Tsurui, village in Akan district, Hokkaido, Japan
Tsurui is a small village situated near the Kushiro Wetlands in Hokkaido, characterized by wide open fields and marshland. The few buildings and homes are scattered across a flat, quiet landscape that is threaded with waterways and surrounded by patches of forest.
The village was established as a separate municipality in 1937 after being linked to nearby communities. Its development has been deeply rooted in dairy farming and agricultural practices that have sustained local families across generations.
Tsurui's identity centers on the red-crowned cranes that return seasonally, shaping how locals and visitors relate to the land. The village maintains traditional farming and rural customs, with people moving through their days at a slower pace that reflects deep respect for the natural cycles around them.
The village is approximately 40 minutes by car from Kushiro Airport and is best reached by private transportation, as public transit is limited. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and bring binoculars for optimal viewing, particularly during early morning or late afternoon hours when wildlife activity is highest.
The village hosts the Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary, a volunteer-managed refuge created specifically for caring for rare cranes and protecting their habitat. Visitors can observe feeding practices during guided tours, offering one of the few places in Japan where you can directly witness active conservation efforts for these endangered birds.
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