Table of Contents
Todoroki Valley is the only valley in Tokyo Metropolitan’s 23 Special wards. The valley is a great place to visit because of its unique existence.
This natural valley is only a few minutes of train ride from central Tokyo with bamboo trees, tall trees, rocky streams, trails, shrines, and the sounds of the small rocky river will offer you tremendous joy.
What’s Todoroki Valley?
In short, Todoroki Valley is a 1.2 km long, about 30-minute walk course natural valley with a combination of the small Yazawa River, a rocky hiking trail, a burial mound with an ancient tomb, geological rock, bridge, shrine, and temple, in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo.
The Japanese word, Todoroki, means ‘roar’ or ‘thunder.’ According to history, the Fudo falls used to roar like thunder.
Location:
Todoroki Valley located at Todoroki, Setagaya City, Tokyo, Japan. The valley is famous for its uniqueness and beauty.
The valley’s main entrance is just one minute walk from Todoroki Station on the Oimachi Line. In addition, it’s easy to access from Shibuya Station, Tokyo Station, and other Tokyo Downtown areas.
You can see here the Google area map
Todoroki Entrance:
After arriving at Todoroki Station, go through the south exit (left). The station only has two exits, North and South.
You’ll see a LAWSON Store and Seijo Ishii Supermarket over the road. Cross the road toward the supermarket, then follow the street’s sidewalk. You’ll find a small sloping road nearby the small coffee shop, and if you look straight, you’ll see a red bridge. This is the Golf Bridge.
You’ll find a small path down to the right with stairs, which is the entrance to the Todoroki Valley. On the left side, you’ll see a small empty space. People usually rest here or wait for their friends to explore the valley.
There are several entrances to the Todoroki Valley. However, it’s the best entrance if you use the train and get off at Todoroki Station.
Golf Bridge:
Golf Bridge is the main entry point of the valley from the Todoroki Station. The name of the bridge came from the fact that it passed through this red bridge to the Todoroki Golf Course, which was built around the Noge Otsuka Tomb in the early Showa period.
As soon as you go under the Golf bridge, you’ll realize that the temperature is much cooler here. But, at the same time, you’ll see a small river flowing and a natural canopy on top of your head with tall tree branches.
People call this small river Yazawa River, which vanishes at Tama River(Tamagawa).
Walking Trail:
You’ll find a small rocky walking trail under the Golf Bridge with the natural canopy. The trail of the Todoroki Valley is very popular with Tokyo city university students, office workers, pensioners, and tourists.
Pensioners usually like doing group tours here. It’s totally safe because the Tokyo Metropolitan Government takes care of it.
While you follow the small rocky trail toward Todoroki Fudoson Temple, you’ll discover small bridges, wild ducks, birds, stiff narrow steps, and ancient tombs.
You may feel that you’re suddenly in a deep forest alone. But, no worries, you’ll see some visitors coming with their kids on the back or some young people with their discovery eyes.
However, if you don’t like to be alone, take someone with you to avoid loneliness during your visit. But, you may feel lonely on a cloudy day as fewer tourists visit Todoroki Valley because of the weather.
Kobo Daishi:
The Statue of Kobo Daishi is one of the most famous features of the park. Kobo Daishi is known as the founder of the Shingon School Buddhism, one of the best-known Esoteric Buddhism in Japan.
There is a small shrine named Chigo Daishi Mieido. Kobo Daishi Statue is in front of the shrine.
The small shrine looks really fantastic on the bank of the river.
A small path in front of the Kobo Daishi Statue makes the shrine unique. Besides, the natural rocky wall, small stream, and the top bush-covered natural canopy make the shrine more picturesque.
According to history, a priest explored Todoroki Valley and discovered waterfalls now known as Fudo falls beside the shrine. The priest used these falls as his ascetic training spot.
But no one is using these falls as ascetic practices here. So, it’s free for everyone, and visitors can enjoy the spot as waterfalls from dragons’ mouths.
Small Teahouse:
There is a small cafe nearby the Kobo Daishi Statue where tourists can enjoy ice cream with Japanese green tea in Summer and hot drinks in winter.
Moreover, it’s the best place to rest before climbing uphill steps on 71 stairs to Todoroki Fudoson Temple. These 71 steps may not be historic as Atago Shrine, but these steps need enough physical energy to climb.
Todoroki Fudoson Temple:
Todoroki Fudoson Temple is an ancient temple famous for bringing luck to visitors.
The temple is also famous for early April Cherry Blossoms in spring. Beautiful Cherry blossoms and Autumn leaves photography spots related to this natural valley Tororoki Ravine Park covers social media posts every season.
You can experience a hiking trail to an ancient Japanese foot bath on stepping stones under the deep forest. Many people get there early morning to enjoy more tranquility.
Besides, the temple is also famous in Autumn for its lovely maple foliage and golden Gingko leaves.
Annual events of the temple are
- New Year’s Eve
- Setsubun
- Hana Matsuri
- May Grand Festival
Todoroki Ravine Park:
Todoroki Ravine Park, in Japanese Todoroki Keikoku Koen, is a natural landscape that offers scenic beauty to visitors.
This Todoroki Valley Park is covered with green grass. The park is famous to the children for its soft green grass where they can run around.
On the other hand, the park becomes overcrowded when families come for a picnic during cherry blossoms or spring when the cherry and maple leaves become red.
Fall Foliage:
The traditional Japanese garden, built in 1973, is still in its original form. Maple leaves attract thousands of visitors to enjoy amazing autumn foliage in November and December.
It’s one of the best 20 autumn leaves in Tokyo. So many people visit Todoroki Valley to enjoy amazing fall foliage every day.
In short, every season brings the beautiful sight of the valley. However, spring and Autumn are the best seasons to visit.
Benefit of visit:
Life in Tokyo is busy with work, and life becomes boring. Some people even forget the joy of life for their 24/7 work. So, hiking in a natural valley may bring many physical and mental benefits, such as-
- a nice quick break out of city life
- train ride
- deep dive into a concrete jungle
- remember an ancient history
- relax in a green forest
- breath in birds humming
But, if you are a first-timer in Tokyo, it’s a must-visit spot because it’s the only valley in Tokyo’s 23 Special Wards. Besides, the valley is also significant to visit for geological studies.
Best season to visit:
In short, every season brings the beautiful sight of the valley. However, spring and Autumn are the best seasons to visit.
Admission fee:
Free
Opening hours:
24 hours
Access:
Nearest station:
Todoroki Station(Tokyu Oimichi Line)
Exit via South Exit
Walk 1 min ( 190 m)
From Shibuya Station:
Shibuya Station(Toyoko Line) – Jiyugaoka Station and Jiyugaoka Station(Oimachi Line)- Todoroki Station
Exit via South Exit
Walk 1 min ( 190 m)
From Shinjuku Station:
Shinjuku Station(JR Yamanote Line)-Shibuya Station(Toyoko Line) – Jiyugaoka Station and Jiyugaoka Station(Oimachi Line)- Todoroki Station
Exit via South Exit
Walk 1 min ( 190 m)
From Haneda Airport:
Haneda Airport Station(Keikyu Airport Limited Express)-Shinagawa Station(JR Keihin Tohoku Line)-Oimachi Station(Tokyu Oimachi Line)- Todoroki Station
Exit via South Exit
Walk 1 min ( 190 m)
Address:
1 Chome-22-26 Todoroki, Setagaya City, Tokyo 158-0082, Japan
Official website:
Book reasonable hotel in Tokyo: