Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Trace the footsteps of renowned writers on this 1.5 km climb, where the whispers of Otaru’s academic history linger in the winter air.

Leading up to Otaru University of Commerce (formerly the Otaru Higher Commercial School), this steep slope has long been a defining part of the city’s character. During their student years, author Kobayashi Takiji and poet Ito Sei walked this route each day, nurturing their creative spirits as they climbed. In those days, the area was largely undeveloped, leaving the hillside fully exposed to the raw power of Hokkaido’s winters. Students often faced blinding blizzards and a biting cold that cut sharply against the skin. With frozen hands tucked deep into their coats, they pressed upward step by step through heavy, white snow towards the summit. It was the sheer intensity of this daily struggle that earned the road its enduring nickname: "Jigoku-zaka," or "Hell Slope."

Today, the path winds through a peaceful residential neighborhood, offering a far gentler experience for visitors. As you make your way uphill, the Otaru cityscape gradually unfolds behind you, revealing a shifting tapestry of rooftops and sea views. Walking this route invites a quiet reflection on the determination of the scholars who came before. In the profound silence, you may find your own pace aligning with the echoes of a past era. This 1.5 km walk is more than just a physical ascent; it is a thoughtful journey into the resilience and cultural soul of Otaru.