I had vaguely known that storks were connected to this region, as they are used in the name of a limited express train, but I learned that conservation and breeding activities are being carried out on a local scale. There are many artificial nesting towers in Toyooka.
2025.10.8 Unfortunately, when I visited last year, it was closed. This year, I checked and visited. It's great to be able to observe storks right in front of you! There are detailed materials about storks on display in an easy-to-understand way, making it a sacred place!
The Toyooka City Stork Cultural Center is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The center is closed on Mondays and during the New Year's period from December 28 to January 4. If a Monday falls on a national holiday, the center typically remains open and closes the following day instead.
Admission to the Toyooka City Stork Cultural Center is completely free. However, visitors are encouraged to make a voluntary donation of 100 yen to support the ongoing conservation work and environmental programs of the Oriental White Stork preservation association.
Yes, visitors can observe storks up close in the open-air breeding enclosures at the center. The facility houses storks grown in captivity, allowing guests to watch these magnificent birds in a safe environment. The center also features viewing areas with 800mm Nikon lenses positioned to help visitors observe storks and their nests in detail. For those hoping to see storks flying in the wild, the surrounding Toyooka Basin area is home to approximately 350 free-flying Oriental White Storks.
The center serves as both a natural history museum and educational facility documenting the complete history of the Oriental White Stork reintroduction program. Inside Konotori Hall, visitors can watch informative videos about the storks' ecology and conservation efforts, view exhibits about the species' extinction in 1971 and successful return to the wild in 2005, and learn about the ongoing breeding program. The center also offers educational programs including biotope observation and nature watching events. An English-language version of the main video presentation is available upon request.
The center is located 5 kilometers from JR Toyooka Station. Buses depart approximately every 90 minutes from the station, taking 15 minutes and costing 250 yen one way. A taxi ride takes about 10 minutes and is the fastest option. Traveling by rental car is the most convenient method for those who want flexibility to explore the surrounding wetland areas where wild storks can be spotted.
