Izumi Crane Observation Center
Sacred Dance of Ten Thousand Cranes
Izumi Plain in northwestern Kagoshima has been a crane wintering ground for centuries, documented in local records dating back to the Edo period. The cranes, revered in Japanese culture as symbols of longevity and good fortune, were traditionally protected by local communities despite agricultural pressures. In the early 20th century, conservationists recognized Izumi as hosting the largest concentration of wintering cranes in Japan, primarily hooded cranes and white-naped cranes migrating from Siberia.
The Izumi Crane Observation Center was established in 1952 to protect the crane populations and their habitat while allowing public viewing. As crane numbers grew from a few hundred to over 10,000 by the 1990s, the site became internationally significant. Farmers and conservationists collaborated to create feeding programs, ensuring adequate food during winter months when natural resources were scarce. The area was designated a Special Natural Monument in 1952.
Today, Izumi Plain hosts approximately 90% of Japan's wintering crane population, with peak numbers exceeding 15,000 birds. The observation center provides viewing facilities, educational exhibits, and research opportunities. The annual crane gathering has become a celebrated natural event, drawing photographers, birdwatchers, and nature enthusiasts from around the world to witness one of East Asia's most spectacular wildlife gatherings.
Key Highlights
- Over 10,000 cranes wintering from November to March annually
- Seven species including hooded cranes and white-naped cranes
- Observation center with telescopes and indoor heated viewing
- Spectacular morning fly-out and evening return flights
- Free access to viewing areas with close proximity to cranes
- Designated Special Natural Monument of Japan
Access Information
Location
10695-1 Arasaki-machi, Izumi, Kagoshima 899-0208, Japan
Nearest Stations
- • Izumi Station (Kyushu Shinkansen, JR Kagoshima Main Line) - 25 min by bus
- • Nishi-Izumi Station - 10 min by taxi
Opening Hours
Crane season only: November 1 - March 15. Observation Center: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily during season. Best viewing times: sunrise (6:30-8:00 AM) for fly-out, sunset (4:30-5:30 PM) for return flights. Fields accessible from dawn to dusk.
Admission Fee
Observation Center: Adults ¥220, Children ¥110, Elementary students and under free. Outdoor viewing areas free. Parking free (200 spaces). Telescope use free.
How to Get There
From Kagoshima-Chuo Station
Take Kyushu Shinkansen or Limited Express to Izumi Station (35-45 minutes, ¥2,200-3,500). From Izumi Station, take Nankai Bus bound for Arasaki (25 minutes, ¥510) to Crane Observation Center stop. Or taxi (15 minutes, ¥2,500). Limited bus service - check schedule.
1 hour
From Kumamoto
Take Kyushu Shinkansen to Izumi Station (50-60 minutes, ¥4,500-5,500), then bus or taxi to crane center. Total journey approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. Rental car from Kumamoto convenient for exploring area (95km, 90 minutes drive).
1 hour 40 minutes
From Fukuoka
Take Kyushu Shinkansen Sakura or Tsubame to Izumi Station (1 hour 20 minutes, ¥8,590), then local transport to crane center. Early departure recommended to catch morning crane activity. Day trip feasible but long.
2 hours
Tips & Visiting Guide
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips and guidelines.
Optimal Viewing Times
Sunrise (6:30-8:00 AM): Cranes take flight from roosting sites - most spectacular time with thousands airborne simultaneously. Late afternoon (3:00-5:00 PM): Cranes return and perform courtship dances. Midday: Cranes rest and feed - closer viewing possible. Weekday mornings least crowded. Peak season: late January-early February when numbers are highest.
Photography Tips
Bring telephoto lens (300mm+ recommended) for close-up shots. Wide-angle captures mass fly-outs. Sunrise/sunset provide golden light and silhouettes. Tripod useful for low-light conditions. Fast shutter speed (1/1000+) for flying shots. Observation center has photography blinds. Respect designated photo areas - don't disturb cranes. Memory cards fill quickly - bring extras.
Crane Species
Seven species visit: hooded crane (75% of total), white-naped crane (20%), sandhill crane, common crane, Siberian crane, demoiselle crane, and extremely rare red-crowned crane. Hooded cranes identified by white neck stripe. Educational displays at center explain identification. Cranes migrate 2,000+ km from Siberia/Mongolia, arriving late October, departing mid-March.
Seasonal Timing
Early season (November-December): Cranes arriving, numbers building gradually, fewer crowds. Peak season (January-February): Maximum numbers (12,000-15,000), most dramatic viewing, more visitors. Late season (March): Numbers declining as early migrants depart. Best weather: December-February (cold but clear). Some years see 16,000+ cranes - check reports.
Observation Facilities
Indoor observation room heated with large windows and telescopes - excellent for families and cold days. Outdoor observation decks closer to cranes. Free binocular lending (deposit required). Educational exhibits on crane ecology and migration. Gift shop sells crane-themed items. Restaurant serves local cuisine. Wheelchair accessible throughout center.
Viewing Etiquette
Maintain quiet voices - loud noises frighten cranes. Stay behind designated viewing lines. No drones (illegal and disturbs wildlife). Flash photography prohibited. Don't throw food or objects toward cranes. Supervised feeding by center staff only. Cranes are wild animals - respect their space. Binoculars and telephoto lenses allow close viewing without disturbance.
Local Experiences
Izumi city offers crane-themed cuisine and products. Try 'Crane Udon' and crane-shaped sweets. Visit Izumi Buke Yashiki (samurai residences) nearby. Combine with Izumi Fumoto Samurai Village (15 min away). Local farmers welcome visitors - agriculture and conservation coexist here. Stay overnight for both sunrise and sunset crane viewing.
Accommodation
Limited lodging in Izumi city: business hotels and ryokan available. Book early for peak weekends (January-February). Staying overnight allows early morning viewing without rushed travel. Alternatively, base in Kagoshima City (1 hour away) with more hotel options. Some photographers camp in cars at observation center parking lot (informal, facilities limited).
FAQ
When can I see cranes at Izumi?
The crane season runs from November 1 to March 15 annually when thousands of cranes migrate from Siberia and Mongolia to winter in Izumi. Peak numbers of 12,000-15,000 cranes typically occur in January and February, making this the best time for spectacular viewing.
What time of day is best for crane viewing?
Sunrise (6:30-8:00 AM) offers the most spectacular viewing when thousands of cranes take flight simultaneously from roosting sites. Late afternoon (3:00-5:00 PM) is excellent for watching cranes return and perform courtship dances. Midday allows for closer viewing as cranes rest and feed.
How many cranes visit Izumi annually?
Izumi Plain hosts approximately 90% of Japan's wintering crane population, with peak numbers exceeding 15,000 birds. Some years see 16,000+ cranes. The site hosts over 10,000 cranes consistently throughout the winter season, making it Japan's premier crane viewing location.
What crane species can I see at Izumi?
Seven species visit Izumi: hooded cranes (75% of total), white-naped cranes (20%), sandhill cranes, common cranes, Siberian cranes, demoiselle cranes, and the extremely rare red-crowned crane. Hooded cranes are identified by their distinctive white neck stripe. Educational displays at the center explain species identification.
How much does it cost to visit?
The Observation Center charges 220 yen for adults and 110 yen for children, with free admission for elementary students and younger. Outdoor viewing areas are completely free. Parking is free with 200 spaces available. Telescope use is also free for all visitors.
How do I get to Izumi from Kagoshima?
Take the Kyushu Shinkansen or Limited Express from Kagoshima-Chuo Station to Izumi Station (35-45 minutes, 2,200-3,500 yen). From Izumi Station, take Nankai Bus to Arasaki/Crane Observation Center stop (25 minutes, 510 yen) or taxi (15 minutes, 2,500 yen). Check bus schedules as service is limited.
What facilities are available at the observation center?
The indoor observation room is heated with large windows and free telescopes, excellent for families and cold days. Outdoor observation decks offer closer views. The center features educational exhibits on crane ecology, free binocular lending (deposit required), a gift shop, restaurant serving local cuisine, and full wheelchair accessibility.
What photography equipment should I bring?
Bring a telephoto lens (300mm or longer recommended) for close-up crane shots and a wide-angle lens to capture mass fly-outs. Sunrise and sunset provide golden light and dramatic silhouettes. A tripod is useful for low-light conditions, and fast shutter speeds (1/1000 or higher) are essential for flying shots. Bring extra memory cards as they fill quickly.
Are there photography blinds available?
Yes, the observation center has designated photography areas and blinds that allow close viewing without disturbing the cranes. These spots are popular, so arrive early during peak season to secure good positions, especially for sunrise photography.
What viewing etiquette should I follow?
Maintain quiet voices as loud noises frighten cranes. Stay behind designated viewing lines. Drones are illegal and disturb wildlife. Flash photography is prohibited. Don't throw food or objects toward cranes—supervised feeding is conducted by center staff only. Respect that these are wild animals requiring space.
When is the peak season for crane viewing?
Peak season is January-February when maximum numbers (12,000-15,000 cranes) are present, offering the most dramatic viewing. However, early season (November-December) has fewer crowds as numbers build, while late season (March) sees numbers declining as early migrants depart.
Should I visit at sunrise or sunset?
Both times offer unique experiences. Sunrise (6:30-8:00 AM) features spectacular mass fly-outs when thousands of cranes take flight simultaneously—the most dramatic moment. Sunset (4:30-5:30 PM) showcases cranes returning to roost and performing courtship dances. Serious enthusiasts visit both.
Can I visit as a day trip from Kagoshima?
Yes, a day trip from Kagoshima City (1 hour away) is feasible, but you'll miss either sunrise or sunset viewing. To experience both the morning fly-out and evening return flights, consider staying overnight in Izumi city, though accommodation options are limited during peak season.
Where do the cranes come from?
The cranes migrate over 2,000 kilometers from breeding grounds in Siberia and Mongolia, arriving in late October and departing by mid-March. They choose Izumi for its mild winter climate, available food, and protected wetland habitat maintained through conservation efforts and farmer cooperation.
Is the observation center crowded?
Weekday mornings are typically less crowded. Peak weekends during January-February attract many visitors, especially photographers. Arriving early (before 6:30 AM for sunrise) ensures the best viewing positions. Despite crowds, the vast number of cranes and multiple viewing areas allow everyone good viewing opportunities.
Are there other attractions near Izumi?
Yes, combine your visit with Izumi Buke Yashiki (samurai residences) and Izumi Fumoto Samurai Village (15 minutes away). Izumi city offers crane-themed cuisine and products including 'Crane Udon' and crane-shaped sweets. The agricultural landscape where cranes and farmers coexist is fascinating.
What is the best weather for crane viewing?
December-February typically offers cold but clear weather, ideal for viewing and photography. Clear mornings provide the best light and visibility for capturing crane behavior and flight. Check weather forecasts before your visit as heavy rain or fog can impact viewing quality.
Do I need to make reservations?
No reservations are needed for the observation center itself, which operates on a first-come, first-served basis. However, if staying overnight in Izumi, book accommodation early for peak weekends in January-February when hotels fill quickly with crane enthusiasts.
Why is Izumi important for crane conservation?
Izumi Plain hosts approximately 90% of Japan's wintering crane population and was designated a Special Natural Monument in 1952. The collaboration between conservationists and local farmers to create feeding programs and protect habitat has been crucial for maintaining this internationally significant crane gathering.
Can I hear the cranes?
Yes, the calls of thousands of cranes create a remarkable soundscape, especially during morning fly-outs and evening returns. The trumpet-like calls are part of the experience and add to the dramatic atmosphere. Early morning is particularly memorable when the air fills with crane calls.
Nearby Attractions
Explore more wonderful destinations in the same prefecture.
Chiran Samurai Residence District
Beautifully preserved samurai district featuring seven traditional gardens and residences, offering glimpses into feudal-era warrior life in southern Kyushu.
Kirishima Jingu Shrine
An ancient Shinto shrine nestled in the sacred Kirishima mountains, dedicated to the mythological founder of Japan and renowned for its vermillion architecture set against lush forests.
Kirishima Onsen
A collection of hot spring resorts scattered across volcanic mountains, offering diverse spring types, spectacular mountain views, and outdoor baths in nature.
Sakurajima Volcano
One of Japan's most active volcanoes, dramatically situated in Kagoshima Bay. The iconic peak regularly emits ash and steam, creating spectacular views and offering visitors a rare chance to observe volcanic activity up close.
Sengan-en Garden
Historic daimyo garden with stunning views of Sakurajima volcano, showcasing over 350 years of Japanese landscape design and Satsuma domain heritage.
Yakushima Island
A mystical UNESCO World Heritage island in southern Japan, famous for its ancient cedar forests, including the 7,200-year-old Jomon Sugi tree.