The three-star Michelin Okayama Korakuen Garden hosts a "Red-crowned Crane Walk" from autumn to winter. We'll show you the graceful flying cranes and related goods!
2024.10.23Okayama Korakuen Garden has been awarded three stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan and is one of Japan's three most famous gardens. This garden, known as the only place of special scenic beauty in the prefecture, hosts a special event from autumn to winter called "Red-crowned Crane Stroll Throughout the Garden." We will introduce you to the sight of the red-crowned cranes gracefully flying through the sky and the related goods that can be purchased in the garden.
About the Tancho Walking in the Park
Currently, eight red-crowned cranes are being raised in Okayama Korakuen Garden. During the "Red-crowned Crane Walk" held from autumn to winter, you can observe the cranes roaming freely around the garden and sometimes even flying in the sky.
Daily life
Normally, the cranes spend their time in the crane house on the left hand side as you enter through the main gate. When you stroll around the zoo, you can occasionally hear their distinctive calls. In fact, for a period after the war, the raising of cranes in the zoo was discontinued. However, after two cranes were donated by Mr. Guo Moruo, who studied at the former Sixth Higher School in Okayama, they began to be seen in the zoo again.
Scenes from the walking event
During the walk, some areas will be closed to traffic, so please follow the instructions of the staff. When the time finally comes to start, the cranes will emerge from the crane house into the garden under the guidance of the zookeepers.
The moment of flight
When the zookeepers ran off, imitating the cries of the cranes, the cranes began preparing to fly. On this day, they flew multiple times, but apparently there are days when they don't fly at all, depending on the weather and their physical condition.
Garden scenery and red-crowned cranes
A red-crowned crane flies dynamically overhead. Its black and white feathers are very beautiful!
The sight of the red-crowned cranes flying gracefully in front of Enyotei, which was once used as the living room of the feudal lord, is like something out of a Japanese folk tale.
The four birds fly together over Sawa-no-ike Pond, the largest pond in the park, so low that you can even see their reflections in the pond.
Collaboration with Okayama Castle
The most impressive sight is when the red-crowned cranes fly with Okayama Castle in the background. The combination of traditional Japanese scenery and the graceful figures of the cranes is a special sight that you won't find anywhere else.
The red-crowned cranes circle the park and then land on the lawn.
Natural appearance
During the walk, the cranes land on the grass and sometimes peer into the ground in search of insects. You can even see them holding grasshoppers in their mouths, giving you a glimpse into their wild habits. With Mt. Yuishin in the background, the sight of them spreading their black wings is also impressive.
After staff members regulate the flow of the animals, they move from one piece of grass to another together with the zookeepers.
End of the walk
After about an hour's walk, the cranes are led back to the crane house by the zookeepers. The way they lift their long legs as they step over the fence is adorable.
Red-crowned Crane Goods
At Kanshatei, located between the main gate and the Tsurusha, various products with a red-crowned crane motif are sold.
The original towels and folding fans feature images of red-crowned cranes along with scenery of Okayama Korakuen Garden.
Masking Tape and the famous sweet "Tsuru no Tamago" are also popular.
"Tsuru no Tamago" is a Japanese-Western fusion sweet with a fluffy marshmallow filled with bean paste. The auspicious combination of the white and pale pink "red and white" and "crane" is also appealing.
Event Information
Next event: Saturday, October 26, 2024, 9:00-10:00 *Will be held even in light rain
Please check the official website for the schedule from November onwards. Events may be changed or cancelled depending on the health of the cranes. If an event is cancelled, it will be announced on the official website by 7am on the day.
Okayama Korakuen Garden Official Website
basic information
The "Red-crowned Crane Stroll" can be seen for just the admission fee to Okayama Korakuen Garden.
Admission fee: 500 yen for adults, 200 yen for those 65 and older, free for high school students and younger
[Okayama Korakuen Garden]
Location: 1-5 Korakuen, Kita-ku , Okayama City, Kita Ward Access
(Public) 12-minute bus ride from JR Okayama Station to Fujiwara Danchi, get off at Korakuen-mae bus stop.
(Car): Approximately 20 minutes from Okayama IC on the Sanyo Expressway
Conclusion
The scenery of the red-crowned cranes, Japanese gardens, and castle is a special sight that can only be seen at Okayama Korakuen Garden. The sight of the graceful red-crowned cranes and the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese garden will be a wonderful experience that will help you forget your daily routine. Why not come and visit?
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