Kushiro Shitsugen Red-crowned Crane Courtship Dance

Winter in Kushiro Shitsugen is the perfect season to observe red-crowned cranes—a designated national natural monument—performing their courtship dance. At the Tsurui Village Sanctuary and Akan International Crane Center, you can witness the mystical sight of crane pairs spreading their wings, calling to each other, and dancing amid the biting -20°C mornings and morning mist. The striking contrast of their red crowns and white feathers stands out against the snowy landscape, making it a world-renowned photography spot among photographers.