Above the Todoroki Valley

 Something else about Todoroki Fudoson Temple is it has a wonderful view of the Todoroki valley.

There is a railed observation walkway which offers a view of the gorge with the many trees there. 

Including beautiful sakura trees. 

And bright pink ume trees. 

It is a very pleasant view. 

The observation walkway is near the steps that lead down to the gorge. Ready for this? 

 The dirt and board steps transitioned to these stone steps. Still couldn't see the bottom yet. It is a long way down.

However there are things to see along the way. 

Little shrines, like this one with a frog. Frogs have been considered protectors against fires and also for praying for returns, for bringing things back, in Japan.

This shrine was rather interesting, being set into the gorge wall and lined with concrete blocks, giving it an ancient Roman or Greek appearance.

Parts of this shrine appear older, yet the lanterns and bell rope are newer. 

There was even a stand for burning incense. I am not sure who the shrine is for. Perhaps the person who founded Todoroki Fudoson Temple, or if it is for Buddhist Priest Kobo Dashi who explored the valley back when. It does resemble his statue at another shrine in the valley.

 There is also a formidable looking Fudo Myo-o in a shrine up on the side of the valley. 

Someone is definitely tending and visiting this shrine, even though it would be a difficult climb up there. Also if you were to have a god to protect the valley, Fudo Myo-o is a good choice. His name means "immovable". Which I am sure they hope all the rocks are.

 I could finally see the bottom of the steps, which lead to that timeless valley gorge.

And looking back up the lowest part of the steps.

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.