In my constant quest to discover green space within the Tokyo-Yokohama Metroplex, I came across one of the more startling contrasts between cityscape and nature at the Todoroki Valley (等々力　渓谷) in Setagaya Ward.

The Todoroki Valley is a walking path approximately 1 km long which follows a small cascading stream and terminates at a beautiful shrine with a small waterfall at its base.  It’s wonderfully maintained with several small side paths and places to picnic along the way.  (We decided to pick up some takeaway sushi from 茶月 next to Todoroki Station prior to descending the steps to the valley path.)

This is not a strenuous hike and there are  no inclines aside from the stairs leading up to the shrine.  So casual hikers and nature deprived salarymen in their suits can easily make this short trek.  While in the Todoroki Valley you are never far from the bustle up above and you can still here the sounds of cars zooming overhead (there is a highway overpass midway through), despite the babbling of the brook and the occasional bird chirp.

Free of charge, with one of the best maintained stream walks in urban Tokyo, the Todoroki Valley makes a nice trip when you need to get away from redundant city life.  Todoroki Station lies on the Tokyu Oimachi Line 3 stops from Jiyugaoka and 1 stop from Futako-Tamagawa.