Visiting the Izumi Crane Wintering Grounds

NEW

2026年08月05日

Izumi Wintering Habitat of Crane, Izumi City, Kagoshima, Japan
Wetland of International Importance

A quick guide to responsible crane viewing that protects the cranes and respects local life and farming.

Planning Your Visit

If you're visiting during the crane season, please start your visit at Izumi City Crane Observation Center.

During the wintering season (November 1- March 14), visitors are asked to follow special guidelines designed to protect the cranes, other wildlife and the local community.

Please take a moment to read the information below before your visit.

出典：国土地理院（この地図は国土地理院の地図を基に編集・加工し、英語表記を追加して作成しています。）

Before Your Visit

Winter Visitor Guidelines Period

November 1, 2026 - March 14, 2027

1. Start Your Visit at  Izumi City Crane Observation Center

Please check the following before your visit:

*Location (Map)   (Map of the Observation Center)

Observation Center Hours

Early Access:  6:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Early access is available to visitors who pay a Conservation Contribution.

Regular Opening Hours:  9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 

(Last admission:4:30 p.m.)

Official Crane Count Surveys

Access to the Crane Wintering Grounds is restricted until 9:00 a.m. on the following survey days.

During this time, local students from the Crane Club conducted the annual crane count as part of our conservation activities.

Survey Days

  • November 14 (Sat)
  • December 5 (Sat)
  • December 19 (Sat)
  • January 16 (Sat)

Backup Survey Days

  • November 1５ (Sun)
  • December 6 (Sun)
  • January 17 (Sun)

2. How to Visit

Step 1. Start at Izumi City Crane Observation Center

The Observation Center is the main visitor hub during the winter season.

Please begin your visit here before entering the crane wintering grounds.

Vehicle disinfection is carried out when entering and leaving the Observation Center.

Step 2. Support Conservation During Your Visit

Before entering the crane wintering grounds, visitors are asked to pay a  conservation contribution at the Observation Center.

You will then receive a Visitor Pass, recognizing your support for Izumi's conservation efforts and providing access to visitor benefits.

Your contribution support:

  • Crane and Wetland conservation
  • Measures to help prevent the spread of avian influenza
  • Care for injured or sick cranes
  • Visitor management and conservation activities
Conservation Contribution

Payment: Cash only

Visitor or vehicle category

 Contribution
Passenger car,taxi,and vans (up to 10 registered seats) 1,000 yen per vehicle, per day
Mortorcycle or bicycle 1,000 yen per vehicle, per day
Visitor arriving on foot 1,000 yen per person, per day
Season Pass (above categories only) 3,000 yen
Minibus(11-29 registered seats) 3,000 yen per day
Large bus(30 or more registered seats) 5,000 yen per day

The Season Pass is recommended for visitors planning to visit on three or more days.

Vehicle categories are based on the vehicle's registered seating capacity, not the number of passengers on board.

Step 3. Receive Your Visitor Pass

After paying the conservation contribution, you will receive a Visitor Pass.   

Visitor Pass Benefits:

  • Early access to the Observation Center from 6:30 a.m.
  • Admission fee waived at the Observation Center
  • Binocular rental
  • Digital camera rental (Please bring your own SD card.)
  • Two-seat electric vehicle rental*
  • A guided ride on the electric minibus
  • Use of the bird observation hide

Some rental epuipment, electric vehicles, and seats on the guided minibus are limited.

*Two-Seat Electric Vehicle Rental

Drivers must hold a valid driver's license issued in Japan.

International Driving Permits are not accepted.

Guided Electric Minibus

Enjoy a guided ride around the crane wintering grouds in a small electric minibus.

Guided rides are normally provided in Japanese.

If you would like guidance in English, please contact us by email before your visit. English-language guidance is subject to staff availabilitiy and cannot be guaranteed.(Contact Us by Email: crane_c@city.izumi.kagoshima.jp)

Duration: Approx.40-50 minutes

Vehicle capacity: 6 people total, including staff

Rides are shared with other guests.

Thank you for your undersatanding.

Step 4.　Watch the Orientation Video

At the Observation Center, please watch the 3-minute orientation video before entering the wintering grounds.

The video explaines the designated visitor routes and how to enjoy crane watching responsibly.

Available in Enish,Chinese,and Korean.

Step 5. Visit the Crane Viewing Areas

Crane can be observed from two main areas:

  • Observation Center  ("Arasaki area")
  • East Reclaimed Land ("Higashi-kantaku area")

You can travel to East Reclaimed Land by car, a two-seat electric vehicle, or the guided electric minibus.

Driving to East Reclaimed Land

If you are driving a car, ask a staff member for a Vehicle Pass after watching the orientation video.

Display the pass clearly on your windshield and follow the designated driving route.

Visiting the Arasaki and East Reclaimed Land Areas 

Please remain in your vehicle while observing cranes.

Stop, park, or leave your vehicle only at the designated locations shown on the Official Visitor Route Map.

Walking is limited to the designated visitor area around the Observation Center and the designated observation area at East Reclaimed Land.

Please do not walk beyond these areas or enter private property or set up tripods on roads.

These measures help protect cranes, reduce the risk of spreading avian deseases, and keep narrow rural roads clear for local residents, farm vehicles, and disease-control vehicles.

Bird Observation Hide 

A bird obserｖation hide is available in East Reclaimed Land. Visitors may use to observe cranes without disturbing them. Please remove your shoes before entering the hide.

 

Step 6. Help Protect the Wintering Grounds

Please follow the vehicle disinfection procedure when entering and leaving the Observation Center.

Please also use the shoe-disinfection mats provided at viewing locations.

Thank you for helping reduce the risk of spreading avian diseases.

The Official Visitor Route Map

Please note: Visitor routes and designated stopes may change during the wintering season. Please check the latest information with staff and follow on-site signs and instructions.

Why These Guidelines Matter

Every winter, more than 10,000 cranes and many other migratory birds gather in Izumi City, Kagoshima.
The wintering grounds are also home to local residents, active farms, and an important poultry industry.
These guidelines help protect wildlife, reduce the risk of avian diseases, keep local roads safe, and avoid disrupting local residents and farming activities.
Your cooperation helps cranes and the local community continue to thrive together.