Takehara Historical Townscape & Rabbit Island
Located within Hiroshima prefecture, Takehara is a charming and beautiful city on the coast of the Seto Inland Sea. In the past, Takehara flourished as a port town known for its sake and salt production. Today, many buildings dating as far back as the Edo period can still be found in the city, preserved in such a way that one can feel as though they are walking through streets in the past. With its tranquil atmosphere and old-fashioned structures, it is no wonder Takehara is also known to many as the “Little Kyoto” of Aki.
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Takehara Historical Townscape & Rabbit Island
What's included in Takehara Historical Townscape & Rabbit Island
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Takehara Townscape Preservation Area
This tour will begin at Hiroshima Station at 8:00 AM. Your guide will meet you by the Shinkansen Gates under the Tourist Information sign. From here, you will head to your first destination, the Takehara Townscape Conservation Area. Within the historical townscape, your guide will take you for a short stroll through its main street. Along the way, you will make several stops, where your guide will provide context and information about the different locations and their history. You will be able to observe historical family residences, tour Edo period temples, and enjoy the old-fashioned atmosphere of the townscape. You will even stop by the Okakae Jizō Statue, which is said to grant the wishes of those who pick it up. From here, your guide will take you to your next destination, Tadanoumi Port. This is where you will board the ferry to head to Rabbit Island.
Okunoshima Island
At the port, you will have the chance to purchase souvenirs or food for the rabbits on the island. The cost of one bag of rabbit food is included in this tour but you can buy more or bring your own as well. Japanese guests often bring fresh produce from home to the island to feed the rabbits, so please feel free to do so as well. Once you arrive on the island, your guide will take you on a brief stroll along the coast, stopping at different ruins and explaining the dark past of the island. Some of the places you will visit include the Power Station Ruins and the Nagaura Poison Gas Storehouse Ruins. You will learn about the role of this island during Japan’s different armed conflicts and the impact that chemical weapons manufacturing had on the island’s residents. The tour ends with one final ferry ride back to the mainland and one last bus ride to Hiroshima Station, where your guide will say their goodbyes in front of the Shinkansen gates.
Inclusions
- Ferry included
- Rabbit food
- English speaking guide
- Entry fees at all tour locations
- Transportation between activities (public transport)
- Lunch
- Transportation prior and after the tour
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- The meetup point is under the Tourist Information sign outside of the Shinkansen gates. When you arrive, be sure to look for the guide holding a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour sign.
