Saroma, town in Tokoro district, Hokkaidō, Japan
Saroma is a small town on the island of Hokkaido in Japan, located beside a large lagoon that shares its name. The area is shaped by wide fields, reed beds, and calm water, with traditional wooden buildings and simple structures defining the townscape.
The town was founded in the late 1800s by Japanese settlers, including a man named Jingorou Suzuki who moved to farm the land. In 1953 it was officially designated as a town, and since then it has grown gradually while maintaining its rural character.
The name Saroma comes from the Ainu language and means the place of many reeds. The reed beds around the lagoon shape the landscape and connect closely to local life, providing habitat for birds and animals that residents and visitors observe and value.
Visiting is easiest by car, as the roads are quiet and public transportation is limited. It helps to plan your trip in advance, since lodging consists mainly of small inns and campsites rather than large hotels.
The town has maintained a sister city relationship with Palmer, Alaska since 1980, sharing a special bond that began through two teachers. It also has its own mascot named Momo-chan, a cheerful pumpkin character wearing a lucky scallop shell.
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