Crane Village Ito Red-crowned Crane Reserve: Red-crowned Crane Feeding Feast and Natural Wonder

Crane Village Ito Red-crowned Crane Reserve is a 10-hectare grassland dedicated to the protection of red-crowned cranes, where visitors can see up to 300 of these majestic birds. The reserve was established by the late Yoshitaka Ito, a former dairy farmer who devoted his life to feeding red-crowned cranes. From November to March, when wetland food is scarce, the reserve holds two feeding sessions daily at 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Visitors can witness the feeding of the red-crowned cranes up close, offering a unique opportunity to observe these beautiful birds. Additionally, the reserve features a nature center operated by the Wild Bird Society of Japan, where knowledgeable rangers and volunteers introduce the ecology and habits of the red-crowned cranes. The reserve is conveniently accessible, about a 50-minute drive from Kushiro Airport and approximately one hour by bus from the nearest city, Kushiro. For nature lovers and birdwatchers hoping to experience the beauty of red-crowned cranes in their natural habitat, this is an excellent destination.