Saroma Roadside Station - Hokkaido

Saroma Roadside Station, formally called Road Station Lake Saroma (道の駅 サロマ湖) is one of the 128 roadside stations in Hokkaido. It is located along Route 238 at 121-3 Naniwa, in the town of Saroma in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Saroma Roadside Station

Saroma Roadside Station details

The Saroma Roadside Station, located along National Route 238 in the Okhotsk region of Hokkaido, serves as a popular tourist base facility. Positioned in the middle of the scenic Lake Saroma Line, this roadside station offers a wide range of specialty products from Saroma Town and the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk. Moreover, it also boasts several entertainment facilities such as an "experience" farm, a contact ranch, and a rinkan plaza.

Saroma Roadside Station - Saroma town, Hokkaido Prefecture

The design of these facilities is inspired by the iconic imagery of a dairy farming "cow barn" and "silo," which are integral to Saroma Town's key industry. These facilities provide a space where tourists and drivers can freely rest, making it a convenient stopover for those visiting Lake Saroma. Recognized for its service and offerings, the Saroma Roadside Station was officially registered as the 51st roadside station in Hokkaido on April 17, 1998.

Formally called Road Station Lake Saroma (道の駅 サロマ湖)

A beautiful vine-covered walkway can be found near the roadside station

One of the main highlights of the Saroma Roadside Station is the display and sale of various specialties and products sourced from Saroma. This includes items such as scallops, pumpkins, and beef from the town. Notably, the soft-serve ice cream made from locally grown pumpkins has become a crowd favorite. Alongside these town specialties, the station also offers a wide selection of specialty products from the Okhotsk coast, making it an ideal location for purchasing souvenirs from Eastern Hokkaido. You can find these products at the Special Product Sales Corner of the roadside station.

Here are the key facilities available at the Saroma Roadside Station:

Special Product Sales Corner: This corner offers a diverse range of specialty products, both processed and live, including scallops and pumpkins. Seasonal items such as live scallops and oysters are also available for sale.


Tourist Information Center/Break Corner: At this center, visitors can relax while perusing information about various sightseeing attractions in Okhotsk and the surrounding areas. It serves as a valuable resource for planning travel itineraries.


Fureai Ranch/Tourist Farm (May-November): This tourist farm provides a delightful experience filled with seasonal flowers and attractions. During autumn, pumpkin tunnels provide a unique and picturesque sight. Additionally, depending on the time of year, visitors can enjoy watching ponies grazing in the pastures.

Welcome to Saroma Roadside Station

Local produce are sold cheaply in the roadside station

Saroma Roadside Station's Special Product Sales Corner

Special Momo-chan pin for 500 yen

Saroma Roadside Station Stamp

Saroma Roadside Station offers an ideal blend of convenience, local specialties, and entertainment facilities. Whether you are in search of regional delicacies or seeking a restful break during your journey, this roadside station promises an enriching and enjoyable experience for all visitors.

Team Nicerio visits Saroma Roadside Station

My family and I visited Saroma Roadside Station for the first time last September 18, 2022, during our September 17 – 19 Road Trip. It was my 321st day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. I made sure to include the roadside station in our itinerary as my daughter and I are collecting roadside station stamps for the Hokkaido Stamp Rally.

Saroma Roadside Station Fees

It’s FREE to park and use the facilities of Saroma Roadside Station. However, I highly suggest that visitors bring cash just in case they want to buy products from Saroma.

Saroma Roadside Station Operating Hours

Saroma Roadside Station is open from:

9 AM- 6 PM (mid-April to mid-October)
9 AM - 5 PM (mid-October to mid-April)

Why visit Saroma Roadside Station?

Saroma Roadside Station offers an ideal blend of convenience, local specialties, and entertainment facilities. Whether you are in search of regional delicacies or seeking a restful break during your journey, this roadside station promises an enriching and enjoyable experience for all visitors. Also if you're collecting roadside station stamps, you should make sure to include Saroma Roadside Station in your itinerary.

Getting to Saroma Roadside Station

 

Begin your journey by catching the Dohoku Bus's Sapporo / Asahikawa - Engaru route from the Asahikawa Station bus terminal, alighting at the Engaru Terminal.

Upon reaching Engaru Terminal, embark on a brief 5-minute stroll to reach the Engaru Yamaguchu Ganka bus stop. From there, hop on the Saroma Town Community Bus, which will take you to the Saroma Kohan bus stop.

Upon arrival at Saroma Kohan, continue your journey with an approximately 800-meter walk to reach the Saroma Roadside Station.

Travel time: 4 hours and 12 minutes

Fare: 2,860 yen

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