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Alastair Rae / CC BY-SA 2.0
UPCOMINGFREE ENTRYOther· Annual
Tsurui Red-Crowned Crane Winter
鶴居タンチョウの舞
Hokkaido
Japan's most photographed wildlife scene: hundreds of red-crowned cranes dance in the snow fields of Tsurui village. Dawn visits when cranes take off from roost sites create spectacular low-light photography opportunities.
- Dates
- December 1 – February 28Dates follow the event's usual annual pattern — confirm with the organizer before you travel.
- Location
- Hokkaido
- Nearest station
- No nearby station — Akan Bus from Kushiro Station (~1 hr) to Tsurui-mura Yakuba-mae, then ~15 min walk
- Crowd level
- Local attendance
- Entry
- Free entry
- Official site
- tancho.marimo.jp
Happens every year
What to expect
In the serene snow-covered fields of Tsurui, the graceful red-crowned cranes perform their elegant dances, their striking red caps and black-and-white plumage contrasting vividly against the white landscape.
Best viewing tips
Arrive before dawn at the Otowa Bridge for the best view of cranes taking flight. Bring a tripod for low-light photography and dress warmly for the frigid temperatures.
How to get there
From Sapporo Station · ~4h 29m by car
Your turn
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