What other travelers are saying about Akan International Crane Center
We spotted a squirrel at parking before getting in the center.
This center has an small entrance fee, but it displays the exhibits on how to raise a child crane and cranes’ life cycle. At the outdoor areas, they have three kinds of crane on display. One of red-crown crane has no boundary and no fence. She can fly out anytime but she is in-love with zookeepers. Hence, she never leaves this center and her nests.
That’s why zookeepers have to pretend to be the cranes when raising a child crane. Otherwise, they cannot find their natural mates in the future.
There’s a sitting area to wait for watching those wild cranes coming around those fields in front of there. Unfortunately we cannot see any of them on that day (11 Nov 2025)
My visit coincided with the off-season, we could see a few flying pass.
It's important to note that if you're planning a visit specifically to see the cranes, it would be best to research the appropriate time of year to ensure you catch a glimpse of these graceful birds.
Do note that are also other areas to observe the cranes .
Entrance fee is 480 yen to this place , and there is also a bundle package if you decide to visit the Marsh Observatory .
Good place to drive out to the place but nothing much to see. There were only three enclosures to see the cranes. Can’t take clear picture due to wired barrier in between and other one were hiding inside the shade due to heat in the day we visited. It would be a good place to visit in winters when migrating birds also lands here. There are good spots to set up your camera inside and click the pics when the snow is covered in winters. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable but if the birds are not there then it’s a waste of driving out to the place so far.
We are in the off season so focused more on the cranes in captivity. One of the cranes looked really stressed out with its beak deformed from all the squeezing it is doing on the fence. There's also a pair of red crowned crane with netting above them and curiously one without; which we learnt that the crane was born in captivity (and actually not a good idea to release it into the wild) and has it's feathers removed such that it can't take flight, probably since it's birth.
The facilities in the center look a little old (though informative enough) and there's also a small children's play area.
Overall an interesting area to see the cranes in captivity.
Only just found out that the wild cranes only come in during winter... but still managed to see a few in captivity, and learnt a lot more in the museum! Very informative though quiet place :)
Akan International Crane Center is typically open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, with potential seasonal variations. Admission fees are generally around 470 yen for adults and 240 yen for children. It's recommended to check the official website or call ahead for current pricing and holiday schedules before your visit to Hokkaido.
The best time to visit Akan International Crane Center for red-crowned crane viewing is during winter months from November to March, particularly January and February. During this peak season, you can observe hundreds of Japanese cranes (tancho) gathering in the snowy fields of Hokkaido, offering spectacular wildlife photography opportunities and unforgettable crane watching experiences.
From Kushiro Airport, you can reach Akan International Crane Center by rental car (approximately 45-60 minutes drive), taxi, or public transportation. Take the airport bus to Kushiro Station, then transfer to a local bus heading toward Akan area. The crane center is located in Kushiro, Hokkaido, and is well-signposted for tourists visiting this famous crane sanctuary.
Akan International Crane Center features observation decks, indoor viewing areas with large windows, educational exhibits about red-crowned cranes, a gift shop, and restrooms. Visitors can enjoy crane feeding demonstrations, photography sessions, learn about crane conservation efforts, and explore interactive displays about Hokkaido wildlife. The center provides an excellent educational experience for families and nature enthusiasts.
Yes, besides Akan International Crane Center, you can observe wild red-crowned cranes at several locations in Hokkaido including Tsurui Village, Otowa Bridge crane viewing area, and various feeding stations throughout eastern Hokkaido. Many visitors combine multiple crane watching spots for a comprehensive wildlife tour experience during their Hokkaido winter vacation.
