In the village of Tsurui, seasonal crane watching and year-round exploration of the Kushiro-Shitsugen Wetland come together with cycling, horseback riding, and recreational activities. When planning your trip, it helps to consider two different rhythms: cranes gather to feed from around December to March, while the wetland can be experienced year-round from trails and observation points or by canoe.

Cranes and Winter in Tsurui Village

Tsurumi-dai is known as one of the two major feeding grounds for red-crowned cranes. Every year, numerous cranes gather there to feed from around December to March. This period provides a specific seasonal guide for anyone planning a trip around the cranes; sightings are a nature experience, not guaranteed.

In winter, you can go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in Onnenai and look out for Ezo deer. This adds an active option for the cold season to crane watching. A feeding station in Tsurui Village is operated by the Wild Bird Society of Japan, continuing the long-standing feeding work of Yoshitaka Ito and his wife.

Wetland, Boardwalk, and Nature Center

The Kushiro-Shitsugen Wetland can be experienced year-round from hiking trails and observation points or by canoe. This means there are activities beyond the winter crane-watching season that are not limited to that time of year.

At the Onnenai Visitor Center, there is a 3.1-kilometer loop trail on a wooden boardwalk. The loop takes about an hour and a half. Conditions on the boardwalk may vary by season, so check its condition before your visit.

A nature center offers free admission, telescope viewing from a warm indoor space, and explanations from rangers. Its opening hours vary by season, so check the current hours before your visit. This lets you pair nature viewing with information from staff on site.

Cycling Routes Through Landscapes and Farmland

The Kushiro Cycle Tourism Promotion Council has approved two regional cycling routes in Tsurui Village. One regional route passes through quiet dairy-farming areas and along pleasant forest trails bordering the Kushiro Wetland. Cyclists on a regional cycling route may also be lucky enough to spot red-crowned cranes. Route facilities and signage may be updated, so check the latest information before setting out.

Information, Products, and Local History

In central Tsurui, Tsurui-Tancho Plaza つるぼーの家 provides tourist information for the Tsurui area and sells local specialties and regional products. Those looking to get oriented or learn about local products will find both offerings in one place.

The Furusato Information Center Minakuru provides information about the history and industry of Tsurui Village. Another facet of local life is Brasserie Knot, a brewery in Tsurui Village. These topics offer insights into history, industry, and regional production, without requiring a particular itinerary.

More Options for Different Days of Your Trip

Tsurui Sports Ground is a 12-hectare sports facility for adults and children. Activities include putt-putt golf, go-karting, and outdoor barbecues. It operates seasonally and may change, so check current operating information before your visit.

For a break without an overnight stay, consider the Tsurui hot springs: all three facilities offer day-use baths and saunas. Check the current rules of each facility before you arrive. Horseback rides on Dosanko horses are also offered year-round at Tsurui Dosanko Farm. Options in the village range from winter activities and nature watching to year-round horseback riding and bathing.

Discover more destinations: Shibetsu District, Hakodate, Kamifurano, Hidaka, Akkeshi, Pippu, Kawakami District, Kameda District

For the main travel overview: Hokkaido.