About
In a corner of Denenchofu, not far from Tamagawa Station, there is a quietly nestled slope. Its name is “Dorikono Slope.” Gently winding its way alongside the lush greenery of Denenchofu Seseragi Park, this slope exudes a tranquil atmosphere that seems to make one forget the passage of time.
In the early Showa period, Dr. Kotaro Takahashi, a medical doctor who developed a soft drink called “Dorikono,” made his home near this slope. Before long, people began to refer to this road as “Dorikono Slope.” Previously, it had been called “Ikeyama Slope,” but with the doctor’s achievements, the new name took root. (city.ota.tokyo.jp)
“Dorikono” was a nourishing amber-colored beverage with fructose and glucose as its main ingredients, characterized by a subtle sweetness. In 1931, it became explosively popular, reportedly selling 2.2 million bottles in a single year. However, production was halted during the war due to sugar rationing regulations, and its name faded into history. (slope7654rk.blog.jp)
Today, when walking along Dorikono Slope, the rich greenery of Denenchofu Seseragi Park spreads out on one side, while a quiet residential area continues on the other. The slope is about 130 meters long, with a height difference of 3 meters and an average gradient of 1.3 degrees, making it easy to walk. Its shape, bending in a “ku” (く) character midway, brings variety to those who walk it and offers a landscape that never grows dull. (asa-ing.co.jp)
Partway up the slope, a quiet stillness lingers at the site where the doctor’s residence once stood, evoking memories of the past. The surrounding houses are built on spacious lots, and their greenery-surrounded appearance feels like a world apart from the bustle of the city. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom in profusion, and in autumn, the slope is colored by autumn leaves, showing different expressions with each season and soothing the hearts of visitors.
At the bottom of Dorikono Slope, you can feel the flow of the nearby Tamagawa River, and the breeze over the river’s surface is pleasant. Just as the “Dorikono” drink once born here gave energy to many people, this slope may also quietly bring healing and vitality to those who walk it.
In this place where history and nature harmonize, as you walk while reflecting on the past, Dorikono Slope feels like more than just a road—it is a bridge connecting people’s memories and hearts across time. Quiet yet full of rich stories, this slope will surely become a special place for everyone who visits.