Lake Saroma, located in the northeast of Hokkaido, is the largest lake in the prefecture. It is the third largest lake in Japan after Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture and Lake Kasumigaura in Ibaraki Prefecture, boasting a circumference of about 90 km and an area of about 152 m2. It is also a quasi-national park area that has not been developed, allowing you to feel the dynamism of nature itself. To fully appreciate the magnificent sight of Lake Saroma, let's visit several observation spots. Lake Saroma was originally shaped like a bay facing the Sea of Okhotsk. Over a long period of time, sand accumulated and trapped part of the sea, resulting in the lake's current shape. Most people who come to see Lake Saroma visit the Lake Saroma Observatory. This observation deck is located almost at the summit of Mt. Horoiwa on the south coast, and there are no other high mountains in the vicinity. This means you can see the entire area around the lake. Time spent here will fly by as you gaze upon the vast panorama that unfolds before your eyes. However, it is closed during snowy periods, so we recommend checking in advance. ▼For more information, please see the Domingo spot page. Lake Saroma Observatory You can also get to the Lake Saroma Observatory from the hiking trail next to the roadside station "Lake Saroma," and the "Piraoro Observatory" is located on the west side of the roadside station. Although you can't see the whole area like you can from the Saroma Lake Observatory, you can view the lake from the lakeshore. Piraoro means "a place with a cliff" in the Ainu language, and it is said that Ainu people used to watch for schools of fish here. ▼For more information, please see the Domingo spot page. Piraoro Observatory If you want to get closer to Lake Saroma, why not head to Cape Kimuaneppu, which juts out from the southeast edge of the lake? You can go right down to the sandy lake shore, and there is a campsite nearby. Many native flowers can be seen, but the most spectacular sight is the colonies of coral grass that bloom in late summer, covering the lakeside in a deep red.

(Photo courtesy of Saroma Town Hall)

▼For more information, please see the Domingo spot page. Cape Kimuaneppu What did you think? Lake Saroma and its surrounding areas are rich in nature, so you can enjoy different aspects depending on the season, and the observation spots you want to visit will likely change depending on the season. Please use this as reference when you visit Lake Saroma. <Interview cooperation and thumbnail photo provided> Saroma Town Hall Address: 3-1 Eidaicho, Saroma-cho, Tokoro-gun, Hokkaido Phone: 01587-2-1211 (General Affairs Division) Official website: http://www.town.saroma.hokkaido.jp