Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

The Tancho crane, one of the largest wild birds in Japan, has a body length of about 140 cm and a wingspan that can reach about 240 cm. Covered in white feathers, the Tancho is characterized by its bright red crown. The name "Tancho" is written in kanji as "丹頂," where "丹" means "red" and "頂" means "head," referring to its red head.

Primarily inhabiting wetlands, rivers, and lakes, the Tancho crane was once thought to be extinct due to wetland development and overhunting. However, it was rediscovered in the Kushiro area during the Taisho era. Thanks to local conservation efforts, including feeding programs, the population has now recovered to over 1,500 birds.

Although often seen in snowy fields and feeding grounds during winter, giving the impression of a migratory bird, the Tancho actually resides in Hokkaido year-round. Spring and summer are breeding and nurturing seasons, so you might spot wild Tancho cranes scattered across various wetlands.

Symbolizing marital harmony, Tancho cranes are known to stay with their chosen mate for life. Their courtship dance, seen around mid-February, is particularly graceful and memorable.

Tsurumidai

Located in Tsurui Village in eastern Hokkaido, Tsurui Village is surrounded by the Kushiro Wetlands and serves as a wintering ground for Tancho cranes every year. One of the feeding spots in Tsurui Village is "Tsurumidai." At the feeding spot, corn and other food are provided to help the cranes survive the winter when food is scarce, thus protecting them. Feeding takes place from November to March, and around 180 cranes visit each year in search of food. The sight of cranes leisurely spending time in the spacious area is very graceful! In February, you can enjoy various scenes depending on the season, such as cranes performing courtship displays. It is also a popular photo spot that attracts many photographers and tourists from all over the country every winter. Additionally, there is a café in front of Tsurumidai where you can watch the cranes from the window while enjoying a meal. With delicious food, beautiful herb gardens, and souvenirs available, it's definitely worth a visit.

Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary

This is another feeding ground in Tsurui Village, covering a vast area of 10 hectares, where nearly 300 red-crowned cranes visit every year. Feeding takes place during the winter season from November to March, attracting many tourists. Feeding usually occurs around 9 AM and 2 PM, and visiting during these times allows you to see the precious sight of many cranes pecking at their food. Additionally, the sanctuary has a "Nature Center" operated by the Wild Bird Society of Japan, where you can observe the cranes indoors, making it a safe visit even in cold weather. It is recommended to listen to detailed explanations about the cranes' ecology, calls, and behavior from rangers or volunteer guides before observing. Enjoy the beautiful sight of cranes calling to each other and gracefully taking flight at your leisure.

Tancho Observation Center

From November to March each year, artificial feeding with corn and other food is conducted at the feeding ground in front of the Tancho Observation Center. This creates a magnificent scene with about 150 to 300 wild red-crowned cranes gathering. You can observe the cranes not only from outside but also from the warm indoors equipped with free binoculars, making it safe to visit even in the cold season. There is also a snack and café corner where you can relax.

Adjacent to the center is the "Akan International Crane Center Grus," which is open year-round. In the outdoor breeding area, red-crowned cranes and white-naped cranes are kept, allowing close observation regardless of the season. Since it is difficult to encounter wild cranes in the summer, it is delightful to be able to observe cranes kept in a natural-like environment at any time.

The center also has extensive facilities, including exhibition rooms and video corners where you can learn in detail about the ecology and characteristics of the cranes, as well as a library with literature on cranes. There is also a kids' space with computer quizzes and wooden toys, making it perfect for family visits. The admission fee is shared with the Tancho Observation Center, so be sure to visit both.

Kushiro City Tancho Crane Nature Park

At the Kushiro City Tancho Crane Nature Park, you can see several red-crowned cranes living freely throughout the year. The park was established to protect and breed these cranes, and in 1970, it became the first in the world to successfully hatch a crane artificially. The park is renowned for its excellent hatching techniques. The cranes are kept in conditions that closely resemble their natural habitat, allowing visitors to observe them in a lively and natural state. One of the park's attractions is the ability to see the cranes up close, making it easy for families with small children to enjoy. The cranes enter their breeding and birthing season from April to May, so visiting during this time might give you the chance to see crane chicks! Observing the cranes' parenting, as they are known for their lifelong monogamous relationships and dedication to their families, can be a precious experience. The park also features an observation deck with a panoramic view of the breeding grounds, an exhibition room, and a rest area where you can watch the cranes from indoors. The park is conveniently located about a 10-minute drive from Kushiro Airport, making it an easy visit.

In Hokkaido, there are many animals designated as natural monuments or endangered species. When observing red-crowned cranes and other wildlife, please follow the rules and manners, such as not entering areas other than designated ones, not making loud noises or startling the animals, not feeding them, and not using flash photography. Let's observe the animals respectfully. Enjoy the graceful sight of red-crowned cranes dancing in the snow.