Located in Urausu Town, Urausu Shrine is a historic site established in 1910. Recently, however, it has become a secret hotspot for photography enthusiasts. We went to find out why.

Urausu Shrine is located right near Roadside Station Tsurunuma. A large stone torii gate welcomes you at the entrance.

To reach the main shrine grounds, you must climb a steep flight of stone steps behind the torii gate. It's a bit of a workout, but when you look back from the top, you'll be rewarded with a spectacular view of Tsurunuma Park below.

However, this isn't the main attraction for the photographers. The real draw is the carpet of Ezoengosaku (Corydalis ambigua) and Katakuri (Japanese dog's-tooth violet) flowers that bloom across the shrine grounds, creating a truly photogenic scene.

While you may be eager to take photos, first, let's pay our respects. The development of Urausu Town began in 1892, and cultivation of this land started in 1898. This shrine has truly walked alongside the history of Urausu Town.

Now, after paying your respects, it's time to enjoy the beautiful floral scenery. Just be sure to respect the restricted areas and observe proper etiquette while you enjoy the view!

Photo credit: Ken Naito

The vibrant blue flowers are Ezoengosaku, which are in full bloom from April to May. The downward-facing flowers with reddish-purple petals spreading upwards are Katakuri, best seen in April.

Photo credit: Ken Naito

You can also spot wildlife such as Ezo red squirrels and Ezo chipmunks, as well as wild birds like the great spotted woodpecker and the Japanese tit. The moment a squirrel pops its head out from the flower field is like something out of a fairytale! It seems many photographers wait patiently for this very moment.

Again, when photographing wildlife, it's crucial to follow the rules and be respectful. With that in mind, go ahead and try to capture your own unique, perfect shot.