Kushiro Akan International Crane Center
The Kushiro Akan International Crane Center (GRUS) is dedicated to the conservation of and public education about red-crowned cranes. The main building houses a souvenir shop, library, exhibition hall, and lecture rooms. The exhibits include interactive and informative displays, as well as impressive large-scale models explaining the biology of the cranes. Visitors can attend special seminars to hear about research being carried out at the center. Throughout the year, cranes can be seen in outdoor enclosures, and from November to March, approximately 200 wild cranes flock to a nearby field where workers provide food to help the birds survive the cold winter months.