Tsuru no Mai Bridge is in Aomori Prefecture, more specifically in the town of Tsuruta, the name of which refers to the large number of red-crowned cranes that continue to roost there. In fact, this species of crane, being an aquatic species, prefers freshwater wetlands, swamps and other humid habitats.
The beauty of the bridge lies not only in its elegant structure that is in harmony with its surroundings, but also in its shape, which is reminiscent of a crane in flight and makes the scene resemble that of a fairy tale. Either from the jetty or from the observation center at the end of the bridge, it is possible to lurk and watch the cranes in flight or on the ground and, in the meantime, also enjoy the wonderful panorama that surrounds the entire area. In fact, on both sunny and rainy days, it is possible to appreciate the nature in which the Tsuru no Mai Bridge is immersed, perceiving different emotions.
However, the Bridge is not the only attraction in the area. In fact, before taking the direct route to the bridge, one passes through a garden with pergolas that make the atmosphere even more romantic. While on rainy days, when the grey sky contributes to the release of the most fragile and delicate emotions, one is overwhelmed by nostalgia.
In addition, as soon as one arrives at the site, it’s possible to buy souvenirs reminding of the bridge and cranes, as well as typical local products such as apple cakes, apple and grape juice and so on. And in the part immediately next to the shop, it is possible to make a stamp of the place where the town’s mascot Tsururin is also present, and thus have a souvenir of having visited this magnificent bridge.
Lately, due to its ageing, the bridge is undergoing renovation work, which involves changing the wooden planks of each of the three parts during the period from September to March in 3 consecutive years from 2023 until 2026. However, it is possible to visit it in the period between April and August, in the time between the reconstruction of one part and another.
The Tsuru no Mai Bridge, or ‘Bridge of Dancing Cranes’, is therefore a natural oasis that offers visitors breathtaking views at any time, whether the weather is sunny or cloudy, and where one can relax while observing the beautiful, red-crowned cranes, whose species isamong those threatened with extinction.
This article was written by an international student at Hirosaki University.