Station Saroma Lake

Discover the Heart of Hokkaido’s Natural Wonders

Nestled along National Route 238 at the geographical center of Saroma Lake, this roadside station offers a gateway to the pristine beauty of Hokkaido’s Okhotsk region. Surrounded by sweeping views of the lake and framed by the rugged peak of Horo-iwa Mountain, it serves as both a rest stop and a cultural hub for travelers exploring the remote coastline.

More than a scenic pit stop, Saroma Lake roadside station celebrates the area’s rich agricultural heritage with a focus on local specialties. Visitors can savor fresh oysters and seasonal scallop grills, sample pumpkin-based treats including the wildly popular pumpkin soft serve, and browse regional produce like dried seaweed dressing and locally raised Saroma pork. With a hands-on farm, seasonal flower fields, and a panoramic lake view from the nearby lookout, it’s a destination where nature, cuisine, and community come together.

Saroma Lake roadside station stands at the heart of the Saroma Lake shoreline, offering the only panoramic view of the entire lake from the summit of Hokkaido’s Hooriyan Mountain. Here, visitors can witness the vast expanse of the lake, the sandy barrier separating it from the Okhotsk Sea, and the distant peaks of the Shiretoko Range—all from a single vantage point. The station’s signature pumpkin soft cream, made from locally grown, sun-ripened Hokkaido pumpkins, is a must-try, available only here. For a true taste of the region, sample the grilled local scallops or the unique dried seaweed dressing crafted from wild Okhotsk sea algae.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM on weekdays to secure a seat at the bakery counter before the morning rush, especially for the pumpkin soft-serve, which sells out by 12:00 PM.

• Hidden Gems: Ask at the deli counter for the locally made nori dressing—crafted from dried sea algae harvested from Saroma Lake—only available during the 4月中旬 to 10月中旬 season when the roadside station is fully open.

• Weekend Special: On weekends during the 9–10 month period, visit the barbecue area between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to enjoy freshly grilled oysters (11–January), which are only available during this seasonal window.

• Best Purchase Time: Buy the fresh scallops (hokkaido scallops) at the produce counter before 11:00 AM, as they are sold in limited quantities and often sell out by midday.

• Best Photo Spot: Climb to the Saroma Lake Viewpoint on the summit of Hoori Mountain (376 meters) to capture the only panoramic view of the entire Saroma Lake, including the sandbar separating the lake from the Sea of Okhotsk and distant views of the Shiretoko Range.

• Dining Tip: Order the Saroma Pork Bowl (Saroma Buta Don) with soba noodles during lunch hours (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM) to get the full experience of the locally raised, omega-3-rich pork, which is only served with the soba or udon options during the 4月中旬 to 10月中旬 operating period.

• Cashless Payment: Use the cashless payment system at the shop counter—accepting credit cards and mobile payments—especially during the winter months (November–March) when the station operates from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and cash-only options may be limited.

Spring (April–May): Visit for the start of the seasonal flower garden at the farm and fresh seafood offerings from May.

Summer (June–August): Ideal for enjoying the pumpkin tunnel and farm activities from June to August.

Autumn (September–October): Best for the Cinderella Dream Festival in September and the Saroma Harvest Festival in October.

Winter (November–March): Experience grilled oysters from November to January and the serene lake views.