A precious feeding ground for the cranes

Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary is a feeding ground established by the Wild Bird Society of Japan with the cooperation of the late Yoshitaka Ito and his wife, who dedicated their lives to feeding and protecting the cranes in the area. Their conservation efforts continue to this day through the members of the Wild Bird Society of Japan.

A popular photo spot in winter

During the feeding season from November to March, the Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary becomes a popular photo spot. Dozens of camera-wielding tourists and professionals line up along the fence to capture a shot of the beautiful birds. The cranes usually come in the morning to feed then fly back to their roost near the Otowabashi Bridge. The magnificent scene of the cranes in flight is one of the quintessential sights of Tsurui Village.