A Garden at Todoroki Valley

Having reached the end of the Todoroki Valley, I began walking back to the train station. But first there was one more thing to see. These tall bamboo behind this wall were an indication of what I wanted to see. 

The wall led to the entrance of 日本庭園等々力, Todoroki Japanese Garden.  

The entrance led to many steps up what is the side of the valley. 

 But it wasn't a bad walk up. Especially with all the trees dressed in their autumn colors.

 This garden is a great place for an autumn walk in Tokyo.

There were other plants there. Like this Ardisia Crenata or Coral Bush.

And the amazingly tall bamboo. The light filtering down through the bamboo was very pretty.

 There were Japanese features, like these 灯籠, stone lanterns, next to a stream.

I would guess that the water in the garden comes from one or more of the springs that feed into Todoroki Valley and the river. 

Because they also grow 山葵, wasabi there, and wasabi needs good water to grow. 

It is a working garden also, with the wasabi and this citrus orchard. 

 There is also a shrine there, 稚児大師御影堂, Chigo Daishi Mieido. The statue is of Buddhist Priest Kobo Daishi, who is believed to have invented Japanese kana and also explored the valley below after having a vision. When he did, he discovered the springs there.

Having seen a bit of the garden I headed back to Golf Bridge and the stairs out of the ravine. It was a really beautiful place to spend the afternoon. But my day wasn't over yet.

Seeing Shrines in Todoroki Valley

Near the end of 等々力渓谷, Todoroki Valley, a small shrine comes into view.

On the other side of the Yazawa River is 稲荷大明神, Inari Daimiyojin Shrine. It is part of the 等々力不動尊, Todoroki Fudosan Temple grounds. There are other shrines in the area.

From across the river I could see there was a bit more over there. 

Including a stream of water coming out of the mouth of a dragon. 

Crossing the bridge, I could see there were two dragon spouts streaming water onto stepping stones below. This is where one would stand for ascetic training. 

And true to the name of the temple, a statue of 不動明王, Fudo Myo-o, stands between the two dragons.  

Fudo Myo-o name means unmovable, which is a reference to his faith. Perched at a rather impossible location, one hopes his statue is also unmovable. It is also quite a feat that they were able to position the dragon spouts to direct the spring water of 不動滝, Fudo Falls.

Next to the waterfall is the Inari Daimiyojin Shrine

Along with 雪月花, Setsugekka, a tea house.

A few of the items they serve there. I thought about trying something, but it was getting late in the day and I still needed to walk back to the train station. 

Next to the tea house was a stream and pond with a couple more dragon spouts. 

In the pond were lovely koi. It was a really pleasant place to sit and relax.

Steep stairs led up to Todoroki Fudoson Temple. One day I will have to come back to see that. 

For this trip, I wanted to continue walking in the valley. Because there was one more place to see.

Trees and Tunnel Tombs

  About half way along the trail in the Todoroki Valley is something interesting. You have to walk across the river and up stairs. The view of the valley below is beautiful and lush.

Through a little area and up more stairs and you reach this. 

It is one of at least six tunnel tombs in the valley. There is another large scalloped shape keyhole tomb just beyond the valley.  This is tomb #3.

Built between the late Kofun period and the Nara period around seventh century, this tomb is still intact and can be viewed through the glass panel. Artifacts have been found here and at the other tombs. It is about 13 meters deep, and you really can't see much except the shape of the tomb.

There are markers for where other tunnel tombs are located in the valley slopes. 

Besides the tombs, it was nice to go up and view the nature of the valley. 

Birds chirping, leaves changing color, it was a world away from busy Tokyo, while still being in Tokyo. 

There are more surprises in this valley, that I will share. Next post.

In the Ravine

It would be hard to top my day at the beautiful Kyu-Furukawa Gardens, but I found a place the next day that was just as amazing. To do that, I took a train to Todoroki Station in Setagaya.

I walked a little ways through the nice neighborhood there. I might share photos from that later. For now, I was following signs and more to the place I wanted to see. Like this paver featuring the "Gorufu" Golf Bridge. 

 And here is the top of that bridge with lots of luxurious trees.

There was a map of the area and a temperature gauge. For the temperature up there, and down below. 

So was was down below? I had to go down these stone stairs. 

And what was down there was amazing. 

A blue green waterway surrounded by lush greenery. 

While there was stonework and other paving materials for the path, unlike a lot of the rivers in Tokyo, the Yazawa River is allowed breathing space while it flows through the Todoroki Valley. 

There were little waterfalls and over 30 springs feed water into the river. 

So many trees overhead. This place felt a little like a land lost in time. 

The serenity of the valley is not like anything I've experienced in Tokyo. It's a world away from the concrete and crowds. Yet it is not far from all that. 

There were bridges to cross when needed. 

And bridges for roads above to cross the valley. 

The stonework varied along the river. Perhaps changing due to the era each was placed there? 

There were various styles of bridges also. 

Some led to interesting places. I'll share that in another post or two. 

The valley finally tapers off into a neighborhood. 

But since the train station was at the other end, I walked back through the valley. 

 Did I mention ducks were also enjoying this beautiful place?

Back to where I started. But not without a few detours along the way. And a trip afterwards for dinner and more sightseeing. Which I will share in a couple more posts. For now, I can say that the Todoroki Valley is now one of my favorite places in Tokyo. I hope I can return again one day.