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Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Lake Saroma is a brackish water lake in the Okhotsk region of Hokkaido, centered around Saroma Town, and is one of the largest in Hokkaido. It has a sandbar and lagoon topography that connects it to the sea, and is characterized by a rich ecosystem where seawater and freshwater mix. It is important for fishing (scallop and oyster farming) and as a habitat for waterfowl, and is known for its seasonally changing scenery, beautiful sunsets, and events such as the annual Lake Saroma 100km Ultra Marathon.
Highlights
- Lake Saroma Observation Spot: The views from the observation deck and high ground overlooking the entire lake are popular. The contrast between the sunset and the lake surface is particularly beautiful.
- Fishing Scenes and Seafood: You can see the scenery of scallop farming and the fishing port, and taste fresh locally caught seafood (scallops, oysters, crabs, etc.). We recommend purchasing and eating at roadside stations and direct sales outlets.
- Cycling and driving: The route along the lakeside is scenic and allows you to enjoy nature at a leisurely pace.
- Bird watching: There are many migratory birds and waterfowl that live in lakes and marshes, making it a good place to observe wild birds (we recommend bringing binoculars).
- Events: The Lake Saroma 100km Ultra Marathon, held every year in early summer, is a major event that attracts runners from Japan and abroad.
- Winter scenery: The drift ice season can be seen on the nearby Sea of Okhotsk side, and the tranquility of the snowy scenery is also attractive (drift ice varies depending on the weather and sea conditions).
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Public transportation: Saroma Town itself does not have a train station, and the nearest JR stations are Kitami Station and Abashiri Station. From there, you can take local buses, town buses, and seasonal tourist buses, but these are not frequent.
- Car: The most convenient way to get there is by rental car or private car. It is about an hour's drive from Kitami City, and about an hour's drive from Abashiri City and Monbetsu City (travel time varies depending on the starting point).
- Roadside Station: There are convenient facilities for resting and obtaining information, such as the Lake Saroma Roadside Station.
- Air: From outside Hokkaido, the most common way to get there is via Memanbetsu Airport (Abashiri region), Asahikawa, or Sapporo. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a bus.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Short trip (1-2 hours): Enjoy the scenery at the main lookout points and do some shopping and have a snack at the roadside station.
- Half-day (3-4 hours): A plan that includes driving along the lakeside, cycling, and meals and sightseeing around the fishing port.
- 1 day or overnight stay: If you plan to combine canoeing, fishing, bird watching, and sightseeing in the surrounding area (Abashiri or Monbetsu), we recommend staying at least 1 night.
Nearby spots
- Roadside Station Saroma Lake: A base for direct sales of local specialties and processed seafood products, as well as tourist information.
- Kitami City (about an hour by car): Highly convenient urban facilities including hot springs, restaurants, and shopping.
- Abashiri City: Tourist attractions include drift ice sightseeing, museums (such as the Abashiri Prison Museum), Lake Notoro, and Cape Notoro.
- Monbetsu City: A base for sightseeing around Okhotsk's seafood and drift ice.
- Nearby natural parks and lakes: You can enjoy observing wild birds and plants along the Okhotsk coast and in the surrounding wetlands and lakes.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Transportation: Public transportation is infrequent, so please check arrival times and operating days in advance. In winter, traffic may be disrupted due to icy roads and snowstorms.
- Seasonal precautions: In summer, take measures against the sun and insects (such as mosquitoes), and in winter, take measures against the cold and wear snow tires/chains. During the drift ice season, the viewing area may change depending on sea conditions.
- Fisheries and Nature Conservation: Please refrain from entering fishing facilities and aquaculture farms, and avoid collecting seafood and over-harvesting shells. Please maintain a safe distance when observing nature to protect migratory birds and rare species.
- Crowds: During peak tourist seasons and events, the surrounding accommodations and restaurants tend to be crowded. We recommend booking accommodations early.
- Emergency preparedness: As this is a suburban area, there are places where mobile phone reception is unstable and there are few ATMs. Please make sure to stock up on food, drinks, cash, and fuel in advance.
Lake Saroma is a place with a rich variety of natural scenery, where you can enjoy a relaxing time and the blessings of the local sea. When visiting, please be mindful of local rules and the natural environment and enjoy sightseeing safely.
