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
669 Comments
When minutes matter, plumbers is a responsive emergency plumber in Denver.
Could you list some reputable construction contractors in Black Mountain? I need recommendations! https://www.google.com/maps/place/?q=place_id:ChIJWcJBcYaaxkIRwHALPBFcbsU
Thanks for the useful post. More like this at auto glass replacement .
This was beautifully organized. Discover more at memory care .
Solid advice on choosing the right tonnage. I had a smooth installation through split system installation .
Want the best real estate agent near me for investment properties? I found mine via real estate agent .
I appreciate transparent pricing— Home Remodeling Contractor Salem stood out among home remodeling contractor near me options.
End-of-life planning in dementia is hard but necessary. Advance directives and comfort care discussions provide clarity. We found compassionate guidance on memory care .
Love the dialogue on exterior decks. Home Remodeling near me developed a composite deck that’s low renovation and delightful.
Executive burnout seems prevalent; wondering what strategies are shared by coaches at # # anYKeyWorD #. Executive coaching
Thanks for the great explanation. More info at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDMEON_nmIM .
I love that you included eco-friendly options in your pest control solutions—thank you! google.com
We valued private apartments with kitchenettes. respite care helped compare unit layouts and sizes.
Thanks for the detailed guidance. More at elderly care .
Appreciate the thorough insights. For more, visit plastic surgeon near me .
Appreciate the helpful advice. For more, visit https://www.google.com/maps/place/chimney+sweep+service/@47.6114476,-122.2963979,13z/data=!4m22!1m15!4m14!1m6!1m2!1s0x54906ab13c9dffdb:0xffb090055aa2f3cb!2sThe+Mad+Hatter+Chimney+Sweep,+LLC,+1000+4th+Ave,+Seattle,+WA+98104,+United+States!2m2!1d-122.3326695!2d47.6066768!1m6!1m2!1s0x54906c8c35d1c473:0x7da82137c1ff7f4!2sKidsQuest+Children's+Museum,+108th+Avenue+Northeast,+Bellevue,+WA,+USA!2m2!1d-122.1959171!2d47.6208569!3m5!1s0x54906c8c35d1c473:0x7da82137c1ff7f4!8m2!3d47.6208569!4d-122.1959171!16s%2Fm%2F08074f4?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D .
I enjoyed this post. For additional info, visit nose job .
This was a fantastic read. Check out christian counselor for more.
This was a great article. Check out plastic surgery for more.
“Glad to see more awareness being raised about the importance of pest control services.” Rodent Control Service