Folks, we’ve checked out the Tsuruga Resort on Lake Saroma in Hokkaido, and it’s a real gem. Picture this: traditional Japanese rooms with jaw-dropping lake views, and food that’ll make your taste buds dance. You can soak in hot springs, get pampered at the spa, or join in on fun activities.
Now, let’s be honest. The resort is a bit off the beaten path, so getting there might take some effort. And if you’re not used to sleeping on futons, the traditional bedding could be a challenge for your back.
But here’s the scoop: if you’re after a peaceful getaway and want to experience authentic Japanese hospitality, this place is hard to beat. It’s perfect for nature lovers, couples looking for a romantic escape, or anyone who wants to dive into Japanese culture without the hustle and bustle of big cities.
Just remember to pack your sense of adventure and an open mind!
Key Points
- The Lake Saroma Tsuruga Resort is located in Kitami, Hokkaido, Japan, offering stunning views of Lake Saroma and proximity to nearby attractions like the Tokoro Ruins.
- The resort features traditional Japanese-style rooms with spacious layouts, outstanding dining options, and key amenities such as an onsen, outdoor spa, and engaging activities.
- Guests highly praise the exceptional dinner and breakfast buffets showcasing fresh seafood platters and expertly-prepared teppanyaki steak in a traditional Japanese ambiance.
- The resort provides comprehensive amenities including free Wi-Fi, billiards, ping-pong, and complimentary bicycle rentals, as well as 24-hour coffee service and kid-friendly dining options.
- The resort has a check-in time from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, a check-out time by 10:00 AM, and specific policies regarding tattoos, smoking, and accommodating pets.
Location and Nearby Attractions
Lake Saroma Tsuruga Resort is located in Tokorocho Sakaeura 306-1, Kitami, Hokkaido, Japan.
The resort offers stunning views of the nearby Lake Saroma. Guests can explore the Tokoro Ruins, just a short 492-foot walk from the resort.
The Wakka Natural Flower Garden is a 25-minute drive away, providing a picturesque setting for nature lovers. For those seeking larger bodies of water, Lake Abashiri is just 31 miles from the resort.
The nearest airport, Okhotsk Monbetsu Airport, is approximately 40 miles away, making the resort easily accessible for travelers.
With its prime location and variety of nearby attractions, Lake Saroma Tsuruga Resort offers guests a well-rounded experience in the beautiful Hokkaido region.
Positive Guest Experiences
Guests have consistently praised the resort’s traditional Japanese-style rooms, with their spacious layouts and stunning lake views.
The dining experience also receives high marks, with outstanding dinner and breakfast buffets featuring an impressive variety of seafood platters, teppanyaki steak, and more.
Key amenities that delight visitors include:
- Rejuvenating onsen and outdoor spa facilities.
- Engaging activities like billiards, ping-pong, and bicycle rentals.
- 24-hour coffee service and a kid-friendly buffet option.
- Friendly and attentive staff who enhance the overall experience.
The combination of traditional charm, exceptional cuisine, and comprehensive amenities creates a truly memorable stay at the Lake Saroma Tsuruga Resort.
Exceptional Dining Options
The dining options at the Lake Saroma Tsuruga Resort are nothing short of exceptional. Guests rave about the outstanding dinner and breakfast buffets, which feature a tantalizing array of fresh seafood platters, expertly-prepared teppanyaki steak, and an abundance of other Japanese delicacies.
The half-board meal plan ensures guests can indulge in the resort’s culinary offerings throughout their stay. Whether it’s the impressive seafood selection or the delectable teppanyaki, the resort’s talented chefs showcase their skills and deliver an unforgettable dining experience.
Coupled with the resort’s traditional Japanese ambiance, the exceptional cuisine elevates the overall guest experience, leaving a lasting impression on all who visit.
Comprehensive Amenities
A comprehensive array of amenities awaits visitors at the Lake Saroma Tsuruga Resort. The resort offers:
-
Free Wi-Fi throughout the property, allowing guests to stay connected.
-
An on-site onsen and outdoor spa, providing a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
-
Billiards and ping-pong tables, perfect for friendly competition or leisurely activities.
-
Complimentary bicycle rentals, enabling guests to explore the scenic surroundings.
Plus, the resort offers a 24-hour coffee service and a kid-friendly dining option, catering to the needs of all guests.
With these impressive amenities, the Lake Saroma Tsuruga Resort ensures a well-rounded and enjoyable stay for its visitors.
Accommodations and Room Types
The accommodation options at the Lake Saroma Tsuruga Resort cater to a variety of preferences and needs.
Guests can choose from Deluxe Twin Rooms with stunning lake views, Twin Rooms with forest vistas, or traditional Japanese-style rooms also overlooking the lake. For those seeking more space, the resort offers spacious Suites with lake views.
All rooms come equipped with essential amenities, including a bathtub, seating area, private bathroom, refrigerator, electric kettle, and flat-screen TV.
The rooms’ traditional Japanese aesthetic and modern conveniences create a harmonious blend, ensuring a comfortable and immersive stay for visitors.
Policies and Check-In/Check-Out
Typically, check-in at the Lake Saroma Tsuruga Resort is available from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, while check-out must be completed by 10:00 AM.
The resort’s cancellation policy varies by accommodation type, and guests will be required to provide a photo ID and credit card at check-in.
Plus, the resort welcomes children of all ages, though additional charges may apply for those 7 and older.
Lastly, pets under 5 kg may be accommodated with prior contact, but guests with tattoos may have limited access to public bathing areas, and smoking is prohibited throughout the property.
Health and Safety Protocols
The public bath hours at the Lake Saroma Tsuruga Resort are from 5:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM.
The sauna is available from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM.
Guests with tattoos may have limited access to the public bathing areas.
Smoking is prohibited throughout the property.
Any special requests must be communicated in advance, and additional charges may apply.
These health and safety protocols are in place to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all guests at the resort.
Special Requests and Restrictions
Guests should communicate any special requests in advance, as additional charges may apply.
The resort has several restrictions in place, including:
- Access to public bathing areas may be limited for guests with tattoos.
- Smoking is prohibited throughout the entire property.
- Guests must inform the resort in advance if they’re traveling with a dog under 5 kg, as accommodations may be available.
- Special requests, such as dietary requirements or room preferences, should be specified when booking to ensure availability and avoid additional fees.
These policies are in place to ensure the comfort and safety of all guests during their stay at the Lake Saroma Tsuruga Resort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Book Activities or Tours Through the Resort?
According to the information provided, guests can rent bicycles through the resort. However, there’s no mention of the resort offering or booking any organized activities or tours. Guests may have to arrange these separately.
What Is the Dress Code for the Public Bathing Areas?
The resort’s policy requires guests to wear bathing attire when using the public hot spring baths and sauna. Swimsuits or towels are typically worn, and guests with tattoos may have limited access to these facilities.
Is There a Fitness Center or Gym On-Site?
The resort does not have a dedicated fitness center or gym on-site. However, guests can enjoy outdoor activities like cycling and make use of recreational amenities such as billiards and ping-pong tables.
Do All Rooms Have a View of the Lake?
While not all rooms offer lake views, the resort does feature several room types with scenic vistas of the adjacent lake. Guests can choose from deluxe twin and Japanese-style rooms that provide breathtaking lakefront panoramas.
Can I Request a Late Check-Out or Early Check-In?
Guests can request late check-out or early check-in, but this is subject to availability and may incur additional charges. The resort’s standard check-in is from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and check-out is until 10:00 AM.
The Sum Up
Ah, the Lake Saroma Tsuruga Resort – what a gem in Japan’s Okhotsk region! After spending a few nights here, I can confidently say it’s a top pick for travelers seeking that perfect blend of natural beauty and culture.
This place has it all: stunning lake views that’ll make your jaw drop, traditional accommodations that’ll transport you to old Japan, and enough dining options to keep your taste buds dancing. The hospitality? Simply outstanding. It’s like they’ve bottled up the essence of Japanese omotenashi and sprinkled it throughout the resort.
Whether you’re looking to zen out by the lake, explore the surrounding area, or pamper yourself silly, this resort has you covered. Trust me, you’ll be reminiscing about your stay long after you’ve returned home.
Now, if you’re itching to experience this slice of paradise for yourself, just hit that button below. It’ll take you to Booking.com, our go-to site for reservations. We use it ourselves (at no cost to us), and they usually offer some pretty competitive rates. Happy traveling!