Tsurui Red-crowned Cranes (Tsurumidai & Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary)
Hokkaido ・ Tsurui
❄ Best season: Early Jan – Late Feb
Kushiro, Kushiro Wetland, Lake Akan
The gateway to Kushiro Wetland, Japan's largest marsh. Sea fog is common in summer and highs are around 20°C, making it one of the coolest cities in Japan. Winter brings clear skies, little snow and the chance to see red-crowned cranes. It's also a base for Lake Akan and Lake Mashu.
JMA forecast issued Oct 22, 11 AM
Weather and wind are for the wider area; temperature is for the main forecast point. Chance of rain is for the 6-hour period.
| Month | High | Low | Precip. | Max snow depth | What to wear |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | −0.2℃ | −9.8℃ | 40.4mm | 23cm | Full winter gearDown coat, thermal layers, gloves, hat, snow boots |
| Feb | −0.1℃ | −9.4℃ | 24.8mm | 26cm | Full winter gearDown coat, thermal layers, gloves, hat, snow boots |
| Mar | 3.3℃ | −4.2℃ | 55.9mm | 23cm | Winter coatDown or heavy coat, gloves, waterproof shoes |
| Apr | 8.0℃ | 0.7℃ | 79.4mm | 5cm | Winter coatDown or heavy coat, gloves |
| May | 12.6℃ | 5.4℃ | 115.7mm | — | Warm jacketLight down or winter coat, sweater |
| Jun | 15.8℃ | 9.5℃ | 114.2mm | — | Long sleeves + jacketLong sleeves with a light jacket or hoodie |
| Jul | 19.6℃ | 13.6℃ | 120.3mm | — | Long sleeves + jacketLong sleeves with a light jacket or hoodie |
| Aug | 21.5℃ | 15.7℃ | 142.3mm | — | T-shirt + layerT-shirt, plus light long sleeves for mornings and evenings |
| Sep | 20.1℃ | 12.9℃ | 153mm | — | T-shirt + layerT-shirt, plus light long sleeves for mornings and evenings |
| Oct | 15.1℃ | 6.1℃ | 112.7mm | — | Long sleeves + jacketLong sleeves with a light jacket or hoodie |
| Nov | 8.9℃ | −0.3℃ | 64.7mm | 3cm | Winter coatDown or heavy coat, gloves |
| Dec | 2.5℃ | −7.0℃ | 56.6mm | 17cm | Winter coatDown or heavy coat, gloves, waterproof shoes |
Clothing tips are based on the normal high temperature and snow depth. Bring an extra layer for mornings and evenings.
Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.
Spring arrives late: April highs are only about 8°C, and chilly days continue into May.
A cool, often foggy summer. Canoeing and visiting viewpoints in Kushiro Wetland are popular.
More sunny days, and autumn leaves around Lake Akan reach their peak.
Mostly sunny with little snow. See red-crowned cranes and enjoy activities on frozen Lake Akan.
Hokkaido ・ Tsurui
❄ Best season: Early Jan – Late Feb
Hokkaido ・ Akan-cho, Kushiro
❄ Best season: Early Jan – Late Mar
Hokkaido ・ Notsuke Peninsula, Betsukai
❄ Best season: Late Jan – Mid Mar
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.
Nationwide ・ Three types: 7, 14 or 21 days. The period of use cannot be extended or changed
From ¥50,000
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (climate normals 1991-2020). Compiled by tripuuu.log. Temperature and snow figures are normals from the Kushiro station; actual weather varies from year to year.