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Activity

Tsurui-mura

Hokkaido · Japan

8 story sections

Every winter, around 700 cranes migrate to Tsurui Village. A knowledgeable nature guide will introduce you to these beautiful cranes dancing on the snow, along with insightful commentary.

History & cultureBY TELLBY

Contents

8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines
  1. 1Orientation

    Welcome to Tsurui-mura, a name that translates literally to the village where cranes live. As we stand here in the heart of eastern Hokkaido, you are breathing the crisp, clean air of one of Japan's most successful conservation…

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  2. 2Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary — The Legacy of Ito Yoshitaka

    We have arrived at the Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary, perhaps the most significant site for crane observation in the world. This land was once the private farm of Ito Yoshitaka, a local resident who began feeding the cranes in the…

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  3. 3Otowa Bridge — The Ethereal Dawn

    Before the sun fully climbs over the horizon, scholars and photographers gather here at Otowa Bridge. This bridge spans the Setsuri River, a vital artery of the Tsurui ecosystem. …

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  4. 4Kushiro Shitsugen National Park — The Great Wetland Lookout

    To understand Tsurui-mura, one must understand the Kushiro Shitsugen, Japan’s largest wetland and a Ramsar Site of international importance. We are now at a peripheral lookout that offers a panoramic view of this vast,…

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  5. 5The Village Center — A Model of Rural Sustainability

    Returning toward the village center, we see the human side of Tsurui. This village is consistently ranked as one of the 'Most Beautiful Villages in Japan,' a designation that looks at landscape, culture, and community heritage. …

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  6. 6Tsuruidai — The Traditional Feeding Grounds

    Tsuruidai is another critical feeding station, located along the main road. This site is famous for the work of Yamazaki-san, a woman who fed the cranes for over 30 years until her passing. …

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  7. 7The Forest Edge — Biodiversity Beyond the Cranes

    As we move toward the northern edge of the village, where the fields give way to the primeval forests of birch and larch, the character of the tour shifts. While the cranes are the stars, the Tsurui forest is home to a wealth of…

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  8. 8Closing

    As our tour of Tsurui-mura comes to an end, I hope you carry with you more than just beautiful photographs. You have witnessed a profound example of what can be achieved when a community decides that its natural heritage is worth…

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What is Tsurui-mura?

Tsurui-mura is a place in Hokkaido · Japan with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.

Key facts
LocationHokkaido · Japan
TypeActivity
Story sections8
Text languageEnglish
Coordinates43.2411, 144.3213
Last updated
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