Highlights
Explore Tsurui Village and Setsurigawa, where cranes gather, in about 3.5 hours
Morning tours may reveal frost and mist in the chilly air
Cranes are larger and louder than expected, and you might see them flying overhead!
A special winter crane experience with a guide, limited to 3 guests
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Overview
Kushiro/ Akan/ Mashu
Available Daily
Pick-up available
Special Deals
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Group discount
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190453
10078
Coupons
What to expect
In Tsurui Village, red-crowned cranes gather for winter. Despite temperatures dropping to -30°C, the river stays warm, serving as their roost. This 3.5-hour tour lets you experience their calls, graceful presence, and the pristine white landscape.
Check availability
Red-crowned Crane Observation Walking Tour - Winter Scenery
Total:
Price per Adult :
Adult (Age 13 & over)
USD 81.55
Total:
Adult (Age 13 & over)
USD 81.55
Price per Adult :
Group discount
Observe the majestic red-crowned cranes at feeding sites in Tsurui Village. This tour offers the opportunity to enjoy the pristine white winter landscape while witnessing these beautiful birds in their natural habitat.
Tour Duration: December 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025
Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours
*If booking for one person, a single participant fee applies.
Elementary school (Age 6-12)
USD 68.40
Overview
Morning, Afternoon
Available Daily
With pick-up
Inclusions: Domestic travel accident insurance / Participation fee / Guide fee
Schedule
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Start time :
06:25
Meet at JR Otanoshike Station (Shuttle Service Is Available)
06:30
After Completing the Check-In Process, the Tour Begins!
Hop into the guide's car and head to the spots where the red-crowned cranes can be observed.
07:10
Visit a Spot With a Panoramic View of the Kushiro Wetlands
Make a brief stop to enjoy the view from a high vantage point. If conditions are favorable, you can witness the gradual rise of the sun.
07:30
Explore Setsurigawa, the Roosting Site of the Cranes
Setsurigawa River stays unfrozen in winter, attracting cranes to roost. In the morning, some cranes relax here, and Ezo deer may be spotted. Cranes sleep standing in the river, amidst mist and frost-covered trees, showcasing a beautiful yet harsh natural world.
08:00
Move to a Higher Vantage Point
From higher vantage point, enjoy the expansive snowfields and the view of Setsurigawa, the cranes' roosting site. The combination of blue skies and snowy landscapes is truly breathtaking.
08:15
Head to Tsurumidai and Ito Sanctuary
The two feeding sites in Tsurui Village. The tradition began in 1963 when cranes gathered at a nearby school, and locals continued feeding them after the school closed. Witness not only the cranes but also foxes and other birds competing for food. Enjoy the impressive size and calls of the cranes.
09:00
Begin the Journey Back to Kushiro City
After observing the cranes, enjoy a relaxing drive with coffee to warm up. The drive to Kushiro City takes about an hour.
Drop-Off at Otanoshike Station (Shuttle Service Is Available)
Location
Pick-up/Check-in Time & Location
Drop-off/Check-out Time & Location
Location
Start time :
Pick-up time & location
Kushiro city - Specific hotel
Check-in time & location
06:25
Otanoshike Station
Location, direction and description
-
■For Those Arriving by Car
- Approximately 20 minutes from Kushiro Station
- Approximately 25 minutes from Kushiro Airport
■For Those Arriving by Train
The following train schedule is convenient:
Departing from JR Kushiro Station on the Nemuro Main Line, arriving at Otanoshike Station:
- 5:43 AM departure → 5:54 AM arrival
- 10:25 AM departure → 10:37 AM arrival
Important activity information
To ensure the best experience, please read the restrictions and requirements before booking.
Important activity information
Restrictions
- - Suitable for participants aged 6 and above.
- Pregnant individuals, those with medical conditions (such as heart or respiratory issues, epilepsy), or those requiring assistance should consult before booking. - From March onwards, cranes begin returning to their territories, so sightings may be limited.
- Due to scheduling with other tours, shuttle service requests may not always be accommodated.
Other requirements
- The tour will be canceled if deemed dangerous due to heavy rain or strong winds. Please call the tour operator after 5 PM the day before for a final weather confirmation.
Booking requirements (# of participants, vehicles, hours, etc.)
- You can book a maximum of 3.
Required items to bring & attire
- Wear comfortable clothing suitable for light walking on snow and outdoor activities.
- Snow boots are recommended (sneakers are not allowed).
- The tour takes place in sub-zero temperatures, so dress warmly. Wear layers for easy adjustment in the warm car.
- Items dropped in the snow can be hard to find. Keep valuables in zippered pockets or bags.
- 【Recommended Items to Bring】
Hat / Sunglasses / Binoculars / Camera / Rainwear (top and bottom) / Gloves / Lap blanket / Drinks / Hand warmers / Fleece / Neck warmer / Ski wear (top and bottom) / Snow boots
Additional notes
- The activity schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to weather or traffic conditions.
- If the tour is canceled due to bad weather at the tour operator discretion, no cancellation fee will be charged.
- Cancellations based on bad weather forecasts a few days in advance cannot be accepted, as weekly forecasts can change.
- In case of rain or winter road conditions, the tour duration may vary.
- This tour is conducted in basic English. Knowledge of Japanese is helpful but not necessary.
Activity Provider East power
Activity Provider
FAQ
Please visit VELTRA Support page to send an inquiry about this activity.
Payment / Cancellation Policy
Payment Methods
- Credit card payment
-
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Cancellation Policy
- Any cancellations made between 00:00 local time, 2 business days to 00:00 local time, 1 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 30% of the total amount.
- Any cancellations made between 00:00 local time, 1 business days to 23:59 local time, 1 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 50% of the total amount.
- Any cancellations made after 23:59 local time, 1 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.
Operation days
- Everyday
Payment / Cancellation Policy
Payment Methods
- Credit card payment
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Cancellation Policy
- Any cancellations made between 00:00 local time, 2 business days to 00:00 local time, 1 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 30% of the total amount.
- Any cancellations made between 00:00 local time, 1 business days to 23:59 local time, 1 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 50% of the total amount.
- Any cancellations made after 23:59 local time, 1 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.
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Restrictions
- - Suitable for participants aged 6 and above.
- Pregnant individuals, those with medical conditions (such as heart or respiratory issues, epilepsy), or those requiring assistance should consult before booking. - From March onwards, cranes begin returning to their territories, so sightings may be limited.
- Due to scheduling with other tours, shuttle service requests may not always be accommodated.
Required items to bring & attire
- Wear comfortable clothing suitable for light walking on snow and outdoor activities.
- Snow boots are recommended (sneakers are not allowed).
- The tour takes place in sub-zero temperatures, so dress warmly. Wear layers for easy adjustment in the warm car.
- Items dropped in the snow can be hard to find. Keep valuables in zippered pockets or bags.
- 【Recommended Items to Bring】
Hat / Sunglasses / Binoculars / Camera / Rainwear (top and bottom) / Gloves / Lap blanket / Drinks / Hand warmers / Fleece / Neck warmer / Ski wear (top and bottom) / Snow boots
Other requirements
- The tour will be canceled if deemed dangerous due to heavy rain or strong winds. Please call the tour operator after 5 PM the day before for a final weather confirmation.
Additional notes
- The activity schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to weather or traffic conditions.
- If the tour is canceled due to bad weather at the tour operator discretion, no cancellation fee will be charged.
- Cancellations based on bad weather forecasts a few days in advance cannot be accepted, as weekly forecasts can change.
- In case of rain or winter road conditions, the tour duration may vary.
- This tour is conducted in basic English. Knowledge of Japanese is helpful but not necessary.
Booking requirements (# of participants, vehicles, hours, etc.)
- You can book a maximum of 3.
Buy One Get Second {{string_target}} Off
Book one activity and receive a coupon for {{string_target}} off your second activity.
-
STEP 1Book one (1) select tour or activity
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STEP 2Receive a coupon upon confirmation
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- STEP 3Book another activity, and use the coupon for a discount!
Booking period:
Coupon Participation Period:
Coupon Participation Period:
- Valid for one (1) booking per account during the designated promotional period.
- Cannot be used on the same activity on the same date and time as the first activity, or applied to activities that have already been booked.
Winter Crane Watching Tour: Setsurigawa + Tsurumidai + Kushiro Wetlands
In Tsurui Village, red-crowned cranes gather for winter. Despite temperatures dropping to -30°C, the river stays warm, serving as their roost. This 3.5-hour tour lets you experience their calls, graceful presence, and the pristine white landscape.
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