[2025 Latest] A Thorough Introduction to the Charm of “Todoroki Valley” – The Only Gorge in the 23 Wards of Tokyo

Todoroki Valley is one of the top natural spots in Tokyo that offers a refreshing and healing atmosphere.

For those who want to experience negative ions amidst busy days, it serves as a relaxing oasis.

The valley is home to various trees such as zelkova, Japanese evergreen oak, konara oak, and mountain cherry trees, with seasonal flowers blooming throughout the year.

In spring, cherry blossoms are in full bloom, while in autumn, the valley is filled with the colors of fall foliage. You can enjoy the scenic beauty of nature as it changes with the seasons.

The main seasonal flowers and sights are as follows:

【February to March】Plum blossoms
【April】Cherry blossoms
【May onwards】Fresh green foliage
【November】Autumn leaves

Moreover, Todoroki Valley is famous for its spring water, and it has been designated as one of Tokyo’s 57 Famous Springs. There are over 30 locations of spring water within the valley.

Although you cannot see the spring water gushing out at full force now, there are four spots where water gently springs up and collects in low-lying areas, creating wetlands.

In addition, Todoroki Valley is home to a variety of wild birds. You can observe 14 species of wild birds, including Japanese white-eye, Japanese tit, brown-eared bulbul, pigeon, and the Japanese waxwing. You may also see a mallard duck floating in the flowing stream.

With all these wonderful features, Todoroki Valley attracts approximately 600,000 visitors annually in search of relaxation.

In this edition of TOKYO LOCAL, we will thoroughly introduce the attractions of Todoroki Valley.

At the end of the article, we will also include restaurant information and access details, so if you are planning to visit Todoroki Valley, make sure to read through it until the end.

What is Todoroki Valley?

Todoroki Valley is the only gorge in Tokyo’s 23 wards and is located in the quiet residential area of Setagaya Ward.

It is one of the designated “scenic spots” in Tokyo (which refers to areas with particularly beautiful landscapes, designated by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology for their high aesthetic value).

Todoroki Valley is known for its rich natural environment and offers an extraordinary atmosphere that makes you forget you’re in Tokyo. It is often referred to as a “city oasis.”

This is a perfect spot for a leisurely walk or hike, where you can enjoy the walking paths, absorb plenty of negative ions, and recharge your spirits.

Attractions of Todoroki Valley

Golf Bridge

A red bridge, which is considered a trademark of Todoroki Valley.

The reason it’s called Golf Bridge dates back to the early Showa period, when a vast golf course existed in the former Shimonoge area, and this bridge was built to provide access to that golf course.

Although the golf course was destroyed during an air raid and no longer exists, Golf Bridge remains standing and has become a popular photo spot in Todoroki Valley.

By the way, the original bridge was made of wood. The current red steel bridge was built in 1961 (Showa 36).

Ancient Tomb (Todoroki Valley No. 3 Side Chamber)

This tomb, called the Todoroki Valley No. 3 Side Chamber, is located about a 10-minute walk along the walking path from Golf Bridge.

The tomb was constructed during the late Kofun period to the Nara period (around the 7th to 8th centuries), and it remains in complete form today.

There are more than six other tombs found in the valley, but only Todoroki Valley No. 3 Side Chamber remains in its complete original condition.

Although you cannot enter the tomb, it is possible to view the burial facility through glass.

Japanese Garden

This garden is located after passing through a magnificent gate called the Kabuki Gate.

Entrance to the garden is free, and within it, there is a “shoin” (traditional Japanese-style room) and a “bamboo grove.”

You can enjoy free tea at the shoin.

It’s a wonderful experience to stroll through the lush greenery of this relaxing space.

Fudo Waterfall

The waterfall has been flowing for over 800 years.

As the sound of water flowing down the waterfall echoed through the valley, the place is called “Todoroki”.

This was once a site for ascetic practices involving waterfalls. Looking up at the waterfall, you can see the statue of Fudo Myo-o, the deity enshrined at Todoroki Fudoson.

It is considered one of the most powerful spiritual spots in Tokyo.

Todoroki Fudoson

Located at the top of the stairs next to the Fudo Waterfall, Todoroki Fudoson is the 17th temple of the Kanto Thirty-Six Fudoson Pilgrimage.

It was founded around the end of the Heian period, around the 1100s, by the Buddhist monk Kakuan Shonin, and the main hall was built during the late Edo period.

The temple is known for various blessings, with the most famous being “academic success.”

Other benefits include health and longevity, protection from misfortune, disease prevention, wealth, and prosperity in business.

In recent years, it has also become popular for matchmaking and love success, making it a perfect spot for couples on a date.

Rest Areas in Todoroki Valley

Setsugekka (snow, moon and flower)

A sweet shop located along the Todoroki Valley stream. It has a traditional Japanese house-like appearance.

From here, you can enjoy a view of the valley, and the shop specializes in Japanese sweets like anmitsu (sweet beans with agar jelly) and dango (dumplings on skewers).

During summer, they serve shaved ice and tokoroten (jelly noodles), while in winter, you can enjoy oshiruko (sweet red bean soup).

It’s the perfect place to recharge with some sugar after a walk.

OTTO

An Italian restaurant located along Todoroki Valley.

It’s situated in a corner of a residential building at the intersection of the 8th Loop Line.

Founded in 1998, the name OTTO means “eight” in Italian, which is a reference to the nearby road, the 8th Loop Line.

The restaurant’s popular dish is homemade pizza, baked using a gas oven.

Lunch includes a salad and drink, making it a good deal.

If you sit by the window, you can enjoy a view of Todoroki Valley.

It’s a great place to stop by after a walk.

Access to Todoroki Valley

The access to Todoroki Valley is as follows:

【By Train】
3-minute walk from Todoroki Station on the Tokyu Oimachi Line.

① Exit from the South Exit of Todoroki Station.

② Immediately after exiting, you’ll find a 7-Eleven on the right, so continue straight.

③ Continue walking, passing Cocokara Fine on the left and Seijo Ishii on the right.

④ Golf Bridge will be your landmark, and that’s where Todoroki Valley is.

Additionally, you can also access the valley by bus.

In that case, take the Tokyu Bus or Toei Bus to “Todoroki” bus stop, then it’s a 5-minute walk from there.

Summary

This concludes the introduction to the charm of Todoroki Valley. How did you find it?

It’s a beautiful spot perfect for a “healing walk on the weekend,” so be sure to fully enjoy it!