Grace in the Snow: Photographing Red-Crowned Cranes on Our Hokkaido Photography Workshop

On the JDS annual Hokkaido photography workshop and birding photo tour, no other bird captures the hearts of photographers more than the iconic Red-Crowned Crane (Grus japonensis), known in Japanese as タンショウ (Tancho). International wildlife photographers come to Hokkaido each winter to witness and capture these gentle giants in the snow-covered landscapes of Japan’s northern island.

Standing 150–158 cm (4–5 ft) tall, weighing 8–11 kg (17–25 lbs), and boasting an enormous wingspan of 200–260 cm (6.5–8.5 ft), the Red-Crowned Crane is one of the most striking birds in the world. These majestic creatures can live more than 60 years, a testament to their strength and endurance in Hokkaido’s harsh winters.

Nicknamed the “snow ballerinas” for their breathtaking elegance, Red-Crowned Cranes are most famous for their elaborate courtship dances. Their ritual begins with the pair raising their heads in perfect unison, releasing hauntingly beautiful fluting calls that echo across the frozen fields. With wings spread wide, they leap, bow, and dance together in a synchronized choreography that symbolizes devotion and fidelity. This remarkable display is not only a moving natural spectacle but also an extraordinary opportunity for photographers to capture gallery-worthy wildlife images.

Even more enchanting, the dance of one pair often inspires other cranes to join, creating a living performance across the snowy landscape. For wildlife and bird photographers, these rare and intimate moments provide some of the most iconic images of Japan’s natural world.

Join us on the JDS Hokkaido Winter Photography Workshop and experience the unforgettable sight of Red-Crowned Cranes dancing in the snow. Their beauty, symbolism, and timeless grace will leave you with memories—and photographs—that last a lifetime.