http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6792.html
As indicated from the above webpage, there are 2 locations to watch those lovely cranes, the Akan International Crane Centre and the area near the Tsurui Ito Tancho Sanctuary. The best spots to watch wild cranes are at Tsurumidal and Otowa Bridge during winter time but there is no way to predict when they will do the love dance. Easier to access is the Akan International Crane Centre where you can see those cranes year round. We went during summer, thus only visited the Crane Centre. Although the cranes are kept behind fences, the surrounding is quite natural. There is also a small museum and to take in all only requires a little more than an hour.
Kushiro is also the base for the Kushiro Wetlands which is also shown on the above webpage. Below is its Japanese website.
http://www.kushiro-yachi.com/
http://kankou.city.kushiro.hokkaido.jp/nature/index3.html
A good way to tour the Wetlands is to take a ride on the winter classic SL train.
http://www.jrkushiro.jp/sl2011/sl2011g.html
Within the town of Kushiro itself, don’t miss trying the unique sashimi rice in Washo Market where you buy a plain bowl of rice and then go around the different stores to choose your own fresh seafood sashimi.
http://www.washoichiba.com/
For sightseeing in town, go to the Nusamai Bridge with 4 photogenic figure sculptures and a nearby flower clock on a slope.
http://www.rurubu.com/sight/detail.aspx?BookID=A0103570
Also by the Nusamai Bridge is MOO/Fisherman’s Wharf, a colourful waterfront complex with shops and restaurants on the upper floors and seafood market on G/F. During summer it is very popular with its giant tent outside housing BBQ grills and creating quite a festive atmosphere.
http://www.moo946.com/p-ganpeki-robata/index.html