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Tsurui Village, located in Kushiro, Hokkaido, Japan, is one of Japan's most beautiful rural villages. It's named after the rare red-crowned cranes that inhabit the area. Visitors can enjoy unique experiences like milking cows, making cheese, riding horses, and even living in the village.
Climate: Temperate maritime monsoon climate
Best time to travel: All seasons
Recommended attractions: Lake Mashu, Lake Kussharo
Recommended play time: 2-3 hours
Tsurui Village is renowned for its conservation efforts of the endangered red-crowned crane. Established in 1987, the Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary provides a feeding ground for these cranes during winter, contributing to their preservation. The village is also part of the Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, Japan's largest marshland, offering rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes.
Tsurui Village is situated in eastern Hokkaido, Japan. It is approximately 30 minutes by car from Kushiro Airport. Public transportation options include buses from Kushiro to Tsurui Village Hall, followed by a 10-minute walk to the sanctuary.
The Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary is open from October 1 to March 31, with feeding sessions at 9:00 and 14:00. The Onnenai Visitor Center operates from April to October (9:00–17:00) and November (9:00–16:00), closed on Tuesdays (except during summer) and from December 29 to January 3. The best time to visit for crane viewing is during the winter months, particularly from November to March.
Entry to the Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary is free. The Onnenai Visitor Center also offers free admission. No advance ticket purchase is required for these attractions.
Advance booking is not necessary for visiting the Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary or the Onnenai Visitor Center. Visitors can arrive during operating hours without prior reservations.
A visit to the Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary typically takes about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the time spent observing the cranes and exploring the nature center. The Onnenai Wooden Path can be walked in approximately 40 minutes (round trip), with additional time for exploration at the Onnenai Visitor Center.
Key highlights include the feeding sessions at the Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary, the observation points along the Onnenai Wooden Path, and the nature center at the Onnenai Visitor Center, which provides educational exhibits on the local ecosystem.
Guided tours are available at the Onnenai Visitor Center, with English-speaking staff providing assistance. Audio guides may be available; it's advisable to inquire upon arrival.
Otowa Bridge offers excellent vantage points for photographing red-crowned cranes, especially during early morning hours. The Onnenai Wooden Path provides scenic views of the marshland and surrounding flora and fauna.
A recommended itinerary includes starting at the Onnenai Visitor Center to explore the exhibits and walk the Onnenai Wooden Path. Afterward, head to the Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary for crane viewing during feeding times. Conclude the day with a visit to Otowa Bridge for sunset photography.
Night visits and light shows are not available. However, early morning visits to Otowa Bridge provide opportunities for capturing the cranes in the soft light of dawn.
Weekdays, especially Tuesday through Thursday, are generally less crowded. Visiting during the early morning hours can also provide a more tranquil experience.
The Onnenai Visitor Center offers rest areas, toilets, and seasonal information. The Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary has a nature center with basic amenities. For dining and accommodations, Heart’n Tree provides meals and lodging with local cuisine.
The Onnenai Wooden Path is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for elderly and disabled visitors. The Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary and Otowa Bridge are accessible, though some areas may have uneven terrain.
Cash is commonly used in Tsurui Village. While some establishments may accept credit cards or mobile payments, it's advisable to carry sufficient cash for purchases and services.
Heart’n Tree offers a restaurant serving locally sourced meals. Nearby, the Tsurui Village Agricultural Processing Facility provides dairy products such as cheese, ice cream, and yogurt.
Heart’n Tree focuses on locally sourced ingredients, including dairy and vegetables. It's recommended to inquire about specific dietary requirements directly with the establishment.
Heart’n Tree offers accommodations in cottages surrounded by pastures. For other options, consider staying in Kushiro, approximately 30 minutes by car from Tsurui Village, where a range of hotels and guesthouses are available.
Nearby attractions include Lake Akan, known for its scenic beauty and boat tours, and Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, which offers additional wildlife viewing opportunities.
Souvenir options include local dairy products such as cheese and ice cream from the Tsurui Village Agricultural Processing Facility. Additionally, handcrafted items may be available at local establishments.
After visiting Tsurui Village, consider traveling to Kushiro for further exploration or onward travel. Public buses and taxis are available for transportation to and from Tsurui Village.
