Todoroki Valley 等々力渓谷

The Todoroki Valley is a welcome contrast to its urban surroundings. Venture through Tokyo's only valley, an approximately kilometer-long stretch of forests, waterfalls, and temples and shrines. An afternoon in this lush getaway is sure to refresh, particularly in the heat of summer.

You can easily reach the valley by train, followed by a short walk.

The Tokyu Oimachi Line will take you to Todoroki Station. This is a very local line, so you'll probably need to transfer trains to get there, but it's only about a 20-minute ride from central Tokyo.

Just a short walk from the station, you'll find steps leading down to the ravine.

When you're down in the valley, you can hardly tell you're in Tokyo at all. Unlike the designed and curated gardens and parks around the city, the Todoroki Valley is an untamed slice of nature. A narrow path takes you right along the Yazawa River and natural foliage.

As if this wasn't serene enough, you'll also spot some small waterfalls.

Shrines and a temple complete your storybook adventure. Move through the jungle-like gorge until you see one of these picturesque structures. Chigo Daishi Mieido Shrine has natural spring water you can rinse your hands with, and offers great views of the gorge.

Rest up at the Setsugetsuka cafe and try some lovely matcha refreshments.