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Updated: October 11, 2019

From scramble crossing to verdant valley

Tokyo is a city of contrasts, and you can easily experience this in an easy half-day trip from Shibuya. Start off in a buzzing downtown area and finish up in a calm and leafy gorge in an accessible residential neighborhood.

General Tips

  • Go in spring for stunning views of cherry blossoms from Todoroki Fudoson Temple
  • Spray on mosquito repellent before your trek
  • Avoid the weekends if you can, as this is when Todoroki Valley can get quite crowded

Map Legend

  • Walking
  • Taxi
  • Bus
  • Train
  • Water Bus
The bustling center of Tokyo youth culture

Shibuya Station

Begin your journey in Shibuya, home to the world's busiest scramble crossing and the legendary statue of Hachiko. The train station is a major transport hub easily accessible from many of the city’s train lines.

Train20 mins
Detail

For Todoroki Valley, board the Tokyu-Toyoko Line bound for Motomachi-Chukagai Station in Yokohama. Transfer at Jiyugaoka Station for the Tokyu-Oimachi Line bound for Mizonokuchi Station—make sure you take the local service—and alight at Todoroki Station.

Todoroki Station

2

Gateway to a scenic gorge and striking temple

Todoroki Station

Take the south exit of Todoroki Station and follow the signs to the valley’s trailhead. Once you reach a red, iron bridge, you will find a staircase that leads down into the gorge.

Walking10 mins

Todoroki Valley

3

Descend into nature—both cool and calm

Todoroki Valley

Notice the temperature drop as you climb down the steps into Todoroki Valley and walk the narrow path that runs along the side of the Yazawa River. Cross a couple of bridges and look out for some of the local wildlife, including fish, ducks and little egrets.

Walking7 mins

Todoroki Fudoson Temple

4

A handsome temple with great views of the valley

Todoroki Fudoson Temple

Find the entrance to Todoroki Fudoson Temple toward the end of the valley, next to the Fudono Waterfall that was historically used for ritual purification. Climb up the steep staircase to reach the 900 year-old temple. The wooden viewing platform is a great place to see out across the valley and further into the distance.

Walking5 mins

Noge Otsuka Kofun

5

Traces of an ancient settlement

Noge Otsuka Kofun

End your trip to the Todoroki area with a climb to the top of a reconstructed burial mound at the Noge Otsuka Kofun—located in a well-equipped park with facilities such as tennis courts, a day-camping area and a children's playground. Ancient artifacts such as iron armor, copper mirrors, stone tools and jewelry have been unearthed here. On the burial mound, you will see drawings of where the four tombs had been found, and what was in them.

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