Explore the Hell Valley Wonder Trail in Hokkaido from the "Along with the Gods" movie scenes

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Department

The popular Korean film Along with the Gods, which was highly acclaimed after its release in 2017, has its sequel set to premiere this August, generating great anticipation among fans. The hellish scenes in the movie also left a deep impression on viewers. If you'd like to experience similar otherworldly landscapes firsthand, head to Noboribetsu Hell Valley in Hokkaido.

Noboribetsu Hell Valley is the remnant crater left after the eruption of Mount Usu volcano, formed about 10,000 years ago, and is also the largest hot spring source in Noboribetsu Onsen. Here, boiling water continuously gushes from fumaroles and springs, with no vegetation in sight and a strong smell of sulfur, creating an illusion of being in hell — hence the name Hell Valley.

Covering an area of about 11 hectares, the area is dotted with crimson-red rocks and yellow-gray rocky hills. Cracks emit hot springs, steam, and volcanic gases, providing mineral-rich waters containing up to 11 different minerals to nearby famous hot spring hotels. In fact, people have been extracting spring water from Hell Valley for over a hundred years.

Visiting Hell Valley in different seasons allows you to experience vastly different views, such as the romantic ambiance surrounded by flowers in spring, the lush greenery of Noboribetsu’s native forests in summer, the contrast of red autumn leaves against crimson rocky hills in fall, and the surreal sight of snow-covered land with boiling steam in winter.

Near the parking lot at the Noboribetsu Park Service Center, there is a 600-meter exploration trail that circles around Hell Valley, which can be completed in about 10 minutes on foot. There are also paths that lead to “Oyunuma Pond” (お湯沼), taking about 20 minutes, where you can see different views and experience the feeling of being in a hellish landscape.