Walk in the Footsteps of a Film Scene: The Surprising Hell Valley Trail in Hokkaido

Text by / MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Department

The renowned Korean film Along with the Gods, which garnered widespread acclaim after its release in 2017, is set to have its sequel released this August, much to the anticipation of fans. The hellish scenes in the movie also left a deep impression on viewers. If you’d like to experience a similarly fantastical setting firsthand, consider visiting Noboribetsu Hell Valley in Hokkaido.

Noboribetsu Hell Valley is the remnant crater left behind after the eruption of Mount Usu volcano, formed approximately 10,000 years ago, and is also the largest hot spring source within the Noboribetsu Onsen area. The area earned its name due to the bubbling, boiling water constantly gushing from fumaroles and springs, along with its barren landscape and strong sulfuric smell, creating an otherworldly, hell-like atmosphere.

Covering an area of about 11 hectares, Hell Valley features numerous 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 types of minerals to nearby famous hot spring resorts. In fact, people were already extracting water from the valley a century ago.

Visiting Hell Valley in different seasons offers vastly unique sceneries — the romantic ambiance surrounded by flowers in spring, the lush greenery of Noboribetsu’s primeval forest in summer, the contrast of autumn maple leaves against the crimson rocks, and the surreal sight of snow-covered yet steaming grounds in winter.

Near the parking lot at the Noboribetsu Park Service Center, there is a roughly 600-meter exploration trail that circles the Hell Valley area and takes about 10 minutes to complete on foot. There is also a path that leads to “Oyunuma Pond,” taking about 20 minutes, where you can enjoy different views and experience the eerie feeling of being in a hellish landscape.