Jigoku-zaka (Hell Slope)
A 1.5 km learning path once walked by Takiji Kobayashi
A long slope stretching about 1.5 km leading to Otaru University of Commerce, this historic road was once walked by author Takiji Kobayashi and poet Sei Ito during their student days.
This slope, leading to the former Otaru Higher Commercial School (now Otaru University of Commerce), was once surrounded by no buildings, making it a grueling path where students were battered by snow and wind as they climbed in winter. On blizzard days, snow swirled so heavily that visibility was lost, and biting wind lashed relentlessly against their bodies as students tucked their freezing hands into their coats and climbed the steep incline step by step. Due to its harshness, the slope came to be known as "Jigokuzaka" (Hell Hill). Author Takiji Kobayashi and poet Sei Ito also climbed this slope every day, no doubt devoting themselves to their studies with a passion for literature burning in their hearts. In the silence where only footsteps and breathing echoed, one can only imagine what thoughts they pondered as they made the climb.
Walking this approximately 1.5 km slope while tracing the footsteps of literary figures is a special place where you can feel the history and culture of Otaru firsthand.
- * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
- Nearest airports
General Information
- Address
- 北海道小樽市富岡・緑
- Telephone Number
- 0134-32-4111（Otaru City Tourism Promotion Office）
- Directions
- ●On foot: About 10 minutes from JR Otaru Station
●By Car: About 15 minutes from Sasson Expwy Otaru IC - Website
* Information on facilities is subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information.
