Foreign travelers’ favorite hidden Japanese accommodations — Okunoshima Island with 700 rabbits takes the crown

Reported by You Ru / Taipei

Where are the most popular “hidden gem” Japanese accommodations among foreign tourists? An overseas website has released statistics showing that Japan’s Bōsen Onsen Ōwakusenkyo, Naoshima Furusato, and Kyukamura Okunoshima have rapidly gained popularity as “off-the-beaten-path” spots even locals may not know about.

According to data from the Japan National Tourism Organization, between January and May 2015, the number of visitors to Japan increased significantly by 44% compared to the previous year, peaking in May. Taiwanese visitors ranked second in terms of average planned overnight stays at Japanese attractions during the summer holiday period, up 16.2% year-on-year, just behind visitors from Hong Kong.¹

Among foreign visitors to Japan, many are repeat travelers. Rakuten Travel reports that these lesser-known attractions have thus become points of interest.

%Of the spots favored by Japanese travelers, these are also the places most beloved by foreign visitors. (Image: Japan Travel Industry Statistics)


Top accommodation in the China region: Kyukamura Okunoshima
Okunoshima is a small island with a circumference of 4.3 kilometers, located about 3 kilometers off the coast of Tadahama in Takehara, Hiroshima. The island is home to around 700 rabbits, which come out to greet visitors as soon as the ferry arrives — a unique, heartwarming experience that has become highly popular with foreign guests. The island also features campsites, beaches, and hot springs, giving visitors the feel of a resort.

Top accommodation in the Northern Kanto region: Bōsen Onsen Ōwakusenkyo
The main reason Bōsen Onsen Ōwakusenkyo is favored by foreign travelers is its large mixed-gender outdoor onsen set along a mountain stream. With four baths covering a total area of about 470 tatami mats, visitors can enjoy soaking in the clear waters of the Bōsen River amidst pristine natural scenery and experience traditional Japanese culture. Here, guests can don colorful yukata, admire elegant architecture, and savor traditional charcoal-grilled cuisine.