In a snowbound village lives the plain and honest youth, Yohyo, together with the beautiful Tsu, in a small house in domestic bliss. One day, Unzu and Sodo are talking about Tsu. The cloth she weaves is known as "Thousand Crane Feathers" weave, which she sells in the town for the high price of ten ryo; however, in a plan to make quick money, the two say they could get a thousand ryo for it if they sold it in the city. But wondering where on earth she gets crane feathers from, they peek into her weaving workshop. They see what could well be crane feathers scattered on the floor, and begin to wonder if they are from Tsu transforming herself into a crane. Upon asking some questions of Yohyo, they find out that he once rescued a crane. Knowing this, they put it to Yohyo that he gets Tsu to weave cloth, which could then be sold for good money in the city. For the first time, Yohyo becomes aware of how Tsu gets thinner as she weaves and, succumbing to the temptation of riches, orders Tsu to get spinning. Tsu laments that recently Yohyo has changed and now talks of nothing but making money. She thinks about how if she keeps weaving she will have no body left but, considering Yohyo's excitement about going into the city, she resolves to weave. So, making Yohyo promise, as always, that he will not under any circumstances look into the workshop, she starts weaving. But Unzu and Sodo peep into the room and, scared witless at what they see, report it to Yohyo. Hearing this, Yohyo can't help himself, and peeks in at the room for himself. Upon which, he spies only a crane, with Tsu nowhere to be seen. He therefore sets out to find her.

Look as he might, Yohyo cannot find Tsu, and he finally collapses. Upon which, Tsu appears, bringing cloth, to Yohyo's delight. Tsu has woven two sheets of cloth. She tearfully tells him how, having been seen while weaving, she must return to the sky. She gives one sheet to Yohyo, telling him to treasure it, and disappears. A crane is seen flying away high in the sky.