Tsurui: Cranes, Wetland and Nature Trails

Tsurui combines insights into local life with nature and outdoor activities across the village. In the central area, you’ll find tourist information, regional products and day-use hot springs; across Tsurui Village, the Kushiro Wetland, cranes and a variety of trails take centre stage. When looking for a holiday rental, you can consider whether you want your stay to focus more on what the town has to offer or on nature and outdoor activities around the village.

Visitor Information and Day-Use Hot Springs in Central Tsurui

Tsurui-Tancho-Plaza Tsurubo no Ie offers tourist information for the Tsurui region and sells specialities and regional products. The three Tsurui hot spring facilities are also in central Tsurui. They all offer day-use baths and saunas, and can be visited without an overnight stay. Check the facilities’ current usage rules before your visit.

Wetland and Cranes

The entire area of Tsurui Village lies in the upper reaches of the Kushiro Wetland. You can experience the Kushiro Shitsugen Wetland year-round from walking trails and observation points, or by canoe. This lets you take in the landscape on foot or from the water. Tsurui-dai is known as one of the two major feeding grounds for red-crowned cranes. Every year, from around December to March, many cranes gather there to feed—a seasonal highlight for anyone who wants to watch these birds.

Loop Trail, Winter Activities and Nature Watching

At the Onnenai Visitor Center, there is a 3.1-kilometre loop trail on a wooden boardwalk; it takes about an hour and a half to complete. Conditions on the boardwalk can vary by season. In winter, you can go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in Onnenai and look out for Ezo deer. These are different ways to spend time outdoors: a circular route with a stated distance, or winter exercise on skis and on foot.

A nature centre offers free admission, telescope viewing from a warm indoor space and explanations from rangers. Its opening hours vary by season; check the current hours before your visit. Viewing from indoors is an alternative to walking a trail or taking part in winter activities.

Cycling Routes and Activities for Active Days

The Kushiro Cycle Tourism Promotion Council has approved two regional cycling routes in Tsurui Village. One regional cycling route passes through quiet dairy-farming areas and along pleasant forest paths bordering the Kushiro Wetland. On a regional route, cyclists may be lucky enough to spot red-crowned cranes in the quiet dairy-farming areas. The landscape and the chance to see wildlife each add their own appeal to cycling.

Tsurui Sports Ground is a 12-hectare sports facility for adults and children. Activities include putt-putt golf, go-karting and outdoor barbecues. Operations are seasonal and may change; check the latest information before planning your visit. Tsurui Dosanko Farm offers horseback rides on Dosanko horses year-round.

History and Local Produce

At Furusato Information Center Minakuru, you can learn about the history and industry of Tsurui Village. A feeding station in Tsurui Village is operated by the Wild Bird Society of Japan and continues the long-running feeding work of Yoshitaka Ito and his wife. Brasserie Knot is a brewery in Tsurui Village. Together with the regional products at Tsurui-Tancho-Plaza, these places offer insights into the village’s history, industry and produce.

Discover more destinations: Erimo, Kamishihoro, Samani, Koshimizu, Makkari, Hakodate, Suttsu, Tokachi District

For the main travel overview: Hokkaido.