As Hokkaido's lush green season gets into full swing, a variety of flowers are coming into bloom across the region. Amidst this floral awakening, a photo of the beautiful "Sarasa Dodan" (Redvein Enkianthus) has become a hot topic on social media. The image of these dainty, lamp-like flowers blooming downwards has received a huge response.

The vertically striped Sarasa Dodan

Photo courtesy of @kaeruyougi

The photo posted features the Sarasa Dodan, with its impressive, vivid red vertical stripes. It's a breathtaking sight, looking just like a cluster of tiny lamps hanging in a row.

When this photo was posted on social media, it received over 2,000 likes, with users commenting, "The contrast is amazing!" and "I didn't know they came in this color!"

The Dainty, Bell-Shaped "Sarasa Dodan" Flower

Yurigahara Park in Sapporo. You can also see Sarasa Dodan here.

The photographer is Kaeruyougi. The Sarasa Dodan is a deciduous shrub of the Ericaceae family, and in Hokkaido, it's in full bloom from late May to mid-June. It can be found in mountainous areas, as well as parks and gardens throughout Hokkaido. The following spots are particularly famous:

From now on in Hokkaido, summer flowers like lavender and colorful alpine plants will come into bloom one after another. When you're out and about, be sure to look for the Sarasa Dodan, blooming quietly yet with a definite presence among the trees. You might find yourself stopping in your tracks at the sight of their dainty beauty.