Hokkaido, the northernmost island in Japan, is a fascinating destination for observing and photographing cranes. Especially in winter, the red-crowned cranes gather in large groups in the east of Hokkaido and attract birdwatchers and wildlife photographers from all over the world. Where can you see red-crowned cranes in Hokkaido? How can you take good photos without disturbing the cranes? This article introduces places in Hokkaido where you are sure to see cranes. You will also learn interesting facts about these elegant birds and what is being done to protect them.. Hokkaido, the northernmost island in Japan, is a fascinating destination for observing and photographing cranes. Especially in winter, the red-crowned cranes gather in large groups in the east of Hokkaido and attract birdwatchers and wildlife photographers from all over the world. Where can you see red-crowned cranes in Hokkaido? How can you take good photos without disturbing the cranes? This article introduces places in Hokkaido where you are sure to see cranes. You will also learn interesting facts about these elegant birds and what is being done to protect them.
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The Red-crowned Crane - The “God of the Wetlands”
The red-crowned crane is a symbol of good luck and longevity in Japanese culture and is one of the most elegant and rarest crane species in the world. It is also the symbol of the Kushiro wetlands in Hokkaido. The red-crowned crane is called “sarorun-kamuy” in the language of the Indigenous Ainu people, which means “god of the wetlands”. Tancho is the Japanese name for these magnificent birds.
The red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis) is one of the most beautiful and largest crane species in the world. It is known for its snow-white plumage, black wings, and distinctive red spot on its forehead. This spot also gave it its English name “red-crowned Crane”. The spot is not made of red feathers but of skin and becomes larger and brighter when the crane is excited. Like other crane species, the Red-crowned Crane is known for its graceful movements and complex courtship dances, in which they jump in sync and pose with flapping wings.
Facts about the Red-crowned Crane
- Distribution: North-East Asia; mainly in Russia, China, and Japan
- Habitat: Wet meadows, marshes, rice fields
- Body size: about 150 cm
- Weight: 7.5 to 10.5 kg
- Life expectancy: 30 to 70 years
- Social behavior: Lives in pairs or small groups, forms large flocks during migration
- Reproduction: Monogamous species, builds large nests, usually 2 eggs per brood, incubation period approx. 29-34 days
What do Origami Cranes symbolize?
Cranes are revered as a symbol of peace, happiness, success, and longevity. They stand for the protection of the family and the weakest in our society. In Japan, origami cranes are given as gifts to wish the person health, happiness, well-being, and prosperity, for example in the event of a birth or illness.
Successful Conservation Measures save the Red-crowned Crane from Extinction
The number of red-crowned cranes in Japan has fallen sharply due to the development of farmland and overhunting. At the beginning of the 20th century, only about 40 cranes survived in the depths of the Kushiro wetlands. In January 1950, several red-crowned cranes came to a cultivated field in Kami-Akan, in the east of Hokkaido. The owner, Mr. Yamazaki, tried to feed the cranes with corn. The cranes ate the corn and began to visit his field in the following years. In 1952, when eastern Hokkaido was hit by heavy snowstorms, the feeding also succeeded at the elementary school in Tsurui. Since then, many people have participated in the feeding and the population of cranes on Hokkaido has recovered.
In Japan, cranes are considered national treasures. For centuries, they have stood for longevity and happiness, which has ultimately led to numerous conservation measures (especially winter feeding) and projects for their preservation. At the beginning of 2025, their population numbers around 1500 animals.
Best Time to see Cranes in Hokkaido
The best time to see the cranes in the sanctuary is from late November to mid-March. During the winter months, when food becomes scarce, the birds gather in large groups in places where they are fed to survive the harsh winter. The snow and winter light make the scenery particularly magical and photogenic for observing the graceful animals.
The observation area at Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary is open to the public all year round; however, cranes rarely come close to the observation area from April to October.
Top Photo Locations for Red-crowned Cranes on Hokkaido
There are several places in Hokkaido where the cranes are fed with corn in winter when the ground is covered with snow and there is not enough food.
#1 Tsurui-Ito-Tancho Sanctuary
Location: On the eastern edge of Tsuri village, north of Kushiro.
Description: The Tsurui-Itō Tanchō crane Sanctuary was founded in 1987 by the Wild Bird Society of Japan (WBSJ) and covers an area of around 13 hectares. Ito Crane Sanctuary is named after the late Yoshitaka Ito, who dedicated many years to protecting cranes and donated the land for this purpose. Part of the cow pasture in the sanctuary becomes a feeding ground for cranes in winter. In the high season, more than 300 cranes can be seen at the same time. There is a shelter and a public toilet at the viewing area. If you want to warm up, there is a heated observation room with spotting scopes and binoculars and a view of the feeding site in the neighboring nature center. Admission to the nature center is free. During the opening hours from October to March, rangers are stationed here to provide explanations and information about Manchurian cranes.
#2 Tsurumidai
Location: On road 53 from Kushiro to Teshikaga
Description: Tsurumidai is an important feeding site for the red-crowned crane. Originally, there was an elementary school at this site, and the students started feeding the cranes in winter. After the school closed, the owners of a nearby dairy farm continued the feeding from mid-November to March. There is parking on-site, a café with a souvenir store, and a public toilet.
Cranes can also often be seen near the cow or horse pastures and stables, as they find food there. They are often frighteningly close to the roads, so keep an eye out when driving!
#3 Otowa Bridge over the Setsuri River
Location: Near Tsurui village, north of Kushiro.
Description: The Otowa Bridge over the Setsuri River is famous for watching cranes roosting. To protect themselves from predators, the cranes sleep in shallow water. The Setsuri River is ice-free in winter as water from hot springs flows into it. A roost with underfloor heating, so to speak, for the cranes.
Between mid-October and the end of March, up to 200 cranes can be seen about 200 meters downstream from the bridge. The cranes take off for their feeding grounds after sunrise. Some fly directly towards and over the spectators. On cold mornings, steam rises from the river and glows in the first light of dawn. Photographers gather here before sunrise. There is a footbridge built especially for photographers as well as two parking lots and restrooms. The Otowa Bridge is the only place where the red-crowned cranes can be observed sleeping without being disturbed.
Best time to visit: The early morning hours are ideal, as fog often forms, creating a mystical atmosphere and ideal conditions for photographers. Only the occasional crane can be seen during the day. Unfortunately, I didn't make it to the bridge in the early morning due to adverse weather conditions.
#4 Akan International Crane Center AICC (Akan Kokusai Tsuru Center)
Location: Kushiro, road 240 towards Akan Lake
Description: The Akan International Crane Center is one of the best and most famous crane-watching centers in Japan. Here you can see the birds up close and learn about their biology and the protection of their habitats. The center has an exhibition that provides information about the life of cranes and the relationship between humans and cranes. Outside, cranes are kept in breeding enclosures and, with a bit of luck and the right timing, you can watch chicks through special glass windows.
Next to the AICC is the Tancho Observation Center, which was founded in 1977. The building is open from November to March. This is where the farmer Mr. Sadajiro Yamazaki started feeding the cranes in 1950. The fields near the town of Akan are therefore considered the birthplace of the artificial feeding program for cranes and the area is known as an important wintering area. Although the citizens of Akan have been involved in crane conservation for many decades, the Akan International Crane Center (AICC) is a new facility that is also dedicated to public education and crane research.
Feeding times in the morning and afternoon offer excellent opportunities to watch the cranes approach and marvel at their dances.
Note: Opening hours daily from 9:00 to 17:00. An entrance fee is charged. There are food stands in front of the Crane Center and there is a rest stop with a snack bar across the street.
Photo Tips for great Crane Photos in Hokkaido
Equipment
To successfully photograph wild animals, you usually need a long focal length. Cranes in particular usually have a great flight distance and are gone faster than you can look. But things are different here at the feeding grounds. The red-crowned cranes are used to the feeders and people. They sometimes come very close to the barriers and you can observe them up close.
I worked at the feeding sites with a 100 mm - 400 mm zoom lens. I used the wooden fence that separates the observers from the cranes as a tripod stand. Since I wasn't using a tripod, I was able to move my camera faster and capture cranes flying in or dancing.
To photograph cranes from the Otowa Bridge at the roost, however, you need a longer focal length (at least 400 mm). A tripod is also useful here, or the bridge railing can be used as a tripod.
Light and Weather
The best time for crane watching is in winter. There is usually less snow in the area around Kushiro than in other parts of Hokkaido. Nevertheless, you have to expect snow, rain, and wind. A rain cover for your camera and a cleaning cloth are therefore essential in your camera bag. Most lenses have a lens hood. These are very useful when photographing in the snow as they keep your lens clean. Also, gloves and hand warmers if necessary. Be sure to take spare batteries with you, as batteries discharge more quickly in the cold, and keep your batteries warm in your trouser pocket.
Tips for a Variety of Motifs
Take your time and get creative. There are so many different motifs. Here are a few examples:
- Overview of the entire feeding site, possibly as a panorama
- Cranes in groups. Remember: groups with an odd number of cranes look more interesting than groups with an even number.
- Single shot of a crane in the landscape
- Dancing cranes
- Calling cranes
- Flying cranes
- Close-up of a crane's head
- High key shots (deliberate overexposure)
- Feeding
- Behind the scenes: people watching cranes
- Frog perspective, possibly with some snow in the foreground
Photography and Nature Conservation
Behavior in the protected area and at the feeding sites: Make sure to stay quiet and keep your distance from the animals. Noises and movements can easily disturb the birds, especially during feeding and mating. Regulations on signs and barriers must be observed. It is often windy. Hold on to your things so that they don't fly to the cranes on the pasture. If you see cranes away from the feeding areas, keep your distance! Every time they fly up, it costs the animals unnecessary energy.
Do not feed them yourself!
Take particular care at the Otowa Bridge: This is a popular spot where many people come at the same time. It is therefore important to remain considerate (also towards other photographers) and not to make any noise so as not to scare the birds away.
Practical Information
Getting there: Kushiro is the nearest airport and an important city that is well connected to other Japanese cities. From there, the protected areas and observation centers can be reached by public transport or rental car.
Guided tours: The tour operator Picchio offers guided tours to observe the cranes in Hokkaido. The starting point is the city of Kushiro.
Accommodation: Kushiro offers a selection of hotels that are a good starting point for day trips. In Tsurui village there are also some rural accommodations and guesthouses that allow nature lovers and photographers to be close to the observation sites. Early booking is necessary here.
Driving: Are you traveling by rental car? On the Adventure Hokkaido website, you will find helpful information on driving in Hokkaido. Be aware that there are many wildlife accidents in Hokkaido involving yezo sika deer, foxes, and cranes. Especially in the morning, evening, and at night.
Other Activities in the Kushiro Region
Kushiro Shitsugen National Park: Kushiro Wetland is the largest remaining wetland in Japan and the habitat of many bird species, including the red-crowned crane. There are various viewpoints and hiking trails as well as the Onnenai Visitor Center. From there, there is a system of boardwalks that take visitors through the forested wetland, open wetland, peat bog, and forest, and back to the visitor center. Also of interest is the Kushiro Marsh Observatory, from where you have a view over Kushiro and the wetland.
Kushiro Marsh Wildlife Conservation Center: On the way from Kushiro to the crane village of Tsurui, you will pass the Wildlife Sanctuary, where cranes, eagles, fish owls and other birds are rehabilitated. There is a small exhibition and a guided tour of the aviaries once a day.
Ainu culture: The indigenous Ainu culture in Hokkaido offers insights into traditional practices and life in close contact with nature. There are museums and cultural centers that promote the history and protection of Ainu culture, such as the Ainu Kotan Museum in Kushiro.
Conclusion on observing the Red-crowned Cranes in Hokkaido
Hokkaido offers a unique opportunity to see the majestic red-crowned cranes in their natural habitat. From protected areas to mystical river landscapes, the island offers special insights into the lives of these endangered cranes. The winter months transform the landscape into a magical world of snow, making crane-watching on Hokkaido an unforgettable experience.
Book Recommendations for Hokkaido
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Recommendations for further Reading
Do you love birding as much as I do? Then you'll definitely be interested in my article Birdwatching for Beginners - with Binoculars in Search of Happiness and my article Storks, Cranes & Co - Birdwatching around the "Stork Village" Linum.
