Village of red-crowned cranes, Hokkaido

In Tsurui Village, Hokkaido, photography enthusiasts gathered to capture cranes, a national natural monument, illuminated by the morning sun. The Setsuri River, which flows through Tsurui Village, is a popular photo spot because it rarely freezes in the winter and cranes head there in search of food. On January 2, the temperature dropped to minus 15 degrees Celsius. Still, cranes could be seen standing in the river as vapor rose from the water.