| Red-crowned Crane | Scientific name: Grus japonensis Size: 150-158cm tall, wingspan 220-250cm Weight: 7-8kg Diet: Omnivorous, including water plants, grains such as rice, fish, amphibians, crabs, snails and smaller birds |
|---|---|
| Steller's Sea Eagle | Scientific name: Haliaeetus pelagicus Size:90-100cm in length, wingspan 2-2.5m Weight: 6-8kg on average Diet: Mainly fish |
| White-tailed Eagle | Scientific name: Haliaeetus albicilla Size: 66-94cm in length, wingspan 2.18m on average Weight: 3-7kg Diet: Fish, birds and small mammals |
| Blakiston's Fish Owl | Scientific name: Bubo blakistoni Size: 60-72cm in length, wingspan 178-190cm Weight: 3-4.5kg Diet: Fish and other sea life |
Hokkaido is home to over half of the world's red-crowned crane population
The elegant red-crowned crane has long been a beloved bird in Japan. Considered to bring good luck since ancient times, the red-crowned crane is deeply entrenched in Japanese culture, appearing in many folk tales and as a motif in Japanese art such as Buddhist paintings, sumi-e inkwash paintings, prints and decorated fusuma (sliding doors in traditional Japanese rooms). A pair of red-crowned cranes were depicted on a previous 1000 yen bill, and the red-crowned crane is even used as the logo of Japan Airlines (JAL). It is also famous as a symbol of peace after Hiroshima bomb victim Sadako Sasaki attempted to fold 1000 origami cranes upon hearing the legend that this will make the folder's wish come true.
At one point, the red-crowned crane was on the brink of extinction due to overhunting, but some were discovered in Eastern Hokkaido and the population recovered after strong conservation efforts. Half of the world's red-crowned crane population now lives in East Hokaido, where you can see them year-around. It is a particularly active feeding ground between November and March, and the snowy ground provides a backdrop that makes the birds' elegant beauty stand out all the more.
A birdwatcher's paradise
Hokkaido is home to over 300 species of wild birds - around half of the wild bird species in Japan. It is a common place for birds to migrate from Siberia in winter, or to stop over on their way to the Japanese mainland. For a number of these birds, Hokkaido is the only place in the world where they can be found.
Many large seabirds spend the winter in Hokkaido, such as the Steller's sea eagle, white-tailed eagle and whooper swan. The eagles come from the Kamchatka peninsula, the north of the island of Sakhalin and downstream of the Amur river in Russia, and gather in eastern Hokkaido and the Shiretoko and Nemuro peninsulas in winter. Eastern Hokkaido is also home to Japan's largest red-crowned crane sanctuary and is the only place in Japan where the rare tufted puffin can be seen. You can take a cruise along the Shiretoko and Nemuro peninsulas and admire the Steller's sea eagles and white-tailed eagles resting on the drift ice in the sea.
Another birdwatcher's paradise is Teuri Island off the west coast of Hokkaido, which is home to around one million seabirds of 8 species. May to July is the breeding season of the common murre, a seabird that is now endangered in Japan, and the spectacled guillemot, which can only be found in a few places in the world.
The Blakiston's Fish Owl: a revered guardian
One of the largest species of owls, the Blakiston's fish owl is found only in Hokkaido and the easternmost parts of Russia. It is an important part of Ainu culture - its Ainu name means "God that Protects the Village". Blakiston's fish owls often appear in Ainu legends, bringing fortune to poor families and watching over villages with their big, sharp eyes to stop demons from creeping in at night.
Sadly, development has decimated the forests where these owls live and they are now on the Red List of Threatened Species. Only around 140 Blakiston's fish owls live in Hokkaido now, and conservation efforts are underway to protect the remaining owls.
Stories
My fascination with the bird that came back to life in eastern Hokkaido
Birding Hokkaido
Shining Moments
Things To Do
There are plenty of ways to see Hokkaido's incredible bird population. Visit a red-crowned crane sanctuary in eastern Hokkaido, take a cruise through the drift ice in areas such as Shiretoko or enjoy a close-up view from various observatories.
Visit the "holy ground" of red-crowned cranes
At one point, the red-crowned crane population fell so low that the birds were in danger of extinction. Conservation efforts were carried out in eastern Hokkaido to save the red-crowned crane, and while November to March is the main feeding season, the presence of sanctuaries in eastern Hokkaido means that you can see these iconic birds all year round. Each season brings new, interesting behavior to see, such as the cranes' courting dance in February.
Recommended Tours
Tsurui Ito Red-crowned Crane Sanctuary
Tsurui Ito Red-crowned Crane Sanctuary was established to bring the red-crowned crane back from the brink of extinction. Almost 400 cranes can be seen in the sanctuary during the winter, when food is scarce in the wild. Experienced drivers will take you to the best places to see the cranes.
Webpage
Akan International Crane Center [GRUS]
Akan was the first place in Japan to introduce artificial feeding of red-crowned cranes, helping to save them from extinction. These initiatives led to the opening of Akan International Crane Center [GRUS], where you can see red-crowned cranes being raised in conditions similar to nature. Artificial feeding takes place from November to March, with up to 300 cranes visiting the sanctuary on some days.
Webpage
Kushiro Japanese Crane Reserve
In 1924, when the red-crowned crane population had been driven almost to extinction by development of Hokkaido's land, around 10 red-crowned cranes were discovered in Kushiro's wetlands. The wetlands became a protected area the following year, and the Kushiro Japanese Crane Reserve was opened in 1958. Located just a 10-minute drive from Kushiro Airport, this reserve allows you to see red-crowned cranes in any season and weather.
WebpageWatch rare birds from a cruise
See Hokkaido's amazing waterbirds up close from a cruise! These are available in various parts of coastal Hokkaido - see tufted puffins and rhino auklets on the Ochiishi Nature Cruise in Nemuro, or watch vast seabirds such as Steller's sea eagles and white-tailed eagles (there's a 90% chance of seeing them!) on the drift ice in Shiretoko. Enjoy birdwatching in a whole new way.
Recommended Tours
Ochiishi Nature Cruise
Japan's easternmost point, Nemuro is home to more than 360 species of birds. Ochiishi Nature Cruise allows you to take a closer look at various birds, including species such as the Tufted Puffin which can only be found in eastern Hokkaido. Other species include the rhinoceros auklet, Laysan albatross, red-faced cormorant and spectacled guillemot.
Webpage
Birdwatching Cruise & Drift Ice Cruise
A must for winter trips in particular. From January to April, you can take a cruise through the drift ice on the Sea of Okhotsk and see large eagles such as the Steller's sea eagle and white-tailed eagle. With around 700 of these birds, you'll have a 90% chance of spotting them! In summer you can see flocks of petrel (as well as whales and dolphins). Enjoy an up-close view of sperm whales spraying water and flipping their mighty tail fins, and dolphins and orcas swimming gracefully through the water. Take a cruise to see the wildlife that lives on the drift ice, such as seals and rare seabirds such as Steller's sea eagles and white-tailed eagles.
WebpageBirdwatching
With around half of the wild bird species in Japan, including some that cannot be found almost anywhere else in the world, Hokkaido is a birdwatcher's paradise. Visit a red-crowned crane sanctuary in eastern Hokkaido, watch seabirds on Teuri Island or take a cruise in Shiretoko to see rare eagles resting on the drift ice. No matter where or when you visit, there are rare, beautiful and fascinating birds to see.
Recommended Tours
Shunkunitai Wild Bird Sanctuary
This sandbank between the Sea of Okhotsk and Lake Furen is famous throughout Japan as a prime birdwatching spot. With a variety of habitats such as the sea and lake, forest, grassland and wetland, it is home to an extremely diverse range of flora and fauna, including around 250 species of birds. From birds migrating from the Southern Hemisphere in spring to waterbirds in autumn and rare eagles in winter, this birdwatching spot never disappoints.
Webpage
Tofutsu-ko Waterfowl and Wetland Center
The brackish waters of Lake Tofutsu are home to a wide range of wildlife. Around 250 species of birds visit throughout the year, including 50 species of migratory birds such as whooper swans and various ducks. Whooper swans measure in at 140-160cm, and around 300 of them live on the lake throughout the winter.
WebpageDiscovering Red-crowned Cranes
Red-crowned cranes can be seen all year round at some facilities, although the best time is November to March. Food in the wild is scarce during this time, so a large number of cranes come to feed at the sanctuaries. Come during February to March and you can watch their courtship dance.
Migratory birds such as white-tailed eagles, Steller's sea eagles, and whooper swans can be seen throughout Hokkaido from October onward, particularly in coastal areas of eastern Hokkaido such as Shiretoko and Rausu. In addition to visiting nature parks and sanctuaries, you can book a nature tour or cruise to see wild birds up close and personal.
Best Season To See
Red-crowned crane: February-March
Steller's sea eagle and white-tailed eagle: February-March
Common murre and spectacled guillemot: April-August
Various other species of birds can be seen throughout the year.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red-crowned crane | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Steller's sea eagle/ white-tailed eagle | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Common murre | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Spectacled guillemot | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Tufted puffin | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Blakiston's fish owl | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Getting Here
Tsurui Village, Akan-cho in Kushiro City, Teuri Island, Ochiishi in Nemuro City, Lake Tofutsu, Rausu Town
Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary
Established to bring the red-crowned crane back from the brink of extinction, almost 400 cranes can be seen in this sanctuary during the winter, when food is scarce in the wild.
From Kushiro JR train station, ride the Akan Bus bound for Green park Tsurui for 60 minutes. Get off at Tsurui Chugakko bus stop then walk 10 minutes.
Akan International Crane Center [GRUS]
See red-crowned cranes being raised in conditions similar to nature. Hundreds of cranes visit the sanctuary to feed each day between November and March, with more than 300 cranes on some days.
From Kushiro JR train station, ride the Akan Bus bound for Akanko Onsen (Bus Center) for 60 minutes. Get off at Tancho-no-sato bus stop.
Kushiro Japanese Crane Reserve
Located just a 10-minute drive from Kushiro Airport, this reserve allows you to see red-crowned cranes in any season and weather.
Located just a 10-minute drive from Kushiro Airport.
Otowa Bridge
The only spot where you can see red-crowned cranes roosting without frightening them.
The number that can be seen varies depending on the season, but the mist in winter creates a magical scene.
From Kushiro JR train station, ride the Akan Bus bound for Green park Tsurui for 60 minutes. Get off at Tsurumidai bus stop then walk 20 minutes.
Teuri Island Seabird Observatory
Located at the edge of a cliff at the highest point of Teuri Island, this observatory offers an airborne view of the seabirds that breed here from April to August.
From Haboro ferry terminal, ride a ferry to Teuri Island for 1 hour and 45 minutes (only 1 hour by fast ferry).
Teuri Island Akaishi Observatory
This observatory is located on an iconic arrow-shaped rock, where rhinoceros auklets make their nests in summer.
From Haboro ferry terminal, ride a ferry to Teuri Island for 1 hour and 45 minutes (only 1 hour by fast ferry).
Ochiishi Nature Cruise
Take a closer look at various birds, including species such as the Tufted Puffin which can only be found in eastern Hokkaido.
From Nemuro JR train station, ride JR Nemuro Main Line bound to Ochiishi JR train station for Kushiro for 20 minutes.
Shiretoko Nature Cruise
Take a cruise through the drift ice on the Sea of Okhotsk and see large eagles such as the Steller's sea eagle and white-tailed eagle.
From Kushiro JR train station, ride the Akan Bus bound for Rausu-eigyosho for 3.5 hours. Get off at Rausu-honcho bus stop.
Tofutsu-ko Waterfowl and Wetland Center
Around 250 species of birds can be seen throughout the year, including 50 species of migratory birds such as whooper swans and various ducks.
Walk 10 minutes from Kitahama station (on JR Senmo Main Line) to Hakucho-koen (Tofutsuko).
Shunkunitai Wild Bird Sanctuary
This diverse ecosystem is home to around 250 species of birds such as the Steller's sea eagle, white-tailed eagle and the common redpoli.
Get off at Toubai bus station on the Attoko Line of Nemuro-koutsu bus company then walk 2 minutes.
Fish-Owl Observatory
Watch the Blakiston's fish owls that live around the Chitorai River from around 30 minutes after dusk until midnight.
From Kushiro JR train station, ride the Akan Bus bound for Rausu-eigyosho for 3.5 hours. From the bus stop, guests (only) can benefit from a courtesy bus service.
Dos & Don'ts
- Please remain quiet when watching the cranes and do not get too close. Wild birds and other wildlife are frightened of humans and will spot even the smallest sign that you are approaching, especially mother birds with babies.
- Please do not feed the cranes. If people feed them, they will no longer be able to find their own food, and become unable to live in the wild.
- Around half of the bird species in Japan can be found in Hokkaido, including the iconic red-crowned crane and rare species such as the Steller's sea eagle.