Red crown crane (tsuru 鶴) has been one of my favourite animal to watch. They’re such graceful creatures. These birds do roam around all over Japan, but the easiest stop will be Kushiro. Kushiro is a small town to the east of Hokkaido. No fast train from major towns, 4.5 hours from Sapporo.
There are several options in the area:
- Akan International Crane Center
- Tsurui Ito Tancho Crane Sanctuary
- Japanese Crane Reserve
- Kushiro Shitsugen Observatory (Kushiro Shitsugen National Park)
- Tsurumidai Feeding Point
- Tsurui-It Tanch Sanctuary
For those epic crane dance in the snow photos, go to Kushiro Shitsugen National Park in the winter. Otherwise for the balance of the year, I recommend visiting the Japanese Crane Reserve instead; sheer for the chance to spot the bird.

I am not very hardy in cold weather. I went to Kushiro Japanese Crane Reserve in summer. Got quite lucky and spotted a baby crane.







This tested my patience immensely. Although I will love to see THE winter dance, I don’t know whether I have the endurance for this type of photography.
Why were there no net in my photos? This is why.
The reserve had these holes in the net for visitors to take their clean shot. This Japanese guy was very sweet and we shared this spot; like 5min was his turn and 5min was mine.
Tips
Bring your 300m-500m with you.
Camera should shoot can minimum 7 photo per second to avoid additional frustration.
Winter is THE time to shoot the crane dance. It’s the ONLY time.
If you visit in winter, be prepared for the crowd. Tripod & lens jacket is highly recommended.

Where was I?
Japanese Crane Reserve
112 Tsuruoka, Kushiro, Hokkaido, Japan
釧路市丹頂鶴自然公園
釧路市川北町9番34号
This park was easily accessible by bus. It was less than 1 hour from the Kushiro bus terminal.
**Again, will like to emphasis that only the summer photos are mine. I felt that it would make this post more informative if I offer both winter and summer photos. “Borrowed” photos’ original sources are marked in the caption beneath the photo.
Camera: Canon 5D mark 3
Please be a sweetheart & support one of my social media xox
Bloglovin’ / Google+ / Twitter / Instagram / Facebook / Pinterest
255 Comments
Great job! Find more at https://www.provenexpert.com/mikita-door-window-long-island-door-installation4/ .
Your note on insurance discounts is spot on. emergency lockouts provided documentation after upgrading my locks.
This was quite helpful. For more, visit https://medium.com/@themadhatterchi_2394/about .
Great tips! For more, visit Fortunium free spins features .
After last season’s storms, my roof was in shambles—great advice on how to approach repairs! Roof repairs Cork
I appreciate the focus on quality materials in this process. Astral Roofing seems like a reliable choice! Certified Roofing Experts
Posture enhanced quickly with assistance from a chiropractic doctor near me– scheduled on chiropractic clinic near me .
Appreciate the detailed information. For more, visit derecho penal Santiago de Compostela .
Warto poczytać porady prawne publikowane na blogu adwokat gorzów , dużo praktycznej wiedzy!
Great tips! For more, visit Mejor taxi en Arzúa .
Such a helpful post! I’ll keep these tips in mind when searching for AC repair in Bozeman. HVAC contractor Belgrade Montana
Good point about local expertise. insurance agency North Canton matched me with an agent who knew my area.
Thank you for making this topic accessible and relatable, especially regarding common homeowner mistakes with flat roofs!! More info needed from Cork roofing contractor
Outside events can be difficult without the best amenities. I highly suggest taking a look at portable toilet rental company if you need porta potty leasings in the Macon area!
I didn’t realize clear out sizes would range. I requested for widespread sizes in my quote by using furnace repair Canadian Heating and Air Conditioning hamilton .
Your guide to hinge types helped me decide. I sourced soft-close cabinets in Vancouver BC from kitchen cabinets .
Portable toilets are vital for any large event. I discovered the best rental service in Amarillo at porta potty rental company — inspect them out!
Wonderful post regarding the significance of board up services; it’s something everyone should consider seriously! board up service pasadena
Thanks for the great explanation. More info at hotel .
It’s clean to look such clean guidance on septic repairs—thanks for making it clean to keep in mind! septic tank la crescenta