Izumi City’s Winter Miracle 10,000 Cranes Dancing Across the Sky

Located in northern Izumi City, this quiet town remains a hidden gem even among Japanese travelers. Yet every winter, Izumi becomes the stage for one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles.

From late autumn to early spring, more than 10,000 cranes migrate here from across the globe. As winter settles in, the entire city is enveloped in the powerful rhythm of life, creating a scene found nowhere else in Japan. This is Izumi City, known as Japan’s largest wintering ground for cranes.

A Winter-Only Spectacle: The Mesmerizing Dance of Cranes

From late October through February, cranes such as hooded cranes and white-naped cranes spend the winter in Izumi.
The most unforgettable moment comes at dawn, when thousands of birds take off simultaneously. Their silhouettes fill the sky, unfolding like a dramatic scene from a movie. It is a sight that leaves visitors completely speechless.

At the Izumi Crane Observation Center, located within the wintering grounds, you can observe these wild cranes up close in a safe and comfortable setting. The center is especially popular with travelers, and more and more visitors come here specifically for photography.

Samurai Residences and a One-of-a-Kind Kimono Experience

Izumi’s appeal goes beyond its natural wonders. Another highlight lies in the heart of the city: a beautifully preserved samurai residence district.
Stone walls and traditional wooden houses from the Edo period still line the streets, creating the feeling of stepping back into old Japan just by walking through the area.

At select open samurai residences, visitors can enjoy strolling the streets dressed in kimono. With an advance reservation, you can choose your favorite kimono and obi on the spot. Tabi socks and sandals are included, so you can arrive empty-handed.

One standout feature is a special women-only plan. After the experience, you can take home the kimono, obi, and tabi you wore as souvenirs.

Being able to keep the kimono is rare even in Japan, making this a truly special way to preserve your travel memories. After returning home, it also becomes a wonderful way to share Japanese culture with family and friends.

Wearing a colorful kimono and walking along the stone-paved streets, your shadow stretching across the path.

Why not spend a heart-stirring moment unique to Izumi, where the spirit of the Edo period still lives on?

Visitors can also tour the samurai district by traditional ox cart, a photo-friendly experience especially popular with international travelers.
You can enjoy a leisurely ride through the Izumi Fumoto Samurai Residence District, where grid-pattern streets and stone walls built from rounded river stones remain just as they were centuries ago.
The experience also includes tea service and commemorative photos while wearing a jinbaori (traditional surcoat), adding to the charm of this timeless journey.

How to Get to Izumi City

Source：Official Website 

Surprisingly, getting to Izumi is simple. Its convenient location makes it easy to reach for anyone traveling around Kyushu, even first-time visitors.

Main access options:

・Take the Shinkansen from Hakata, Kumamoto, or Kagoshima-Chūō Station

・Shuttle bus from Kagoshima Airport

・JR Kyushu Shinkansen Izumi Station serves as the city’s main hub

For detailed transportation information, please check the official website.

Taiwanese Influencer Lena Explores Izumi City

Popular Taiwanese influencer Lena, with approximately 80,000 Instagram followers, visited Izumi City and shared its charm with her audience. Her journey took her through the dramatic crane landscapes and the Edo-era samurai streets, highlighting spots that truly capture the essence of Japan.

In this article, we also introduce Izumi City through Lena’s unique perspective.
View Lena’s Instagram (link)

Tell Us What You Think

To help us share Izumi City’s appeal more clearly, the Payke editorial team is collecting feedback from travelers. This short survey consists of five simple questions about your travel style and interest in crane watching.

Your responses will directly shape future articles and travel plans. Whether you already have a trip planned or are simply curious about Izumi, we would love to hear from you.

👉 Take the survey here (link)

Book Your Izumi Trip with Japan Boost Travel

Tours featuring crane observation and samurai district walks are available through Japan Boost Travel. Seasonal courses are available, making it easy for first-time visitors to plan a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Visit Japan Boost Travel (link)

Stay Updated via Official Instagram

For seasonal scenery, events, and real-time updates on crane migration, following Izumi City’s official Instagram is highly recommended. Checking ahead of your trip will help you make the most of your visit.

Izumi City Tourism Information “Izumi Navi” Official Instagram (link)