Todoroki Valley Setagaya

The Todoroki Valley is one of the best-kept secrets of Tokyo: the only natural valley within the city's 23 special wards. In barely a kilometre of route along a wooden trail beside the Yazawa river, surrounded by bamboo, ferns and centuries-old trees, the noise of the city disappears completely. The route, which takes twenty or thirty minutes, leads to the Todoroki Fudoson temple, an ancient Buddhist precinct with waterfalls, water fountains and a small secret garden. There are red bridges, small shrines and areas to sit and listen to the water. Entry is completely free. It is reached from Todoroki station (Tokyu Oimachi line), about twenty minutes by train from Shibuya. Tip: avoid visiting it at night because it is not lit and on days of heavy rain the river level rises quickly. The best time is autumn, when the maples turn red and orange, although it is beautiful in any season.