:08 train from Saijo gets you back to Hiroshima Station by 17:45, wrapping up your full-day adventure.

Transportation and Practicalities

Transportation is a big plus on this tour. All ferry and round-trip train fares are included, simplifying logistics so you can focus on enjoying the experience. The private guide ensures seamless transfers and personalized attention, which is valuable when navigating unfamiliar areas or making spontaneous stops.

The tour’s duration allows enough time for each stop without feeling overly rushed. However, keep in mind it is a full-day outing, so pacing and comfort with a busy schedule are important considerations.

What We Loved

Most travelers, including one reviewer who called it a “BEST HOLIDAY,” found the guides to be knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience both educational and fun. The scenic ferry ride provides a relaxing start to the day, and the up-close encounters with rabbits on Okunoshima make it a highlight for animal lovers.

Another point worth mentioning is the authentic sake tasting—not just a quick sample but an insightful lesson on how sake is made, bought, and enjoyed. Many appreciate that they can bring home the knowledge and even purchase sake directly from the breweries.

Possible Drawbacks

Since the tour involves multiple transfers and stops, some may find the schedule a bit tight, especially if they prefer to linger longer at each site. Also, the admission fees for the rabbit island are not included, so budget accordingly if you want to explore more deeply.

Plus, the tour runs rain or shine, and since it relies on boat trips and outdoor exploration, poor weather might impact the experience. It’s wise to check the forecast beforehand and communicate with your guide if there are any concerns.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour suits those with curiosity for unconventional Japanese sights—animal lovers, culture enthusiasts, and wine or sake aficionados. It’s perfect if you want a well-organized day that combines nature, history, and culture. It’s especially good for travelers who appreciate guided insights and don’t mind a full schedule.

Final Thoughts

This Private Full-Day Okunoshima and Hiroshima Sake Breweries Tour offers a delightful mix of playful wildlife and authentic sake culture—a wonderful way to experience a different side of Hiroshima. The personalized guidance, combined with well-structured stops, makes it suitable for those who love to learn, taste, and explore without the stress of planning every detail themselves.

For animal lovers, the rabbits of Okunoshima are undeniably a highlight. For those interested in Japanese traditions, the sake tasting in Saijo or Takehara offers an authentic peek into local craftsmanship. The convenience of round-trip transportation and ferry fares included makes this tour a solid value, especially considering the small-group feel and insider knowledge.

If you’re after a fun, educational, and visually stunning day that balances nature with culture, this tour is a smart choice. It’s best suited for travelers eager for a rich, well-rounded experience—and who don’t mind a full day of exploring.

FAQs

What is the starting point for the tour?
You’ll meet your guide at Hiroshima Station’s North Exit, making it easy to access via public transportation.

How long does the ferry ride take?
The ferry from Tadanoumi Port to Okunoshima lasts about 15 minutes, offering a scenic transition to rabbit-filled tranquility.

Are the admission fees for rabbit island included?
No, the admission ticket for Okunoshima is not included, so you may want to bring some cash for entry or snacks.

Can I choose between Saijo or Takehara for sake tasting?
Yes, you can select either location. Both offer authentic sake experiences, but Saijo is known as the sake brewing hub.

How much time is allocated for sake tasting?
Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes is set aside for tasting, buying, and learning about sake.

What should I wear for this tour?
Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended, especially since you’ll be walking on the island and exploring historic streets.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
Yes, the rabbit island is very family-friendly, but consider the full-day schedule and transportation when planning for children.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
The tour focuses on cultural and outdoor activities, but please communicate any specific needs to the guide in advance.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Since the tour is weather-dependent, you may be offered alternative dates or a full refund if the day is canceled due to poor conditions.

This tour offers a thoughtful look at some of Hiroshima’s most unique charms—wild rabbits and traditional sake. It’s a chance to enjoy a day that’s both fun and enriching, with enough flexibility and expert guidance to make it a memorable part of your Japan trip.