Akan International Crane Center

The visit to Akan International Crane Center (GRUS) was the highlight of my 6 week trip around Hokkaido! I stayed in Kushiro and visited the Tsurui-Itō Tanchō crane Sanctuary before I came here. That was good but (GRUS) was even better.
I visited at the beginning of March 2024. It's just off a main road almost half-way between Kushiro and Lake Akan. I took a public bus from Lake Akan which took just over an hour to get here.
There is a large area that curves around the main observatory building. This area is a very large open field where the cranes are free to fly in and out as they like. Unlike the other crane sanctuary there is an observatory building where you can go inside if you want to escape the cold. There are windows and seats on the ground and upper floor where you can still observe the cranes in the warm. There's also a good display of information about the Tancho, a nice childrens play area, toilets and a small souvenir shop in the building.
I arrived around 11am and there were many Tancho on the field and flying in and out. There were quite a few people watching and taking photos, but because the outside viewing area is big and curved it didn't seem crowded. I got some really good photos and video without having to fight for space. I even managed to get some video of the Tancho doing their courtship ballet!
During the winter when it's difficult for the Tancho to find food, the crane sanctuaries feed the birds. When I was there the feeding was at 2pm. After the feeding the cranes started to fly off to their roosting areas outside of (GRUS), so it's better to arrive before then. Once winter ends and it's easier for the Tancho to find food the feeding ends. The Tancho also move out to the wetlands to build nests and breed. So I think Winter is the best time to visit the crane sanctuaries.
I found out about the Tancho from a program on NHK World called "Japan From Above." It showed a lady called Miyuki Kawase who was photographing the birds and talked lovingly about the Tancho. I showed the (GRUS) staff the clip on my phone, they told me that Miyuki Kawase was the Director of the center and she came out to talk to me! I realised that she was the one that had given me my ticket when I arrived and was also the person feeding the cranes! Certainly not a Director that sits in her office! That really was the icing on the cake of a great visit!

Nice place for those interested in getting up close with the red-crowned cranes. During our visit in the late afternoon, we were able to observe several cranes from a comfortable distance. Additionally, there were informative exhibits on the life cycle of these fascinating birds, as well as interactive displays. Overall, it's definitely worth a visit if you're in the area.

Take note that the entrance can be a little confusing. It took us a while to figure out that the ticketing counter and entrance is located about a five-minute walk further from the car park.

Our second stop on our road trip from Kushiro. Very easy to get to by car.

We visited in late December. We thought the place was closed initially as there were no cars at a in the car park.

The place was very quiet with no other visitors in the main building when we arrived. We explored the outdoor area closest to the centre which houses a few caged birds with injuries before walking around to the fields at the back.

We were very lucky to see a large number of cranes very close up feeding in the fields adjacent to the centre. There was no need to enter the observatory. Some birds were flying off into the woodland behind and others arriving. It was an amazing experience and there was almost nobody else around.

A must go when in the area.
There are good viewing areas that are sheltered within the center. Alternatively you may walk into the area outside. Entrace fee is 480yen.

If you come during the other seasons there is an enclosure for baby cranes too.

Take note of the feeding time at 9am and i think there is another at 2pm (saw on another review). Saves alot of time looking for crane here compared to other locations.

There are educational and interative area which is good for kids to lean about the habitat and the cranes life cycle. Overall a great experience.

I spent hours at this Akan International Crane sanctuary. It’s breathtaking observing the Tancho Cranes dance, during their courtship. It was worth the 7-hour drive.

Counted 44 cranes, and nearly a many whooping swans. Such an amazing place and organization. Cranes 15 feet away!

I went to visit AICC 3 times on my last trip to Kushiro, since the transportation is relatively convenient. You can relax and watch the cranes and whooper swans and take lots of photos.

Wild cranes come to eat here during winter, a great location for bird photography.

Beautiful place but kushiro is really far away, almost the far east end of Japan.
Came here to see the cranes in Dec, unfortunately just got to know the peak season is Jan/Feb.
And there is no more afternoon feeding time.
Anyway there were 4 cranes in the cage, at least I can view the national bird of Japan, if not mistaken.
The information counter clerk was very friendly and helpful.
Recommended but be prepared for freezing cold in jan/feb..

It's still a friendly place for the cranes after 9 years (last time was during winter so we saw many cranes)

A great hotel, with very attentive staff and awesome customer service. 👌

Interesting and fun. Great indoor play space for young kids! Only a few cranes, but we learned a lot and all enjoyed it.

Great staff, animals, and accommodations for tourists. Would recommend for the educational experience even as an English speaker.

Great place... You can watch hundreds of Japanese Cranes walking and flying around... Excellent destination for the photographers who love to capture wildlife...

Fantastic place to see red-crowned cranes (Tanchos), which are beautiful creatures. You can also see swans and ducks.

if u wanna see 丹頂鶴in snow, come HERE to see. almost a sure place to see as they give them food when difficult to find in winter

Wonderful experience seeing so many red-crowned cranes as well as foxes and eagles. Stayed for lunch as well which was delicious

Get the discount passes right across the street!

Nice!

Visit here at late July 2016. Although there're only 2 cranes, will visit here again in winter.