We tested it for you: canoeing and crane watching in Hokkaido
- Published on : 28/01/2026
- by : Phoebe
- Youtube
Laetitia, Product Manager at Japan Experience
@Japan Experience
With its snow-covered landscapes, Hokkaido appeals to lovers of wide open spaces. Yet Japan's most northerly island also boasts a wealth of wildlife and wilderness that travelers often overlook. At Japan Experience, we carefully select activities that allow you to discover Japanese culture from the inside. Experiences we've tried and tested ourselves, like our activities "Canoeing on Kushiro Marsh in Winter" and "The Cranes of Japan". A bucolic discovery alongside our product manager.
Laetitia, Activities Product Manager at Japan Experience
Laetitia has been with Japan Experience for 15 years. After studying art and comparative literature, this delicate soul went on to study at keio University, in Tokyo to learn Japanese. After graduating, she worked as a cultural project coordinator before joining Japan Experience, where she is now in charge of our "activities" products.
What does she love most about her job? Exploring Japan in search of unique experiences, imagining what kind of traveler these might appeal to, and reading the enthusiastic feedback from our customers - of course.
It has to be said that Laetitia takes the time to carefully select each and every activity in our catalog. A mission that suits her like a glove, given her insatiable curiosity about Japan!
Laetitia tested our canoeing activity in Hokkaido
@Japan Experience
I love the richness of Japanese culture, both traditional and popular. It's a bottomless pit of discovery! I also love the Japanese people: they're extremely respectful and friendly, curious about everything, and great fun when it comes to having fun!
So, when it came to braving the cold of Hokkaido to discover the beauties of the island, our product manager didn't hesitate for a second!
Japanese cranes and canoeing on Kushiro marsh in winter
Our activities take place in the Kushiro marshes , a protected area in the region.
<< "The Cranes of Japan" is a guided tour of the marshes to observe cranes in their natural habitat. Depending on the season you'll be able to see the cranes' different life cycles, including brooding or cranes when they're born. >> explains Laetitia.
"Canoeing in Kushiro Marsh in Winter" is an early-morning canoe trip on the Kushiro River. The lucky ones will be able to watch the mist crystallize on the surrounding vegetation or float in the air to form what's known as "diamond dust". << It's a magical sight! >> confides our product manager. << You'll also catch a glimpse of wild animals (fallow deer, eagles, cranes, etc.) waking from sleep! >>
The cranes of Hokkaido
@Japan Experience
A bit of magic? Watch the cranes in Kushiro with Japan Experience!
Although an endangered species, Japanese cranes are cherished for their beauty and for the place they occupy in the Japanese imagination. With a local guide, meet them in their natural environment, the Kushiro marshes.
Japanese cranes at Lake Akan
Kushiro-lake Akan travel guide
And with good reason, Hokkaido's wildlife is impressive: it's one of the only places in Japan where cranes can still be seen in their natural habitat.
<< Japanese cranes were an endangered species in the 1960s, when Yoshitaka Ito, a local farmer, decided to feed them to help them get through the winter. >> recounts Laetitia. << Now, the Ito sanctuary in Tsurui-mura, has become a base not only for feeding and watching the cranes, but also for activities aimed at protecting their habitat in Hokkaido. >>
While these experiences will delight photography enthusiasts, they will also appeal to all those who have kept their childlike soul, unless they're equipped to brave the cold.
Anyone can have a good time with these activities, provided, of course, that you enjoy being outdoors and are equipped. Hokkaido is generally a good destination for second or third trips. But for those who love wilderness adventures, wide-open spaces and breathtaking scenery, they can spend some time there even on their first trip to Japan!
Need some fresh air? Discover Kushiro Marsh by canoe
The Kushiro marshes are the largest in Japan. They cover 2,680 km² of wetlands and are a must-see if you're visiting the northern island of Hokkaido. Established as a national park in 1987, birdwatchers from all over the world come here to observe the Japanese crane, a species once considered extinct, but which has survived thanks to conservation efforts.
But the Kushiro marshes are not just a haven for Japanese cranes. 2,000 animal species, including the famous white-tailed fish eagles and sika deer, also live here. The best way to explore the marshes is by canoe.
Canoeing in Hokkaido
@Japan Experience
The hidden wonders of Hokkaido
Nestled in eastern Hokkaido, the Kushiro region enchants with its bucolic landscapes. To extend the dream, Laetitia invites you to the Shiretoko peninsula, passing near lakes Mashu and Akan.
<< Shiretoko is designated a Unesco Natural World Heritage Site for its rich ecosystem. >>she explains << You can continue your adventures with further wildlife-watching tours, thanks to our local partner, an environmental protection organization that offers guided tours in Shiretoko National Park. >>
Explore Hokkaido and the Shiretoko Peninsula with Japan Experience
Laetitia's recommendations for a successful trip to Japan
Japan can be visited all year round, but our product manager has nothing but praise for winter, a season often overlooked by travelers:
Winter is a very beautiful season in Japan. First of all, there are fewer people than in spring and autumn, and the climate is very sunny on the east side, but very snowy on the west side. An outdoor onsen in a snow-covered mountain, followed by a "nabe" (Japanese fondue) in a ryokan is an unforgettable experience!
Her top recommendation? Seek out the locals, who hold precious memories:
Arrange your schedule to discover more intimate places, and seek out contact. When we travel, we plan according to the places we want to visit, but return with our heads full of memories of the people we met.
Food for thought for a future trip to Japan.
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