Todoroki Valley: a Hidden Getaway in the Suburbs of Tokyo
Rarely listed in the Tokyo tourist guide, Todoroki Valley (or Todoroki Ravine - 等々力渓谷) is a nice and quiet walk in Setagaya-ku (世田谷区), that I regularly enjoy. After all, it is quite surprising to find a lush valley nestled in the middle of the city. But it is also very charming, with its small path, the ambient sound of the river and the few attractions along the way.
IMPORTANT: Todoroki Valley is currently closed and has been since September 2023 due to falling trees with heavy rains and the resulting safety measures. According to Setagaya city’s website, the ban is expected to be lifted in fiscal year 2025, once the renovation work will be complete.
Although it is not possible to descend into the valley from the entrance under the Golf bridge near the station, you can still visit the Todoroki Fudoson temple, the tea house and the Japanese garden entering by the southern entrance or the temple entrance.
How to Get There
The nearest station, just a few minutes from the entrance to the valley, is Todoroki Station (等々力駅) on the Tokyu Oimachi Line. From central Tokyo, you can reach the Oimachi Line via the Tokyu Toyoko Line at Jiyugaoka Station (自由が丘駅), or the Tokyu Den-enchofu Line at Futako Tamagawa Station (二子玉川駅).
When to Visit
Whatever the season, Todoroki valley is a lovely half-day getaway:
In summer, the valley becomes a green jungle where children hunt for insects and play in the water. Another reason it is so popular is because it has some sort of cooler microclimate, the temperature in the valley being about 3 degrees cooler.
In the fall, the valley is decked out in all the colors of autumn, with a carpet of leaves covering the path and river, making it an enchanting seasonal getaway.
Best Things to Do in Todoroki Valley
1/ Photograph the Golf Bridge
Todoroki Valley’s iconic red bridge, located at the nearest entrance from Todoroki station, will undoubtedly be part of your photos.
IMPORTANT: The path below the bridge is currently closed, but you can still stand on the bridge and enjoy the view of Todoroki Valley from there.
2/ See Fudou no Taki (不動の滝)
As you walk through the valley, you will see a small waterfall, called Fudou no Taki that was used in the past as a place for purification rites for monks or worshippers.
3/ Take a Break in a Japanese Tearoom
Settsugekka (雪月花) is a traditional teahouse where you can enjoy Japanese sweets such as kakigori and drinks such as green tea or amazake. The little statues and koi fishes in the small pond next to the teahouse also add to the traditional atmosphere.
4/ Visit Todoroki Fudoson Temple (等々力不動尊)
Make sure to visit the Todoroki Fudoson Temple, a peaceful Buddhist temple dedicated to the deity Fudo Myo. The temple was founded by followers of Kobo Daishi, the founder of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, based on a prophecy from a dream.
In autumn, the ground becomes covered with ginkgo leaves, making it a golden carpet. There are also some momiji trees around, which makes it a charming place to enjoy the autumn season.
5/ Relax in the Japanese Garden
At the southern end of the valley is a Japanese garden called Nihon Teien (日本庭園), with a small path surrounded by bamboo and some momiji trees. A small open space at the top of the garden is a perfect place for picnics and relaxation before or after walking in the valley. There are public restrooms as well as a small old Japanese style resting house, where you can get hot tea.
What Else to Do Around?
Since the valley is about 1 km long, it will take you one to two hours to explore it, which gives you plenty of time to relax or explore more of the surroundings if you plan to spend half a day there.
I recommend that you then go near the Tama River towards Futako Tamagawa (二子玉川), either by train (2 stops) or by foot (25 minutes). I like to walk around that area because the quiet and green residential neighborhood around Todoroki is charming and will allow you to experience a bit of the life in the suburbs of Tokyo.
There, you can enjoy the peacefulness of the riverside near Futako Tamagawa Park or go to the nearby mall and cinema.
To Conclude
Todoroki Valley and its surroundings constitute a charming and authentic excursion that is relatively unknown of the crowds. Will you add it to your Tokyo travel bucket list?
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This article was originally published on November 26 2022 and updated on August 12 2024.
