Tsurui Village, located in Eastern Hokkaido, is one of the best places to observe the majestic red-crowned cranes, designated as a Special Natural Monument of Japan.Join our experienced guides from Picchio Shiretoko to witness the breathtaking sight of these cranes in their natural habitat. Afterward, enjoy a scenic drive through the Kushiro Marsh, where you may also encounter deer, eagles, and other wildlife.
*NOTE* This tour departs from the town of Kushiro, located approximately 150 km south of Shiretoko Peninsula.
If you are carrying children or prefer to have a private group tour, please reserve by selecting ‘Book Tour as Private.
<Pick up & Drop off location> Kushiro city
Kushiro City is a charming port town blessed with stunning natural beauty and home to two iconic national parks: Kushiro Shitsugen National Park and Akan-Mashu National Park. Nestled along the Pacific Ocean, the city boasts cool, refreshing summers and mild winters, making it a comfortable destination year-round. Unlike many other areas in Hokkaido, Kushiro experiences minimal snowfall, offering a pleasantly accessible climate. The surrounding landscapes are truly captivating. Japan’s largest wetland, Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, and the breathtaking Akan-Mashu National Park, home to the serene Lake Akan, are havens for rare wildlife. Visitors can marvel at graceful red-crowned cranes, majestic Steller’s sea eagles, and Ezo deer roaming freely in their natural habitats. Kushiro is also celebrated for its incredible seafood, freshly landed at Kushiro Port. Food lovers will be delighted by the city’s unique culinary offerings.
<Access>
From Sapporo
1. By Train: JR Limited Express
Service: JR Limited Express "Ozora"
Travel Time: Approximately 4 hours
Frequency: 6-7 trains per day (as of 2023)
Cost: Around 9,500–10,000 JPY (one way, unreserved seat);
discounts may apply for rail pass holders like the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass or Japan Rail Pass.
2. By Plane
Depart: New Chitose Airport (Sapporo)
Arrive: Kushiro Airport
Flight Time: About 45 minutes
Airlines: JAL (Japan Airlines) and ANA (All Nippon Airways)
Cost: 10,000–15,000 JPY (one way), depending on the time of booking and promotional fares.
3. By Highway Bus
Service: Hokkaido Chuo bus
Travel Time: Approximately 5 hours 30 minutes
Note Need to make a reservation in advance
Cost: Around 6,000 JPY (one way),depending on the time of booking and promotional fares.
4. By Car (Self-Drive)
Route: Via the Doto Expressway and National Route 38.
Travel Time: Around 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 300 km
Highway fare: About 6,000 JPY one way.
From Tokyo
By Plane
The fastest and most convenient option.
Departure Airports: Haneda Airport (HND) or Narita Airport (NRT)
Arrival Airport: Kushiro Airport (KUH)
Flight Time: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes
Airlines: JAL (Japan Airlines) and ANA (All Nippon Airways) operate from Haneda.
Some low-cost carriers (seasonal) may operate from Narita.
Cost: Regular fares: 15,000–30,000 JPY (one way).
Period
From Jan 10th to Mar 20th, 2025
Time
8:30 am - 12:30 pm
1:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Price
6,000 JPY ~/ person as a group tour
45,000 JPY~/ group(1-8people) as a private tour
*Prices change depending on the date. For details, please refer to the reservation calendar.
Requirement
6 years or older.
*If you are accompanied by small children under 6 years old, please book as a private tour.
Language
English
Meeting place
Select a requested meeting place from below when you make a reservation.
-Group tour-
・Hotels in Kushiro Area(Lobby of your accommodation.)
・JR Kushiro station
-Private tour-
・Hotels in Kushiro Area(Lobby of your accommodation.)
・JR Kushiro station
・Kushiro Airport
Pick up time
The meeting time is different depending on the meeting place requested.
Once we have that information, we will inform you of the pick-up time based on your location.
Tour Schedule
① Pickup from the place in Kushiro you requested
② Red-crowned Crane observation in Tsurui Village
③ Wildlife watching drive through Kushiro Marsh Road (deer, eagles, etc.)
④ Stop by Hosooka Observatory for a panoramic view of Kushiro Marsh
⑤ Drop-off at hotel in Kushiro
① Pick up at hotels in Kushiro area
Morning tour ~8:30AM
Afternoon tour ~1:30PM
② Tsurui Ito sanctuary and Tsurumi dai observation spot
Observe crane about 30min. each
③ Kushiro Marsh Road
Searching for eagles and wildlife
④ Hoshooka observatory
Enjoy spectacular view of the marsh land
⑤ Drive back to hotels in Kushiro area
*The tour itinerary is subject to change without prior notice due to weather or road conditions. Thank you for your understanding.
Head
Woolen hat, neck-warmer
Tops
Waterproof jacket (or ski jacket), fleece jacket, sweater and long sleeve shirts.
Bottoms
Waterproof overtrousers (or ski trousers). It is strongly recommended to wear thick fabric trousers or tights underneath.
Shoes
Warm winter boots
Others
Gloves
Sunglasses or goggles are useful.
Bottle of water
Notice
- Please note that encounters with wildlife are not 100% guaranteed.
- Depending on natural conditions, the end time may vary slightly. Please join our tours with time to spare.
- Please come to the agreed place on time. If you are late on the day, we will consider you a no show and might give your spot to someone else. Please contact us if you think you might be delayed.
- Cancellation is free up to 2 days before the tour. If you cancel 2 days before the start of the tour, you will be charged a cancellation fee of 20%, if you cancel the day before the tour then a 50 % cancellation fee will apply and if you cancel on the day of the tour, then the full tour price will be asked for.
For more information please refer to “Frequently Asked Questions”.
Join our popular "Red-crowned Crane and Wildlife Watching" in a private setting exclusively for your group.
Period
From Jan 10th-31st. and Mar 10th-20th.
Time
8:30 am - 12:30 pm
1:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Pricing:
1-8 people: ¥45,000~
Capacity:
8 people per guide
Reservations:
- Online Reservations: Available 24/7.
- Phone Reservations: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM. If staff are unavailable, please leave your name and message on the answering machine, and we will get back to you as soon as we return from the tour.
Here are the list of the wildlife you may encounter on this tour.
Red crowned crane
The red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis) is a majestic and graceful bird native to Hokkaido, Japan, and parts of East Asia. Revered as one of Japan's sacred birds, its striking beauty has captured hearts for generations. Once on the brink of extinction with only a dozen individuals remaining, conservation efforts have successfully revived their population to around 2,000 today.
During this tour, you’ll visit special sites where cranes are fed to support their population growth. In winter, particularly from January to March—their mating season—these magnificent birds gather at feeding grounds. This is a rare opportunity to witness their enchanting courtship rituals, including elegant dances and calls between males and females.
