Akan International Crane Center was established in 1996 as Japan's only crane facility. Specialized researchers study and publish information about crane ecology and behavior to protect the species. Artificial feeding is carried out from November to March for more than 300 cranes in the large feeding grounds in front of the Tancho Observation Center (annex) (entry fee required). Main Building: Akan International Crane Center [GRUS] is open 7 days a week all year. Annex: Tancho Observation Center is open 7 days a week between November 1 and March 31.