Saroma Lake
A coastal lagoon in Abashiri Quasi-National Park, the largest lake in Hokkaidō by area.
Lake Saroma (サロマ湖, Saroma-ko), also Saroma Lagoon, is a coastal lagoon (hence a body of brackish water) in Saroma, Kitami, and Yūbetsu. It is located in Abashiri Quasi-National Park. By area, the lake is the third largest in Japan and the largest in Hokkaidō. The name comes from the Ainu place name Saruomahetsu, meaning "place of many Miscanthus reeds and rushes." Another nearby coastal lagoon is Notoro Lagoon, about 15 km (9.3 mi) to the east.
Quick Facts
- Other names
- Saroma Lagoon
- Location
- Okhotsk, Hokkaidō, Japan
- Outflow
- Sea of Okhotsk
- Catchment
- 618 km² / 239 sq mi
- Countries
- Japan
- Area
- 150 km² / 57.9 sq mi
- Depth
- 8.7 m / 28 ft 7 in
- Maximum depth
- 19.5 m / 64 ft
Reader's Guide
Saroma Lake serves as a vital geographical anchor in the eastern reaches of Hokkaido within the story's timeline. It is not merely scenery but an active participant in the plot, offering both sustenance and danger to those who traverse it. Its primary role involves showcasing the survival skills required to live off the land, particularly through fishing techniques that require deep cultural knowledge. The lake's shallow nature makes it accessible yet unpredictable, forcing characters to adapt quickly to changing conditions. This location matters because it reinforces the series' exploration of Ainu heritage and the harsh environment of early 20th-century Hokkaido. It stands as a reminder that in this world, nature is the ultimate authority, indifferent to human greed or ambition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Saroma Lake?
Saroma Lake is a vast coastal lagoon located in northern Hokkaido, spanning the towns of Saroma, Kitami, and Yūbetsu. It holds the distinction of being the largest lake by area on the island and contains brackish water due to its connection with the sea.
Where exactly is Saroma Lake situated?
The lagoon lies within Abashiri Quasi-National Park in Hokkaido, Japan, roughly 15 kilometers west of Notoro Lagoon. Its waters are fed by both freshwater rivers and saltwater from the Sea of Okhotsk.
How does Saroma Lake compare to other bodies of water in Japan?
By surface area, Saroma Lake ranks as the third largest lake in all of Japan while claiming the top spot within Hokkaido. Unlike typical lakes, it is classified as a coastal lagoon, giving it unique brackish characteristics.
More in Locations & Geography
Elsewhere in Golden Kamuy
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