Tsurui Onsen (鶴居温泉)

Tsurui Onsen: The Sanctuary of Red-Crowned Cranes and the Amber Silk Waters

Deep within the Kushiro Marshland of eastern Hokkaido lies Tsurui Onsen (鶴居温泉), a destination whose name literally translates to “Where the Cranes Reside.” This is not just a hot spring destination; it is a sacred landscape where Japan’s most iconic bird, the Red-crowned Crane (Tancho), finds refuge during the harsh winters. Tsurui Village is officially recognized as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in Japan,” offering a pristine, pastoral atmosphere that feels worlds away from the neon lights of Tokyo. For international travelers, Tsurui Onsen provides a rare harmony of high-end wildlife photography, world-class thermal healing in “Moor” (peat) waters, and the quiet dignity of a rural Japanese community. Whether you are coming to witness the elegant “dance” of the cranes in the snow or to soak in the therapeutic amber waters, Tsurui offers a profound sense of peace and a deep connection to the natural cycles of the north.

Key Information

The Healing Waters: The Ancient “Moor” Treasure

Tsurui Onsen is famous for its Moor Spring (モール温泉). Unlike volcanic hot springs, Moor water is an organic gift from the earth, filtered through layers of ancient peat and buried plant matter. The result is a striking translucent amber or “whiskey-colored” water that is incredibly rich in humic acid. For international guests, the first sensation of Tsurui’s water is often one of surprise—it is so slippery and smooth that it feels like bathing in liquid silk. This alkalinity gently exfoliates the skin, while the organic minerals provide a deep moisturizing effect that lasts for days. It is a true “Beauty Spring” that requires no chemical additives. The facilities in Tsurui prioritize 100% natural flow (Gensen Kakenagashi), ensuring that every drop of water that touches your skin is as pure as the day it emerged from the earth 1,000 meters below.

Top 5 Recommended Ryokans in Tsurui

• Hotel Taito: A legendary lodge for bird photographers. The owner is an expert on cranes, and the onsen facilities are classic, offering deep amber baths and a cozy atmosphere.
• Tsurui Green Park: A modern resort facility with spacious rooms and excellent accessibility. It features a variety of indoor and outdoor tubs and is located near the village’s parklands.
• Heart’n Tree: A charming, hill-top guesthouse that focuses on organic dairy and herbs. While more of a “B&B,” it offers a private onsen experience and the best farm-to-table breakfast in the village.
• Wada-no-yado: A quiet, family-run inn where the focus is on traditional Japanese hospitality and seasonal local seafood from the nearby Kushiro port.
• Woody Hotel & Restaurant Bistro: Ideal for those who prefer Western-style bedding and French-inspired cuisine using local Hokkaido ingredients, with easy access to the village’s main bathhouse.

Must-Visit Public Baths (Soto-yu)

While the village is small, the Tsurui Village Resident’s Bath (Tsurui-mura Onsen) is the social heart of the community. Here, you can soak with local dairy farmers and witness the authentic daily life of rural Hokkaido. The fee is incredibly low, and the water is consistently ranked as some of the highest quality in the region. There is also a small “Foot Bath” (Ashiyu) near the main park where you can rest your feet for free while watching the sunset over the marshland.

Walking Guide & Scenic Spots: The Crane Watch

Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary: This is the premier spot for crane viewing. From November to March, hundreds of cranes gather here for feeding. The sound of their trumpeting calls against the silent, snowy landscape is a spiritual experience.
Otowa Bridge: Famous among world-class photographers, this bridge offers a view of the cranes sleeping in the river mist during frigid winter mornings.
Kushiro Marshland (Onnenai Boardwalk): A short drive from the onsen, this boardwalk allows you to walk through the prehistoric-looking marshland, home to rare flora and fauna.

Local Gastronomy & Souvenirs

Tsurui is a “Dairy Village.” The Tsurui Cheese is world-renowned, having won numerous gold medals in national competitions.
Vegetarian/Vegan Friendly: The village’s focus on dairy and vegetables makes it easier for vegetarians. Heart’n Tree offers vegetarian-friendly herbal cuisine. For vegans, the local soy-based products and fresh Hokkaido potatoes (steamed with salt) are the safest and most delicious options.
Souvenirs: Look for “Tancho” themed sweets and the award-winning “Silver Label” cheese. The local Hokkaido Venison jerky is also a popular high-protein snack for hikers.

Cultural & Historical Context

Tsurui Village was once a remote frontier that faced extreme poverty after the war. However, the discovery of the Moor springs and the successful conservation of the Red-crowned Crane—once thought to be extinct—transformed the village into a symbol of environmental resilience. The village name itself was chosen to honor the birds that saved the local economy through tourism. Today, the village operates under a strict “coexistence” philosophy, where the needs of the cranes and the villagers are balanced through careful regulation of land and water use.

Practical Travel Tips

• Tattoo Policy: As a rural village, Tsurui is conservative but very polite. Small tattoos are usually not an issue. For larger pieces, we recommend booking a stay at Heart’n Tree or Hotel Taito and inquiring about private bathing times.
• Photography Etiquette: Never use flash when photographing cranes. Do not cross the fences or make loud noises. The cranes are sensitive, and the villagers are very protective of them.
• Cashless & Payments: The major hotels accept cards. However, the local bus (Akan Bus) and small village shops are cash-only (JPY). There is a Post Office ATM in the village center.
• Winter Gear: If visiting in winter for crane photography, you will be standing still in temperatures reaching -20°C. You need professional-grade thermal boots and layered clothing.

2025-2026 Latest Updates

In 2025, Tsurui launched the “Night Marshland Safari,” a guided eco-tour that uses electric vehicles to minimize noise, allowing visitors to see nocturnal owls and foxes before returning for a late-night onsen soak. For 2026, the village is upgrading its “Workation” facilities, providing high-speed Starlink internet in the local lodges to attract longer-term international visitors.

Safety & Manners

Respect the silence of the marshland. In the onsen, always wash your body thoroughly before entering the tubs. Because the water is an amber-black Moor spring, it can be very slippery; walk with caution. Finally, Tsurui is a quiet community where people go to bed early; avoid loud parties or nighttime wandering to maintain the peaceful atmosphere that both the villagers and the cranes cherish.