Todoroki Valley: A Hidden Oasis in the City
Todoroki Valley is the only gorge within Tokyo's 23 wards. It is about a three-minute walk south from Todoroki Station on the Tokyu Oimachi Line. There is a walking trail that starts at Golf Bridge, which crosses the Tanizawa River. This area, which includes the precinct of Todoroki Fudo Temple, is designated as one of Tokyo's top spots for scenic beauty because of its clear stream and lush greenery. It is a popular spot to take refuge from the city's summer heat.
Setting off on the walking path, the air feels slightly cooler. Densely covered with Japanese zelkova and oak trees, the river makes murmuring noises and the chirping of wild birds can be heard. We see visitors taking a stroll, an artist sketching, and someone taking photos with a large camera.
Due to some 30 springs along Todoroki Valley, the Tanizawa River becomes more transparent the further you travel downstream. The clear water helps visitors feel cool even on hot summer days.
The area is also the site of yokoana, a series of ancient tunnels housing the tombs of influential people. The tombs were built about 1,300 years ago, between the end of the Kofun Period and the Nara Period. Along the river past Tamazawa Bridge on Kanpachi-dori Avenue (Tokyo Metropolitan Road Route 311) is a sign that reads Todoroki Valley Sango Yokoana (Tomb Site Number Three). Of the area's yokoana, only this one is a Tokyo Metropolitan Area-designated historic site because it retains its original shape.
At the south end of the gorge is Todoroki Fudo Temple. With about 100 cherry trees, the temple is a famous spot for cherry blossom viewing in the spring, while beautiful autumn leaves can be seen in the fall. After saying a prayer or reading about your fortune, why not take a break at the nearby cafes Setsugekka or Shiki no Hana, which serve Japanese sweets. There are seasonal desserts such as shaved ice and ice cream in the summer and amazake (sweet, low- or no-alcohol rice drink) and sweet red-bean soup in the winter.
Fudo no Taki, a waterfall believed to have miraculous powers, can be found downstream of Todoroki Fudo Temple. It is said that the waterfall sprung up when the temple was founded. Legend has it that the water once roared when it hit the rocks (a sound called todoroki in Japanese), giving the valley its name. Many Buddhist trainees still visit it today.
On the opposite side of the river to Todoroki Fudo Temple lies a Japanese garden and a quaint shoin (traditional Japanese building), which were built to make use of the valley's geological depression. There is a sunny and spacious lawn in the garden, where people can be found reading or chatting with friends.
On completing the route around the ravine and returning to Golf Bridge, the artist who was sketching earlier is adding color to his picture. At Todoroki Valley, you can easily get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and be closer to nature. Time passes quietly in this oasis in the city.
Todoroki Valley Park
Address: 1-22 and 2-37/38 Todoroki, Setagaya-ku
Access:
3-minute walk from Todoroki Station on the Tokyu Oimachi Line
5-minute walk from Todoroki bus stop using Tokyu Bus and Toei Bus.
Website: www.city.setagaya.lg.jp/shisetsu/1217/1271/d00004247.html
Todoroki Fudo Temple
Address: 1-22-47 Todoroki, Setagaya-ku
www.city.setagaya.lg.jp/shisetsu/1217/1271/d00004247.html
Website: www.manganji.or.jp
*This article was posted on the Life in Tokyo website operated by the Tokyo International Communication Committee on August 28, 2017.