Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
The Metasequoia Avenue (Makino Metasequoia Avenue) is a tree-lined avenue along the northwest shore of Lake Biwa in Makino Town, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture. Metasequoia (English name: dawn redwood) is a gymnosperm rediscovered in China before the war and was planted throughout Japan as roadside trees and windbreaks. Makino's avenue was planted during the Showa period to create a road landscape and to protect from wind and snow, and forms a neatly lined tunnel of Metasequoia trees that stretches for approximately 2 km (the number and length of trees vary depending on the season and the area).
Its distinctive feature is its straight trunk and needle-like leaves that change appearance with the seasons. You can enjoy the vividness of fresh greenery in spring, the coolness of the shade in summer, the yellow to orange foliage in autumn, and the silhouette of the trunk and the snowy scenery in winter. It is also a popular photo spot, attracting many tourists from inside and outside Shiga Prefecture.
Highlights
- Seasonal changes: Fresh greenery (May), deep greenery in summer, stunning yellow leaves (peaks mid- to late November), snowy scenery (winter)
- The perspective of a straight tree-lined street: A straight tree-lined street perfect for photos and strolls
- Located parallel to the lakeshore: On sunny days, there is a spot where you can enjoy Lake Biwa and the trees at the same time.
- The quietness of early morning and backlit photography in the evening: The change in light depending on the time of day creates a different charm
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Location: Makino-cho, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture (northwest shore of Lake Biwa)
- Train + Walking/Taxi: The nearest station is Makino Station on the JR Kosei Line. From the station, it takes about 30-40 minutes to walk to the entrance of Namiki, or about 10 minutes by taxi or rental bicycle.
- By car: From the Meishin Expressway or Kyoto direction, take the Kosai Road (or National Route 303, etc.) for approximately an hour (depending on your starting point). There are parking lots (public, private, and temporary) along and around the tree-lined road, but please note that they may fill up depending on the time of year.
- Bus: Please check the timetable in advance as there may be fewer buses depending on the tourist season and schedule.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Short stop: 30 minutes to 1 hour (photography and light strolling)
- A leisurely stroll: 1.5-3 hours (including walking the entire tree-lined area, visiting the surrounding scenery and cafes)
- Combine with sightseeing in the surrounding area: Half a day to a full day (when combining with nearby spots such as Kaizu-Osaki and Makino Highlands)
Nearby spots
- Kaizu Osaki: Famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot. The rows of cherry blossom trees in spring are especially popular.
- Makino Plateau: A highland area where you can enjoy camping, lodging, skiing (depending on the season) and nature walks.
- Makino Pickland (tourist farm): Fruit picking and local produce available for purchase (check opening hours).
- Cycling course along Lake Biwa: Enjoy the tree-lined streets and scenery while cycling along the lakeshore (bicycle rentals available).
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: The park is especially prone to congestion and parking shortages during the autumn foliage season (mid- to late November), cherry blossom season, weekends, and holidays. We recommend visiting early in the morning or on a weekday.
- Street parking and vehicle traffic: The road along the tree-lined street is narrow in some places. Parking or stopping on the street to take photos will obstruct traffic, so please park in a designated parking lot and walk to the area.
- Garbage and Manners: To protect the natural scenery, please be sure to take your trash with you and do not damage plants or roots.
- Drones and commercial photography: If you fly a drone or take commercial photography, you may need to check and obtain permission from relevant authorities and land managers in advance.
- Weather and clothing: In winter, the roads may freeze, so you'll need non-slip shoes and cold weather gear. In summer, the sun is strong, so don't forget to wear a hat and stay hydrated.
*We recommend checking the latest traffic information, parking, and operating hours of surrounding facilities on the Takashima City Tourism website or at a local information center before visiting.
