What is Todoroki Valley? Explanation of Attractions, Access, and Recommendations
Todoroki Gorge is a nature-rich ravine located in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, and is a popular spot with easy access from central Tokyo. Along the Hirase River, which flows through the valley, a promenade has been developed, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature in each of the four seasons as they stroll through the area. The Todoroki Valley also has many places of interest where visitors can experience Japanese culture, such as historic temples, Japanese gardens, and ancient burial mounds.
In this article, we will introduce the attractions of Todoroki Gorge in detail, along with access methods and recommended points of interest. We hope you will visit Todoroki Gorge, where you can feel the richness of nature and history even though you are in the heart of Tokyo.
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What is Todoroki Valley?
Todoroki Gorge is a 1-km-long gorge located in Todoriki, Setagaya Ward, Tokyo. The Hirase River flows through the canyon, and both banks of the Hirase River are lush with greenery. The park is well-maintained, and visitors can enjoy strolling along the paths.
Todoroki Gorge has a canyon landscape that is rare in central Tokyo, and is popular as a healing spot where visitors can leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and enjoy nature to the fullest. Visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery throughout the year: cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and the beauty of the valley in winter.
In addition, there are many historical attractions around Todoroki Valley, such as Todoroki Fudoson, a Japanese garden, and ancient burial mounds, which offer visitors a chance to experience not only nature but also Japanese culture.
Access to Todoroki Valley
Todoroki Gorge can be accessed by train or bus. The nearest station is Todoroki Station on the Tokyu Oimachi Line, which is a very convenient 3-minute walk from the entrance to the ravine.
Below are the access options from major train stations.
Access by train
From Shibuya Station: Take the Tokyu Toyoko Line to Jiyugaoka Station, transfer to the Tokyu Oimachi Line and get off at Todoroki Station (about 25 minutes).
From Shinjuku Station: Take the JR Yamanote Line to Meguro Station, transfer to the Tokyu Meguro Line to Ookayama Station, transfer to the Tokyu Oimachi Line to Todoroki Station (about 40 minutes).
From Shinagawa Station: Take the JR Keihin Tohoku Line to Oimachi Station, transfer to the Tokyu Oimachi Line and get off at Todoroki Station (about 35 minutes).
Access by bus
From Shibuya Station: From Shibuya Station West Exit Bus Terminal, take Tokyu Bus No. 82 bound for Todoroki and get off at Todoroki (about 50 minutes).
From Futakotamagawa Station: From the Futakotamagawa Station bus terminal, take the Tokyu Bus Black 02 bound for Meguro Station, and get off at the Nendai Todoroki Campus Mae stop (approximately 25 minutes).
If you are going by bus, get off at "Todoroki" of Tokyu Bus or Toei Bus and walk for 5 minutes. You can also easily get off at "Todoroki Eki Iriguchi" or "Noge Koen-mae".
Can I drive there?
Although there is a dedicated parking lot at Todoroki Gorge, it may be difficult to use, especially during busy times, as the number of cars is limited. You can use paid parking in the surrounding area, but please use public transportation as much as possible.
Attractions of Todoroki Valley
Todoroki Gorge is an attractive spot where visitors can enjoy the richness of nature even though it is located in the center of Tokyo. In addition to the beauty of the canyon scenery, the colorful seasonal vegetation is also a must-see. Here we will introduce the charms of Todoroki Gorge in detail.
Enjoy nature in the heart of the city
The greatest attraction of Todoroki Valley is the beautiful scenery of the valley. The clear waters of the Hirase River flowing through the valley and the lush greenery on both sides of the river make it seem as if time has stopped and the hustle and bustle of daily life is forgotten.
One of the charms of walking along the promenade is that you can feel nature through all five senses, listening to the murmuring of the river and enjoying forest bathing.
Enjoy plants from season to season.
Todoroki Gorge has a different look each season.
In spring, cherry trees such as Someiyoshino and Oshima cherry blossom and a pink tunnel appears. In particular, early to mid-April is the cherry blossom season, when the area is crowded with many cherry blossom viewers.
Summer is the season of fresh greenery. The trees in the valley turn bright green and cool. Walking along the river will ease the heat.
In autumn, the beauty of the valley is enhanced by the changing colors of the leaves, creating a spectacular scene. mid to late November is the peak of the foliage season, when the maples and ginkgo trees turn golden.
In winter, the beauty of the valley is enhanced by trees that have lost their branches. The view of the valley through the leafless trees has a different flavor.
Thus, the charm of Todoroki Valley is that it shows various faces depending on the season you visit. No matter how many times you visit, you will discover something new.
Recommendations for Todoroki Canyon
Todoroki Valley offers not only natural scenery but also many historical attractions. Here are some recommendations that you should not miss when visiting Todoroki Valley.
golf bridge
The red bridge at the entrance to Todoroki Gorge is the Golf Bridge. It is said that the bridge got its name from the fact that it was built in the Taisho era (1912-1926) for traffic to and from a nearby golf course.
The beautiful vermilion bridge, in harmony with the greenery, is a symbol of Todoroki Gorge. Its reflection on the river surface is like a painting. From the bridge, one can look upstream and downstream, making it an excellent photo spot.
Todoroki Fudoson
Todoroki Fudoson is a historic temple said to have been built in the late Heian period. The main deity, Fudo Myoo, has long been worshipped as a place for ascetic ascetics to practice asceticism.
Passing through the temple gate, visitors are greeted by a large ginkgo tree over 600 years old in the precincts of the temple. The temple grounds, surrounded by deep greenery, are quiet and solemn.
Every year in February, on Setsubun, a bean-throwing festival is held, attracting many worshippers.
Yokoana Kofun (Horizontal Cave Tomb)
Several ancient burial mounds are scattered in and around Todoroki Valley. Among them, the "Yokoana Kofun" (a burial mound with a hole in the side), located by the side of the promenade in the ravine, allows visitors to get up close and personal with the tombs.
This burial mound, thought to have been built in the late Kofun period (late 6th century), has a horizontal stone chamber dug into the cliff and has a presence that blends in with the valley landscape.
This is a great place for history buffs and those who want to experience ancient ruins firsthand.
Japanese Garden and Shoin
Todoroki Gorge is home to a Japanese garden built in the late Edo period (1603-1868). The garden, set on the slopes of a ravine lush with trees, has a chic appearance.
The garden also retains a shoin (drawing room) built in the sukiya style. The quiet appearance of the Shoin is like stepping back in time. Lanterns scattered throughout the garden and the sound of a murmuring stream enhance the atmosphere.
Normally, only the garden is open to the public, but during special openings, visitors have the opportunity to see the interior of the shoin.
Fudo Falls
One of the most famous landmarks in Todoroki Valley is Fudo Falls. This waterfall, with a drop of about 3 meters, falls from the upper reaches of the Hirase River and is located beside the Todoroki Fudoson.
There are various theories as to the origin of the name "Fudo no Taki," but one theory is that it was named after Fudo Myoo, who is enshrined at the site. It is also said that the name "等々力 (todoroki)" comes from the word "轟き (todoroki, "roar" in English)", which describes the roaring sound of the falls.
Near the waterfall, you may see Shugenja perform the waterfall ritual. It is mysterious to see them praying in a solemn atmosphere while splashing in the water.
By visiting these recommended points of interest, you will be able to appreciate more deeply the natural, historical, and cultural attractions of the Todoroki Valley. We encourage you to visit.
Cafe in Todoroki Valley
If you are tired from walking in the canyon, take a break. There are several nice cafes around Todoroki Gorge. Why not enjoy a delicious drink and Japanese sweets and wagashi in a relaxing atmosphere?
雪月花 (setsugetsuka)
Setsugetsuka, a sweet store located along the approach to Todoroki Fudo, is proud of its matcha green tea and Japanese sweets. The interior of the store is decorated in the style of an old private house, giving it an old-fashioned Japanese atmosphere.
The specialty is "Warabi Mochi. The firm texture, molasses and soybean flour create a perfect harmony. Other seasonal Japanese sweets and a wide variety of menu items using matcha green tea are also available.
Sitting on the edge of the porch, looking out over the valley and tasting traditional Japanese sweets will make your trip even more memorable.
*Please note that in winter, the restaurant is open only on weekends and holidays.
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四季の花 (shikinohana)
At the Japanese-style café "Shiki no Hana" located in the precincts of Todoroki Fudoson, you can enjoy a menu unique to the temple. Recommended are Japanese sweets such as zenzai and shiratama cream anmitsu.
There is also a full menu of healthful drinks such as matcha green tea and amazake (sweet sake).
The café is a perfect place to take a break during a visit to the temple or to spend a moment between strolls. An eat-in space is provided inside the restaurant, so you can relax and unwind.
How about taking a breather at one of these cafes while soaking in the afterglow of your stroll through Todoroki Gorge? The elegant café time spent in the midst of nature is sure to make your trip even more colorful and memorable.
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summary
Located in the heart of Tokyo but still rich in nature, Todoroki Valley is a healing spot where you can forget your everyday life and refresh yourself. The beautiful scenery of the valley, colorful seasonal plants, historic temples and ancient burial mounds, and many other attractions make this a valuable place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and experience nature and history firsthand. It is a precious place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and experience nature and history firsthand.
Todoroki Gorge is one of the best places not to miss when visiting Tokyo. You will see a different Tokyo from the one you see today. A relaxing time spent in nature will surely heal your heart.
It is a highly recommended place for foreigners who want to enjoy nature in the heart of the city. Please visit Todoroki Gorge. An extraordinary experience awaits you.
