Lake Saroma, the third largest lake in Japan, is located in eastern Hokkaido, adjacent to the Sea of ​​Okhotsk.
The "Saroma Lake Observation Deck" is a spectacular viewpoint from which you can see the entire Lake Saroma.

This little-known observation deck at the summit of Mt. Horoiwayama is sure to captivate you with its panoramic view.
However, it's not a particularly well-known spot, so I imagine there are many people who have never been there.

So, in this article, I'll explain how to get to the Lake Saroma Observatory, which can be a bit confusing.
The view from this pleasant observation deck, with nothing obstructing your view, of the Saroman Blue and Okhotsk Blue waters is absolutely breathtaking!

Table of contents
1. Where is the Lake Saroma observation deck located?
2. How many routes are there?
3. There are two paths to take up the forest road! Make sure you don't miss the sign at the entrance!
4. Be captivated by the magnificent panoramic view from the observation deck.
Summary and Access Information

The Lake Saroma Observatory is located on the summit of Mt. Horoiwayama (elevation 376m), which is situated in the approximate center of Lake Saroma. It is about a 1 hour and 30 minute drive along National Route 238 (commonly known as the Okhotsk Line) from Abashiri towards Monbetsu.

Since there are no high mountains around Lake Saroma, this observation deck is the best place to go to enjoy a panoramic view of the vast lake.

There are two routes to the observation deck: two that involve driving along a forest road to the observation deck (both about 6 km to the summit), and two hiking trails (one on the Abashiri side and one on the Saroma roadside station side) (both about 3.5 km).
There are a total of four routes.

This time we'll be taking a route that involves driving along a forest road, but it's also possible to reach the summit via a hiking trail in about an hour, and there are handrails on the steep slopes.
Even the elderly and children can safely enjoy mountain climbing!
(Mount Horoiwa is 376m above sea level)

There are two routes to climb by car: one from the Abashiri side and the other from the Monbetsu side.
In terms of signage, the Abashiri side has more landmarks and is in a more easily recognizable location.
On the other hand, the Monbetsu side has a sign at the top, so you might miss it if you're not careful.
Both routes take you to the observation deck in roughly the same distance, so you can choose whichever you prefer.

3-1. Once you reach the forest road, the real adventure begins!

About 2 kilometers from the national highway, you'll see a sign for the entrance to the forest road. From here, the road becomes a gravel road and narrows.
The route is full of steep slopes and curves, but surprisingly there are plenty of pull-offs and cell phone reception is available.
Let's proceed along the forest road slowly and considerately, yielding to each other.

3-2 A sense of relief at the point where the two roads merge.

After exiting the forest road, you'll suddenly come across an open area where the Abashiri and Monbetsu sides merge.
As you travel for miles along the forest road, you gradually start to feel uneasy.
You might start to relax and think, "Have we arrived yet?", but you're almost at the observation deck.

3-3 After walking along the paved road, we finally arrived at the observation deck parking lot!

There is an observation deck parking lot about 1 kilometer from the junction.
There are no restrooms at the observation deck, so please use the facilities here before you go. Seeing this spectacular view isn't easy.
Looking up, you'll see a staircase, and you'll climb about 200 steps from there.
Let's enjoy a short hike to see some wonderful scenery! Handrails are provided, so it's safe.

3-4 We finally arrived at the Lake Saroma observation deck!

After finally climbing the stairs, I came across an observation deck with a chic design that didn't spoil the forest scenery.
The iron railing has a scallop shell pattern on it, which is quite cute.
There are three viewpoints offering spectacular views. There is also an indoor observation room, so you can enjoy the scenery from inside even on rainy days.

On clear days, you can even see the distant Shiretoko mountain range, and the Okhotsk blue sky and sea, combined with the Saroman blue of Lake Saroma, create a truly beautiful gradient.
This is the only place where you can view these three gradients in a panoramic view from above.
This is probably why it's a hidden gem. You could look at it forever.
Enjoy the scenery from various angles at different observation points.

Summary

So, what did you think? The Saroma Lake Observatory, a scenic viewpoint, is a bit of a challenging climb to reach.
However, the view you'll see after overcoming this arduous journey will surely be breathtaking.

When exploring the Okhotsk area, why not add this place, where you can also enjoy the exquisite cuisine of Lake Saroma, to your itinerary?
You'll fall in love at first sight with the breathtaking scenery of nature as far as the eye can see!

Basic Information / Access
[Lake Saroma Observation Deck]
Address: Naniwa, Saroma-cho, Tokoro-gun
Phone: 01587-2-1200
For inquiries, please contact: Saroma Town Hall, Economic Affairs Division, Commerce and Tourism Section
Visiting period: May to October. Closed during winter.
Fee: Free
・For those coming by car
Approximately 90 minutes by car from Abashiri City
Approximately 90 minutes by car from Memanbetsu Airport
Approximately 80 minutes by car from Monbetsu City
Approximately 60 minutes by car from Monbetsu Airport
There are no public transportation options available.
Please use a rental car or your own vehicle.

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