The Izumi plain is the largest wintering ground for cranes in Japan, hosting well over 10,000 hooded cranes (nabezuru) and white-naped cranes (manazuru) that fly in from the Asian mainland each winter. From this two-storey observation center a visitor overlooks the flooded rice fields where the vast flocks feed and roost from roughly November to March; outside that window the fields are farmland and the birds are gone. Dawn, when the cranes lift off en masse, is the classic viewing time.

Best season

Spring · Autumn · Winter

Crowd level

Moderate

Rating

4.2· 1,246 reviews

Opening hours

Seasonal — see below

Usual hours — confirm with the official site for holidays + seasonal closures.

Admission

Adults 220 yen; elementary/junior-high students 110 yen. Open only in crane season.

Nearest station

Nodagou Station

Website

izumi-navi.jp/spots/post-953

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