Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Todoroki Valley (Setagaya Ward, Tokyo) is one of the few natural valleys remaining in Setagaya Ward, and is a walking spot where you can easily experience the forest and clear streams in the city. The valley has a valley topography formed by water erosion since ancient times, and has been preserved as a green area even as the surrounding area has become urbanized. Within the valley, you can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons, including Todoroki Fudoson Temple with its approach path, a Japanese garden, and a promenade along a babbling brook. One of its great attractions is that it is easily accessible from the city center and allows you to easily experience nature in a short amount of time.
Highlights
- Todoroki Fudoson (Todoroki Acala): An ancient temple located near the entrance to the valley. With its charming approach and stone steps, it is a good starting point for strolling.
- Valley Walking Trail: You can take a leisurely stroll along the narrow promenade that runs along the clear stream. There are many shady areas, so it feels cool in the summer.
- Japanese Garden and Waterfall: There is a small Japanese garden and an artificial waterfall deep in the valley, which is also a popular photo spot.
- Seasonal sceneryThe scenery changes with each season, with fresh greenery (around May), autumn leaves (around November to December), budding in spring, and fallen leaves in winter.
- Bird and plant observation: As an urban green space, you can see a variety of tree species and wild birds, making it ideal for nature observation.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station: Todoroki Station on the Tokyu Oimachi Line, about a 3-5 minute walk (down the hill from the station to the entrance of the valley)
- Other ways to get there: Accessible by transferring from the Tokyu Denentoshi Line or Oimachi Line. There are paid parking lots nearby (limited number of spaces).
- Please note: The roads around the valley are narrow in places and have many slopes and stairs, so we recommend using public transportation.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Short walk: 30-45 minutes (round trip from the entrance, enough time to take photos)
- A leisurely stroll, worship, and rest: 1 hour to 1.5 hours (visit the Japanese garden and Fudoson, take a short break in the surrounding area)
- Observing nature and using nearby cafes: Approximately 2 hours
Nearby spots
- Shopping streets and small restaurants around Todoroki Fudoson (there are cafes and restaurants in front of the station)
- Futako Tamagawa (a few minutes by train - transfers required): Convenient for shopping and strolling along the Tama River
- Other parks and cultural facilities in Setagaya Ward (if you have time, it's a good idea to visit them as well)
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- congestion:The number of visitors increases on weekends, consecutive holidays, and during the autumn foliage and cherry blossom seasons. If you want to enjoy a quieter time, we recommend visiting on weekdays in the morning or evening.
- Footing and safety:The promenade has stairs, slopes, and wet, slippery areas. Please wear comfortable shoes. Be especially careful after rain.
- Barrier-free:There are many steps and stairs within the valley, making it difficult to navigate completely in wheelchairs or strollers in some areas.
- Manners:Please be sure to take your trash with you, do not collect plants or animals, and be considerate of the local residents and worshippers. Photography is permitted, but please be mindful of not including other people in your photos and behave respectfully on the temple grounds.
- Seasonal Notes:In the summer, insects (mosquitoes, etc.) are more likely to appear, so insect repellent is useful. In the winter, the sun sets earlier, so try to get out before dark. After heavy rain, there may be road restrictions due to the risk of flooding and fallen trees.
Todoroki Valley is a rare place close to the city where you can easily enjoy nature. Please enjoy it safely and be mindful of your surroundings.
