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Winter Scenery · Hokkaido

Tsurui Red-crowned Cranes (Tsurumidai & Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary)

TsuruiPark & nature❄ Best season: Early Jan – Late Feb
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Overview

Overview

Tsurui Village, north of the Kushiro Wetland, is where red-crowned cranes, a Special Natural Monument of Japan, gather in winter. The sight of the cranes spreading their wings and calling to each other on pure white snowfields is one of the defining scenes of eastern Hokkaido in winter.

Address
Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary, Nakasetsuri Minami, Tsurui-mura, Akan-gun, Hokkaido 085-1205
Closures & winter suspensions
The Sanctuary Nature Center is closed Tuesday–Thursday
Official website
https://www.vill.tsurui.lg.jp/soshikikarasagasu/sangyoshinkoka/shokokankogakari/1/tancho/638.html
Peak Time

When to Go

Best seasonPeak in January–February (feeding from early December to the end of February)
December
January
February

The number of cranes varies by day; there are fewer in November, and numbers decline in March as they move to their breeding grounds

Seasons are typical guides. Snow, ice and drift ice depend heavily on each year’s weather.

Highlights

Highlights

At the winter feeding grounds of Tsurumidai and the Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary, more than 200 cranes a day may fly in at the January–February peak. From Otowa Bridge in the early morning, you can watch the cranes roosting in the river mist without disturbing them.

📷 Best views
Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary

A feeding ground run by the Wild Bird Society of Japan. Watch the cranes gathering on the snowfield

Tsurumidai

One of the village’s main feeding grounds. Watch cranes on the snowfield from beside the road

Otowa Bridge

The only place to view the roosting river without disturbing the cranes. The river mist on winter mornings is magical

Hours

Opening hours

Feeding (December–February)Around 9:00 and around 13:00–14:00

Times may change without notice. From March, once a day at around 9:00

Sanctuary Nature Center9:00–16:00

Open October–March. Closed Tuesday–Thursday

In winter, hours can change and services can be suspended because of the weather. Check the official website before you go.

Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓Kikuchi Farm is an evening viewing spot on private land opened through the owner’s goodwill. Watch quietly from the designated area only
Access

Getting there

From major stations & airports
  • Tancho Kushiro Airport: Car (About 40 min)
  • Kushiro Station: Car (to the Sanctuary; if you take the bus, about 15 min on foot from the nearest bus stop) (About 50 min)
  • Kushiro: Bus (to Tsurumidai) (About 50 min)
Driving & winter roads
41 spaces at the Sanctuary (free)
Open in Google Maps ↗
Weather

Temperature & staying warm

Typical temperatures
January normals for Kushiro: high -0.2°C, low -9.8°C (Japan Meteorological Agency). Inland Tsurui Village gets bitterly cold in the morning
What to wear & bring
You will stand outdoors for a long time watching, so bring a heavy down jacket, insulated pants, a hat, gloves, insulated boots and hand warmers
☁ Hokkaido weather by month
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Rules

Rules & safety

  • !Do not enter areas other than those designated
  • !Flash photography and drones are prohibited
  • !Do not startle the cranes to take photos
  • !Take your trash home with you
Attractions

Attractions in Kushiro & Akan

Zoo

Kushiro Zoological Park

Hokkaido ・ Kushiro & Akan

A city-run zoo about 11 minutes by car from Kushiro Airport. It's open year-round, so you can watch the animals in the snow in winter too. Admission is free for junior high school age and under.

See all attractions →
Winter Scenery

Winter Scenery in Hokkaido

Old town

Otaru Canal in Winter

Hokkaido ・ Otaru

❄ Best season: Early Nov – Late Jan

✦ Illumination
See all winter scenery spots →

Seasons, hours, prices and access are based on official sources such as the spot’s own website, local governments and tourism associations. Winter weather often causes suspensions and road closures, so check the official website before you go.

Last checked: 2026-10-06

PRKlookKushiro & Lake Akan Private Charter (5 or 7 Hours)A private car plan from Kushiro. Freely combine red-crowned crane viewing spots in Tsurui Village with Lake Akan, Lake Mashu, Lake Kussharo and moreView