Located in northeastern Hokkaido, Lake Saroma is the largest lake on the island. It is also the third largest in all of Japan, after Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture and Lake Kasumigaura in Ibaraki Prefecture, boasting a circumference of about 90 km and an area of approximately 152 km². Furthermore, it is part of a quasi-national park area, largely untouched by development, allowing visitors to feel the raw dynamism of nature itself.

Let's explore some of the observation spots to fully appreciate the magnificent scenery of Lake Saroma.

Lake Saroma was originally shaped like a bay facing the Sea of Okhotsk. Over a long period, sand accumulated, enclosing a part of the sea and forming the lake as we know it today. The place that most visitors to Lake Saroma make a point to see is the Lake Saroma Observatory.

This observatory is located near the summit of Mt. Horoiwa on the southern shore, with no other high mountains nearby. This allows for an unobstructed, panoramic view of the entire lake area. Time is sure to fly by as you take in the grand panorama spreading before your eyes. However, please note that it is closed during the snowy season, so it's best to check in advance.
▼For more details, please see the Domingo spot page
Lake Saroma Observatory

You can also reach the Lake Saroma Observatory via a hiking trail next to the Michi-no-Eki (Roadside Station) "Saromako," and to the west of this station is the Piraoro Observatory.

While it doesn't offer the same sweeping view of the entire area as the Lake Saroma Observatory, you can enjoy a view of the lake from its shore. "Piraoro" means "place with a cliff" in the Ainu language, and it is said that the Ainu people once used this spot to watch for schools of fish.
▼For more details, please see the Domingo spot page
Piraoro Observatory

If you want to experience Lake Saroma up close, why not visit Cape Kimuaneppu, which juts out into the southeastern part of the lake?
You can walk right down to the sandy shore, and there is a campsite nearby. You can see various native flowers, but the colonies of glasswort (coral grass) that bloom in late summer, painting the lakeside in a stunning crimson, are a particularly spectacular sight.

(Photo courtesy of Saroma Town Office)

▼For more details, please see the Domingo spot page
Cape Kimuaneppu

What did you think? The rich nature of Lake Saroma and its surroundings offers different faces with each season, and the best viewpoint to visit may vary depending on the time of year. We hope this guide helps you plan your visit to Lake Saroma.

＜Cooperation in coverage and thumbnail photo provided by＞
Saroma Town Office
Location: 3-1 Aza Eidaicho, Saroma, Tokoro-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 01587-2-1211 (Main line, General Affairs Division)
Official Website: http://www.town.saroma.hokkaido.jp