A magical night scene featuring the soft glow of bamboo lanterns.

A close-up of a wild rabbit looking directly into the camera lens.

A traditional festival boat carrying lanterns sails across the sea against an industrial backdrop.

Three white rabbit-ear-shaped sound collectors lined up by the seaside. The pillars say

A white ferry heading toward the viewer across a calm blue sea. Layered mountain ranges are visible in the distance, with the silhouette of an industrial area to the far right.

Takehara at a Glance

A journey through Takehara: A tapestry of light and shadow.

Long ago in the Heian period, Takehara flourished as a manor for Kyoto’s Shimogamo Shrine.

Today, it remains an atmospheric town where precious cultural heritage lives on, showing many different faces. As you walk through the elegant merchant district that once prospered through salt production and sake brewing, you’ll feel a sense of peace and tranquility.

However, on Okunoshima—the “Rabbit Island” accessible by ferry—remnants of war, such as battery ruins, stand quietly behind the island’s adorable exterior, telling stories of the past.

Please come and experience a mysterious, unforgettable journey that captures both the light and shadow of Takehara.

Relaxing island time on Rabbit Island

A place where many wild rabbits greet you the moment you step off the boat.

Okunoshima, floating in the Seto Inland Sea, is now world-famous as “Rabbit Island.”

Spending time with rabbits running freely amidst beautiful nature is an irreplaceable, healing experience.

On the island, you can also enjoy cycling and camping while taking in the stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea.

Why not spend a special holiday healing your heart with nature and rabbits?

About Okunoshima (Rabbit Island)

Old brick battery ruins remaining on Okunoshima.

The story of light and shadow told by Okunoshima

Okunoshima, where you can meet many rabbits, is well known as a place of healing.

However, this island has another face. It has a sad history as the former site of a poison gas factory, once known as the “island erased from the map.”

The battery and power plant ruins standing quietly on the island speak of war memories and the importance of peace, creating a stark contrast to the adorable rabbits.

By experiencing the island’s story of light and shadow—not just its cuteness—your journey is sure to leave a deep impression on your heart.

About Okunoshima’s War Ruins

An overhead view of the Takehara Historic District, featuring rows of historical buildings with tiled roofs.

Step into a retro townscape where time seems to stand still

Take one step inside, and it feels just like the Edo period.

In the Takehara Historic District, merchant houses with beautiful white-walled storehouses and lattice windows stand side-by-side, preserving the atmosphere of days gone by.

Stroll at your own pace through the refined cobblestone alleys while feeling the spirit of the wealthy merchants who once supported the town’s prosperity. Take a break at a charming cafe or look for your favorite view.

Each street has its own unique atmosphere. Immerse yourself in a nostalgic time where just walking around will soothe your soul.

About the Takehara Historic District

Statues of Masataka Taketsuru and his wife, Rita.

Indulge in food and sake in the hometown of “Massan”

Takehara is a sake-brewing town and the birthplace of Masataka Taketsuru (nicknamed Massan), the founder of Nikka Whisky.

The tradition of fine sake that once ranked number one in Japan is still carried on today by three breweries—Taketsuru Shuzo, Fujii Shuzo, and Nakao Jozo—delighting sake fans everywhere.

And of course, the highlight of any trip is the food.

From “Gyohan,” a local dish featuring plenty of fresh seafood from the Seto Inland Sea, to “Takehara-yaki,” a local gourmet specialty made with sake lees, there are many delicacies here you won’t find anywhere else.

You’d really be missing out if you didn’t try the local food here!

About Massan’s Hometown

An open-air bath with steam rising from the water.

Unwind at Yusaka Onsenkyo by the Kamo River

A quiet hot spring village nestled along the clear waters of the Kamo River. Long popular as a place for therapeutic bathing, the soft waters of Yusaka Onsenkyo will soothe your travel fatigue from the inside out.

At the end of a day spent walking through the historic streets or exploring the islands, enjoy the hot springs to your heart’s content while listening to the murmur of the river. A premium relaxation experience awaits, letting you forget the hustle and bustle of daily life and slowly release your mind and body.

About Yusaka Onsenkyo

An illustration of characters from the anime

The setting of the anime “Tamayura”

“Tamayura” is a popular anime set in Takehara that follows Fu Sawatari, a high school girl who loves photography, and the people around her.

Fans constantly visit to see the old streets and beautiful Seto Inland Sea scenery that appear in the anime!

The setting of the anime “Tamayura”

( Access ) Takehara City, Hiroshima:
The perfect base for traveling through the Chugoku and Shikoku regions

Takehara City, Hiroshima, is located almost in the center of the Seto Inland Sea.
With excellent access—just 25 minutes from Hiroshima Airport by jumbo taxi—it is the ideal base for sightseeing in Hiroshima City and surrounding spots like the Shimanami Kaido.

Access