Tokyo is full of famously well-manicured gardens (exhibits A, B, C, D, E…) but few know of the lush and untamed Todoroki Valley (等々力渓谷) which hides in the middle of Setagaya ward. On a lazy Sunday afternoon, I set out to discover this lost world.
![Todoroki Valley Bridge](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/15732366706_558319fbc2_b.jpg)
A short walk from Todoroki Station (等々力駅) the one-kilometre walking trail begins at Golf Bridge (so-called for the golf course which used to be nearby) where you immediately descend into what feels like a temperate rain forest overhung by a dense tree canopy.
![Todoroki Valley Trail](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/15754206851_27fa5c3f6f_b.jpg)
The path winds its way along the Yazawa River at the base of the ravine which, despite having been contained by stone walls, retains its restful and wild nature.
![Stepping Stones](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/15570650698_8a0fc4fee4_b.jpg)
![Trail Bridge](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/15136117004_450c9d2ec7_b.jpg)
Small bridges and stepping stones criss-cross the river at various points.
![Chigo Daishi Mieido](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/15570918407_c71f899c6e_b.jpg)
After a short walk, you reach the modestly appointed Chigo Daishi Mieido (稚児大師御影堂) shrine containing a sculpture of priest Kobo Daishi (弘法大師) who apparently had a vision that inspired him to explore this valley, where he discovered its spring waters.
![Statue at Fudo Waterfall](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/15570226169_ce2d6b8941_b.jpg)
![Fudo Waterfall](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/15570652258_1ddb71a7be_b.jpg)
Groundwater emanating from two stone dragon’s mouths cascades into a small pool which was reportedly once used for Shinto ascetic meditation. Fudo Waterfall (不動の滝) seems to have lost some of its strength but remains a focal point.
![Todoroki Fudo Temple](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/15136118554_f2d88a2dfa_b.jpg)
![Hanging Lantern](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/15732375526_3d847bd935_b.jpg)
![Bronze Dragon](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/15732373606_02d536ded4_b.jpg)
Behind the waterfall, stairs lead up to the bigger Todoroki Fudo Temple (等々力不動尊) where you are greeted by a bronze dragon breathing purifying water instead of fire.
![Matcha Time](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/15570924037_41180a0761_b.jpg)
![Setsugetsuka Tea House](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/15756090035_d4731e6473_b.jpg)
Back down in the valley, I stopped at the small Setsugetsuka tea house for a cup of matcha overlooking the tail end of the trail. Illuminated by rays of light piercing their way through the foliage the view couldn’t have been much better.
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