TODOROKI VALLEY

Map of Todoroki Valleyb

Located in the heart of Tokyo, Todoroki valley, offers peace and serenity to weary visitors looking for a secluded spot to unleash all their worries. For the religious few who need to toss in a few coins and pray this is the best place after a calm walk. The lush green woods provide the right temperature, atmosphere and scenery that one will forget that this is still in the middle of Tokyo city.

From Todoroki station the valley stretches for a kilometer towards the Tama River.  You can continue your walk along the Tama River without retracing your steps back to the station.

The valley is one of a kind in the midst of Tokyo, the path can get a bit muddy, and so it’s best that you wear something that you are willing to get dirt on. I’d suggest that you avoid white sneakers and heels.

10 minutes from the initial point (depending on your speed) you will arrive at a shrine with artificial waterfalls and steep stairs leading up to the main arena of the shrine. On your right there’s more to see, a little tea house-like structure with a little pond of fishes.

Across the bridge is another pray area with water that runs through bamboos. People collect water from that in 2 liter bottles, I’m not sure what for, but I assume it’s for house hold use or the water have some religious significance.

After passing that there’s another stair leading up to the garden or to avoid that just walk round to the gate and enter the garden from there. A beautiful little garden with fruit trees, mandarin, Japanese persimmon and peaches. On top a flat lawn perfect for afternoon naps and lunch.

Todoroki valley recently gained a spot in the Japanese tour guide sites and books; however it’s a popular route for most joggers and elderly taking an afternoon stroll.

Its a perfect place to visit after a long week in the office, however don’t have high expectations. Despite its advancing popularity this place is far from your image of an excellent introduction to Japanese gardens and parks.