① Tancho Observation Plan (About 4 Hours)
The Tancho (Red-Crowned Crane), classified as a Special National Monument by the Japanese government, captivates people with its beautiful and powerful presence. Around the Kushiro Wetlands, you can observe them all year round. We’ll introduce their lifelong pair bonds and the heartfelt love between parents and chicks.
A Year in the Life of a Tancho:
Spring (March–May) – Tancho return to their respective territories in wetlands and marshes. This is the time for nest building, laying eggs, incubating, and welcoming chicks.
Summer (June–August) – They stay in their territory, traveling with their chicks. In about three months from their hatching, the chicks reach the same size as their parents. Their feathers come in, and they start practicing flying.
Autumn (September–November) – The chicks can now fly, and the family’s range expands. They start learning how to get food, though they mostly rely on their parents. In late autumn, they leave their territory and start moving closer to feeding areas. They also gather in large numbers in cornfields after harvesting.
Winter (December–February) – At night they gather by rivers, and at feeding areas during the day. Photographers from around the world come to capture them sleeping, flying, and performing courtship dances. By February, you can see rare scenes like mating between mature adults and chicks leaving their parents.
(Photo: Experience image)
Sample Schedule
9:30AM: Meet at Kushiro Airport / JR Kushiro Station / hotel in Kushiro city, then depart by car
Around 10:15AM: Start observing Tancho
Around 12:45PM: Finish observing Tancho, return by car
1:30PM: Arrive back at Kushiro Airport / JR Kushiro Station / hotel in Kushiro city; tour ends
Guide Fee (tax included)
Solo participant 16,000 yen
Two participants 11,000 yen per person
Three participants 9,000 yen per person
＊Children 15 years old and under are half price.
＊We can arrange other options, so please feel free to contact us.
＊We are covered by Facility Liability Insurance.
②Enjoying the Kushiro Wetlands Plan
Course A: Around Kushiro Wetlands (about 7 hours)
About 6,000 years ago, the Kushiro Wetlands used to be a sea. The current wetlands were formed around 4,000 years ago. You’ll be amazed by the scenery of Japan’s largest aquatic-land environment and the meandering rivers, including the Kushiro River. It’s a cradle of countless forms of life, and also acts as a natural air conditioner for the surrounding climate. We’ll visit the three main observation decks and share the history of the Kushiro Wetlands.
You can also look forward to encounters with wildlife.
Sample Schedule:
9:30AM – Meet and depart from Kushiro Airport / JR Kushiro Station / hotel in Kushiro City by car
10:00AM – Stroll at Kushiro Wetlands Satellite Observatory
12:00PM – Lunch in Tsurui Village (at your own expense) and exploring the area
1:30PM – Depart from Tsurui Village
2:00PM – Kottaro Observatory
3:30PM – Hosooka Observatory
4:30PM – Arrive back at Kushiro Airport / JR Kushiro Station / hotel in Kushiro City; tour ends
Guide Fee (tax included):
- Single participant: 27,000 yen
- Two participants: 18,000 yen per person
- Three participants: 15,000 yen per person
＊Children 15 years old and under are half price.
＊We can arrange other options, so please feel free to contact us.
＊We are covered by Facility Liability Insurance.
Course B: Satellite Observatory and Walk on the Onnenai Boardwalk (about 4 hours)
This course lets you experience the grandeur and vastness of the Kushiro Wetlands from both a high vantage point and at eye level.
Enjoy the varied scenes of the Kushiro Wetlands carved out by water and native plants.
(Photo: Image of the experience)
Sample Schedule:
9:30AM: Meet at Kushiro Airport / JR Kushiro Station / Hotel in Kushiro city, depart by car
10:00AM: Tour around Kushiro Wetlands Satellite Observatory
11:30AM: Stroll at Onnenai Visitor Center / Onnenai Boardwalk
1:30PM: Arrive back at Kushiro Airport / JR Kushiro Station / Hotel in Kushiro city; tour ends
Guide Fee (tax included):
- Single participant: 16,000 yen
- Two participants: 11,000 yen per person
- Three participants: 9,000 yen per person
＊Children 15 years old and under are half price.
＊We can arrange other options, so please feel free to contact us.
＊We are covered by Facility Liability Insurance.
Course C: Hosooka Observatory and Takkobu Trail Walk (about 4 hours)
Feel the presence of wildlife along the Takkobu Lake trail and enjoy a full view of the winding Kushiro River and vast Kushiro Wetlands from Hosooka Observatory. On clear days, the timing of this tour is set to match the sunset, so let yourself be moved by the sun setting beyond the Kushiro Wetlands.
(Photo: Experience image)
Sample Schedule:
1:30PM Meet at Kushiro Airport / JR Kushiro Station / hotel in Kushiro city and depart by car
2:00PM Walk along Takkobu Trail
3:30PM Explore Hosooka Visitors Lounge / Hosooka Observatory
5:30PM Arrive back at Kushiro Airport / JR Kushiro Station / hotel in Kushiro city; tour ends
Guide Fees (tax included):
- Single participant: 16,000 yen
- Two participants: 11,000 yen per person
- Three participants: 9,000 yen per person
＊Children 15 years old and under are half price.
＊We can arrange other options, so please feel free to contact us.
＊We are covered by Facility Liability Insurance.