Kushiro Marshland & Tsurui Village in Winter: Dance of the Cranes, Hunt of the Sea Eagles
Snow squeaks underfoot as steam lifts off the wetlands and a pair of red-crowned cranes bow, leap, and sing—their breath blooming in the cold. Welcome to Tsurui in winter, where Hokkaido’s most elegant residents meet the big northern sky.
Why this Tour Belongs on your Hokkaido Winter List
Eastern Hokkaido is one of the world’s great winter wildlife stages. Between late November and mid-March, Tsurui Village’s feeding grounds draw large flocks of red-crowned cranes (tancho)—Japan’s “gods of the marsh”—for close viewing and sometimes their famous courtship dances. Along rivers and coasts, you may also encounter Steller’s and white-tailed sea eagles, which migrate to Hokkaido from around November and depart by late March—keep an eye on the skies during the drive. All of this plays out inside Kushiroshitsugen National Park, Japan’s largest wetland, a protected ecosystem of frozen rivers, hoarfrosted reeds, and wide-open winter light.
What You’ll Experience (half-day)
This guided four-hour outing pairs prime wildlife stops with warm, local touches and easy logistics from Kushiro city.
Onnenai Marsh Trail
Stroll a wheelchair-friendly boardwalk on the park’s western edge for big wetland vistas and birdlife—beautiful in every season, starkly atmospheric in winter.
Tsurui-Ito Sanctuary or Tsurumidai
Choose from the village’s signature winter crane viewpoints, where supplemental feeding concentrates birds for ethical observation and photography. Expect natural behaviors—calling, dancing, squabbling—when luck and conditions align.
Local Café Warm-up
Pause mid-tour for coffee and Hokkaido sweets before returning to the snow.
Scenic Drive across the Marsh
Window-watch for Ezo sika deer, red foxes, cranes, and raptors as the guide navigates the national park’s wintry byways.
Lake Shirarutoro
A local favorite: even in deep winter, the lake often keeps open water, drawing swans and waterfowl—especially lovely toward sunset.
At-a-Glance (2025–2026 season)
- Operating dates: December 1, 2025 – March 20, 2026 (daily)
- Start times:
- Morning: 08:00–12:00 (Dec 1–Jan 20) / 08:30–12:30 (Jan 21–Mar 20)
- Afternoon: 13:00–17:00 (Dec 1–Jan 20) / 13:30–17:30 (Jan 21–Mar 20)
- Pickup/Drop-off: Kushiro city hotels or JR Kushiro Station
- Inclusions: English-speaking wildlife guide, transportation, binocular rental, coffee & sweets
- Duration: ~4 hours
- Ages: 6+ (minors with adult)
- Group size: up to 6 per booking
- Wildlife disclaimer: Sightings are never 100% guaranteed; routes and end times may adjust to conditions.
When to Go—and Which Time of Day to Choose
Photographers often favor January–February for consistent snow and energetic displays, but the crane season in Tsurui runs from late November through mid-March. Mornings can deliver frosty breath and steam rising off the rivers; afternoons offer softer golden light and (often) gentler temps—this tour runs both slots daily.
Pro tip: If your schedule allows, pair a tour day with an Otowa Bridge sunrise on another morning to watch cranes lift off from the Setsuri River’s misty roost.
What to Wear (and Bring) for Sub-Zero Comfort
- Head/neck: Knit hat, neck warmer
- Upper body: Waterproof or ski jacket + fleece + sweater + long-sleeve base
- Lower body: Waterproof overpants/ski pants over warm pants/tights
- Feet/Hands: Warm winter boots, insulated gloves
- Extras: Sunglasses/goggles, bottled water; motion-sickness meds if you’re sensitive (there are longer car transfers)
Meeting Points & Access
Pickup is available at Kushiro city hotel lobbies or JR Kushiro Station. Exact times are confirmed the day before based on your location—plan cushion time, as winter conditions can be variable.
Responsible Wildlife Viewing
Stay on designated paths and follow the guide’s instructions at feeding sites and boardwalks—the wetlands are a national park-protected and internationally important habitat. Keep voices low, give animals space, and let natural behaviors lead your photos.
Make it a Winter Wildlife Mini-break
- Ride the SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen steam train through the marsh (Jan–Feb most years)—a vintage, slow-rolling window on deer and cranes. Check the JR Hokkaido page for dates and seat reservations.
- More crane time: If you’re self-driving on another day, Tsurui’s Tsurumidai and Ito Sanctuary are classic stops for observation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Don’t Miss the Dance
Winter in Kushiro hits different. Steam over the marsh, cranes mid–glow-up, eagles serving main-character energy. If “once-in-a-lifetime” is on your 2025 bingo card, this is the square you stamp. Lock in the vibes (and the views) before the season peaces out. Book your winter spot
