Japan. 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 Manchurian Crane (Grus japonensis) - also known as the Japanese Crane or 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. In the language of the indigenous Ainu people, the crane is called “sarorun-kamuy”, which means “god of the wetlands”. Tancho is the Japanese name for these magnificent birds, which are one of the most beautiful and largest crane species in the world. It is known for its snow-white plumage, black wings, and its distinctive red spot on the forehead, which also gave it its English name “Red-Crowned Crane”. Interestingly, the patch is not made of red feathers but of skin and becomes larger and brighter when the crane is excited. Like other crane species, the Manchurian crane is known for its graceful movements and complex courtship dances, in which the couple jumps in sync and poses 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

You want to know where the journey goes? Then I can recommend these books*.

You can order the books with a click on the pictures on Amazon. If you buy a product via an affiliate link, I get a small commission, and you help me to keep filling Fernweh-Motive with interesting articles. The product will not be more expensive for you, and you will do me a huge favor.

Do you want to know when there are new articles on my blog? Then follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. I would also be very happy if you share my article with your friends.

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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.

Der Beitrag Kraniche in Hokkaido beobachten: Locations und Fototipps erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

Hokkaido, Japan. Off the beaten tourist track, the Notsuke Peninsula has many surprises in store, especially in winter. The wildlife encounters and views of the mountains of Shiretoko National Park and the Kuril Islands in particular make the peninsula a worthwhile destination for nature lovers and photographers. Here you will find out what you can see on the island in winter. You'll also get lots of practical tips for planning your trip.

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Winter on the Notsuke Peninsula

The Notsuke Peninsula is Japan's largest sand spit. It protrudes into the Nemuro Strait as a 26 km long, hook-shaped strip on the eastern edge of Hokkaido. The headland is surrounded by a shallow bay on one side and the rough Sea of Okhotsk on the other.

The narrow strip of land offers a unique ecosystem and an equally interesting landscape of submerged forests, and in winter, frozen wetlands and sea ice. Along its entire length, the Notsuke Peninsula offers breathtaking views of the Shiretoko Mountains and Kunashir Island, which is the first island of the Kuril Islands. 

The peninsula is characterized by vast salt marshes, swamps and a landscape dominated by sand dunes. Depending on the season, the area presents a different face, making every trip an unforgettable experience. I visited Hokkaido in winter. Then the peninsula is transformed into a breathtakingly beautiful snowy landscape. The shallow waters of the bay are then largely frozen and a vast white horizon of ice opens up, sometimes melting into the sky. In late February, the drift ice penetrates as far as Notsuke Bay, creating a rare and spectacular view. Unfortunately, I was there a little too early and didn't see any drift ice.

Highlights of the Notsuke Peninsula in Hokkaido in Winter

Notsuke Nature Center

A visit to the Notsuke Peninsula also includes a stop at the Notsuke Peninsula Nature Center. It is located around 15 km from the base of the peninsula and offers information about the unique ecology of the region. There are exhibitions about the flora and fauna as well as guided tours, in winter with snowshoes. There is a restaurant to cater for small or large appetites, and if you like, you can buy a souvenir or two. The Notsuke Peninsula Nature Center also offers various nature tours. These are usually in Japanese. However, tours can also be offered in English on request.

Wildlife on the Notsuke Peninsula in Winter

The place is a paradise for birds. Even in winter, numerous gulls and sea ducks such as the harlequin duck or shellente can be observed here. However, the east of Hokkaido is famous for its giant sea eagles, which can be seen here regularly. With a bit of luck, you may also encounter the Manchurian crane here.

In winter, when the grass is not so high, sika deer can be observed particularly well. They move around in groups, especially in the rear part of the peninsula, and often stay right by the roadside. The deer are particularly active at dusk. Foxes can also occasionally be seen on the Notsuke Peninsula.

The waters around the peninsula also provide a habitat for seals and the occasional dolphin. Boat trips to the peninsula can be taken from the nearby fishing village of Odaito in summer.

Mystical Ghost Trees

The dead trees that protrude from the swamps like ghost trees are particularly striking. This landscape gives the peninsula a mystical atmosphere. There are two places where you can clearly see the dead forest:

Todowara: The trail to Todowara starts right next to the Nature Center. First, a gravel path leads to a small toilet building. From there, a wooden boardwalk begins across the swamp to the dead trees. Todowara was once covered by dense forests of todomatsu (Sakhalin fir) and ezomatsu (Yezo spruce). The trees have died due to subsidence and erosion. What remains is an unreal landscape of individual dead trees that are slowly weathering and will sooner or later disappear.

Narawara: Around the middle of the peninsula, you will see the Narawara forest, which consists of dead Mizunara oaks. The name Narawara comes from the Ainu word “Onnikuru”. This means “great forest”. Only remnants of the large forest remain today. There is a good view from the opposite bank. There is a small parking lot here. The mystical forest is particularly beautiful at sunset.

Birdwatching Hide on the Notsuke Peninsula

Just behind the lighthouse is a hide for birdwatching and photography. The windows face the bay and there is a small lake in front of it. The birdwatching hide is particularly interesting in summer. More than 250 bird species, including brent geese, waders and plovers, visit the area all year round. But a visit is also worthwhile in winter, as you have a beautiful view from here even without birds.

You can get to the birdwatching hide if you continue along the road from the Nature Center to the end. Just before the lighthouse, you can park your car in the Notsukezaki parking lot. From there, continue on foot for about 500 meters, as the rest of the gravel road is only accessible to fishermen.

Tips for your Visit to the Notsuke Peninsula in Winter

Accommodation

The small fishing village of Odaito is located opposite the Notsuke Peninsula and is an ideal starting point. I can highly recommend the privately run Odaito Nest , which is just a 10-minute drive from the Notsuke Peninsula. The room was huge, especially by Japanese standards, and there was everything you need as a traveler, including a communal kitchen. Our host also gave us a very special experience with a clam breakfast. Click here to visit the host's website..

The best Time to Visit

December to February is ideal for snow lovers and wildlife spotting. From mid-February, drift ice can be seen on the sea. May to October are perfect for experiencing the Notsuke Peninsula in bloom.

Conservation

The Notsuke Peninsula is a nature reserve with restricted access. It is important that visitors adhere to the barriers and stay on designated paths. Wild animals should not be stalked or fed. Otherwise, wild animals, such as foxes, lose their natural fear of humans, approach cars and quickly become roadkill.

Earthquakes and Tsunamis

Earthquakes and tsunamis can occur in Japan. Along the coastal road and on the peninsula, signs warn of tsunamis and indicate escape routes. On the Notsuke Peninsula, there is an elevated shelter at the level of the Nature Center.

Book Recommendations for Hokkaido

You want to know where the journey goes? Then I can recommend these books*.

You can order the books with a click on the pictures on Amazon. If you buy a product via an affiliate link, I get a small commission, and you help me to keep filling Fernweh-Motive with interesting articles. The product will not be more expensive for you, and you will do me a huge favor.

Do you want to know when there are new articles on my blog? Then follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. I would also be very happy if you share my article with your friends.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Recommendations for further Reading

Do you love remote places and lonely landscapes as much as I do? Then you might also be interested in my article about the Orkney Islands and my article Varanger Fjord: witches, street art and wildlife on the National Scenic Route.

Der Beitrag Wildtiere und Landschaften im Winter auf der Notsuke-Halbinsel erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.