Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

The Akan International Crane Center is the only facility in Japan specializing in the research and protection of red-crown cranes (Tancho in Japanese). These culturally significant birds were saved from extinction in the 1950s by farmers in the Akan area who fed them crops through the harsh winters. In the facility itself, check out the exhibitions which explain the cranes’ ecosystem. On the adjacent wetlands, be sure to watch these majestic birds outdoors under close-to-natural conditions. Between November and March, over 300 red-crowned cranes gather in the feeding area in front of the neighboring Tancho Observation Center. Don’t miss the rare chance to see these stunning birds flying over the snow-covered landscape!

Lake Akan is famous for its marimo, a special natural treasure. On the southern shore of the lake is Lake Akan Onsen, which boasts a history of more than 100 years. The hot spring resort town stretches along the lakeside and is lined with inns overlooking the lake, as well as restaurants and souvenir stores. Many day-trip bathing facilities are available, making it easy to enjoy the hot springs. In addition to the hot springs, canoeing and other activities are popular, attracting many tourists from all over Japan. The lakeside area is full of attractions such as the Lake Akan Ainu Kotan, where you can experience Ainu culture, the Ainu Theater Ikoro, and the Bokke Nature Trail, where hot mud and volcanic gases spout out from the ground. During the coldest months of the year, Lake Akan is also home to the rare natural phenomenon of frost flowers.

Fireworks are set off over the frozen Lake Akan in minus 20 degrees Celsius. After viewing the fireworks, warm up in the hot spring water of Lake Akan Onsen and return home! During the festival, you can also enjoy events at “Aisland Akan,” a limited-time ice leisure land. There are many fun winter attractions such as snowmobiles, banana boats and all-terrain vehicles (for a fee). Enjoy the winter in Akan!

*Aisland Akan attractions will open as soon as they are ready. Event details are subject to change.

Next to Kushiro’s Nusamai Bridge sits the Kushiro Fisherman’s Wharf “MOO”, a bustling marketplace full of local delicacies served out of yatai food stalls. Built in 1989, this waterfront establishment houses fish markets, souvenir shops, restaurants, and other facilities. Visitors should try the Ganpeki-Robata Grill, a restaurant that lets patrons grill fresh seafood over an open robata-style charcoal grill. The shop faces the Kushiro River and is open from May until Oct.

The SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train is a popular winter event in Kushiro, running powerfully through the silvery white Kushiro Shitsugen.

This special train runs between Kushiro Station and Shibecha Station on the JR Senmo Line between January and March. The interior of the train is thoroughly "authentic retro," with heavy varnished walls and wooden-framed chairs.

From the windows of the train, passengers can enjoy a panoramic view of Kushiro Shitsugen, where they can sometimes see red-crowned cranes soaring over the snowy fields and wild animals such as Ezo sika deer. This quaint SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train attracts many railroad fans and tourists from all over Japan every year.