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Metasequoia Tree Avenue Shiga – Scenic Four-Season Drive and Photo Spots

Metasequoia Tree Avenue Shiga – Scenic Four-Season Drive and Photo Spots
The Metasequoia tree avenue in Takashima, Shiga is a 2.4 km road lined with around 500 trees that form a beautiful tunnel of green, gold and white through the seasons. This guide shows you what it looks like in spring, summer, autumn and winter, the best places and times for photos, how to get there by train, bus or car, parking tips, and ideas for combining it with nearby spots like Shirahige Shrine and Makino Highland.

Highlights

Makino Metasequoia Avenue at a Glance

Metasequoia Avenue in Takashima City (Makino area) is a 2.4 km tree-lined road with about 500 trees, loved for its tunnel-like scenery that changes through the seasons.

Best Seasonal Views

Spring brings a fresh green tunnel, summer offers cool shade, autumn turns golden, and winter can become a snowy silver landscape—each season has a different look.

Most Photogenic Spots

Try shooting from the center line to capture the straight, symmetrical perspective, and time it for moments when sunlight filters through the leaves.

Best Time of Day

Early mornings are quieter with fewer visitors, while late afternoon light makes the trees glow for a warm, atmospheric look.

Getting There (Nearest Station)

From JR Kosei Line Makino Station, take the community bus (Makino Kogen Line) and get off at “Makino Pic-Land,” which is right nearby.

Nearby Places to Visit

It’s roughly a 30-minute drive to Shirahige Shrine (famous for its torii gate in the lake), and Makino Kogen is a good add-on for outdoor experiences like hot springs and camping.

Parking and What to Pack

There are free parking lots near the avenue. Comfortable shoes and a camera are helpful, drinks make summer visits easier, and arriving early is often recommended during busy times.

For the latest information, please refer to official announcements or check on site.

What Is Makino Metasequoia Avenue in Shiga?

Makino Metasequoia Avenue, located in Makino-chō, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture, is known for its beautiful landscape and was selected for the Yomiuri Shimbun’s “New 100 Scenes of Street Trees in Japan.”

This straight tree-lined road changes its look with every season, making it a popular spot for drives and photography.

In this article, we’ll introduce the appeal of Makino Metasequoia Avenue and key tips for visiting.


How to Get There and Basic Information

Access from the nearest station

Makino Metasequoia Avenue is also accessible by public transportation.

From JR Kosei Line “Makino Station,” take the Takashima City community bus (Makino Kōgen Line) for about 6 minutes, get off at “Makino Pic-Land,” and it’s right there.

Because bus service is limited, checking the timetable in advance is recommended.

By taxi from the station, it’s about 10 minutes.

By car

About 80 minutes from the Meishin Expressway “Kyoto Higashi IC” via Kosei Road and National Route 161, or about 30 minutes from the Hokuriku Expressway “Kinomoto IC” via National Routes 8, 303, and 161.

Please use the free parking at “Makino Pic-Land” (for car navigation, setting “Makino Pic-Land” is recommended).

During the autumn foliage season, roads in the area can be very crowded, so allow plenty of time.

Rental bicycles are also recommended

Rental bicycles are available at JR Makino Station and Makino Pic-Land, allowing you to explore the avenue at your own pace.

Cycling while feeling the breeze offers a refreshing experience that’s different from driving.

Highlights of Makino Metasequoia Avenue

Spectacular scenery in every season

Spring (April–May): vibrant fresh green

In spring, the avenue transforms from fresh buds into a bright light-green tunnel, creating a crisp, refreshing view.

It’s a perfect season for visitors who want to enjoy walking and cycling.

Summer (June–August): a deep-green curtain

In summer, the leaves grow fuller, creating cool shade where rich greens block the sunlight.

Walk along the paths beside the trees to enjoy a refreshing moment that makes you forget the heat.

Autumn (early–late November): the avenue turns brick red

Autumn is especially popular, featuring a gradient that shifts from brick red to brown.

Peak season is often said to be early to late November, and it can get crowded—especially on weekends.

Winter (December–February): a snow-covered avenue

In winter, metasequoia trees lose their leaves, and when snow falls, the area becomes a silver-white world.

The dreamy look of snow clinging to branches is a rare sight that depends on the right weather conditions.

The stark winter silhouettes standing in snowy fields are also a unique seasonal charm.


Photo Spots and Best Times to Visit

Most photogenic spots

  • The center of the avenue: The straight, symmetrical lines of trees are the main highlight. However, it’s a roadway, so be extremely careful of passing vehicles when taking photos.
  • Sidewalks along the avenue: You can enjoy the scenery safely while walking. If you time your shots for moments when sunlight filters through the leaves, you can capture even more striking photos.

Recommended times of day

  • Early morning: With fewer visitors, you can enjoy the scenery slowly in a quiet atmosphere. The avenue lit by morning light is especially beautiful.
  • Late afternoon: Trees illuminated by the setting sun look particularly stunning, creating a romantic mood.

Important notes for photography

The tree-lined road is a local living road with vehicle traffic.

Stopping/parking on the road or photographing from the roadway can obstruct traffic—please never do this.

Use the sidewalks and enjoy photography safely.


Nearby Attractions and Activities

If you’re visiting Makino Metasequoia Avenue, it’s also recommended to combine it with nearby sights.

Makino Pic-Land

An agricultural park next to the avenue, where you can enjoy fruit picking such as cherries, grapes, and chestnuts.

There are also cafés and restaurants, and dishes and gelato made with local ingredients are popular.

It’s an ideal base for taking a break while sightseeing.

Shirahige Shrine

Shirahige Shrine is famous for its torii gate standing in Lake Biwa, creating a mystical atmosphere.

About 30 minutes away by car, it’s a popular spot often visited together with Makino Metasequoia Avenue.

Makino Highlands

At Makino Highlands, you can enjoy outdoor experiences with the hot spring facility “Makino Kōgen Onsen Sarasa” and campgrounds.

It’s about a 5-minute drive from Makino Metasequoia Avenue.

Traveler Tips and Summary

What to bring

  • Camera: Essential for capturing the scenery at its best.
  • Comfortable shoes: Sidewalks are paved, but walking-friendly shoes make your stroll more pleasant.
  • Drinks: Don’t forget hydration in summer or during walks; you can also buy drinks at Makino Pic-Land.
  • Warm layers: Snow can fall in winter, so dress warmly.

Summary

Makino Metasequoia Avenue is a popular spot in Takashima City, Shiga, where you can enjoy seasonal scenery throughout the year.

With a camera in hand, savor the beautiful views of this tree-lined road to your heart’s content.


Makino Metasequoia Avenue is a place where you can fully appreciate the beauty of nature.

On your next trip to Japan, be sure to visit!


Frequently Asked Questions

A. The Metasequoia Avenue in Makino, Takashima City (Shiga) is a famous tree-lined road stretching about 2.4 km with around 500 trees. Because it’s a straight road, stepping slightly to the side rather than standing dead center can add depth and help reduce cars in your frame. For safety, avoid stepping into the roadway—zoom from the sidewalk instead.
A. Late autumn is popular for fall colors, and when snow accumulates, the scenery can suddenly feel very Nordic. Timing shifts with weather, so overcast days can suit portraits with calmer tones, while sunny days highlight strong blue-sky and reddish-brown contrast. On snowy days, check road conditions or restrictions and avoid pushing your plans too hard.
A. The nearest station is JR Makino Station, and you can head toward the avenue area by local bus or taxi. By car, a common approach is via the Meishin Expressway and the Kosei Road, but in peak foliage season, traffic can build up well before you arrive. Getting there by the 8 a.m. hour can make both parking and photography much easier.
A. There are several parking options in the area, and starting from a nearby tourist facility (such as Makino Pic Land) and walking is a safer approach. Stopping on the roadside to shoot is dangerous, so the basics are to park first and then explore on foot. Spots a little deeper in tend to have fewer people and can improve photo results.
A. A classic composition is a head-on angle that emphasizes the road’s depth. If you want fewer people, aim for a weekday early morning or right after rain, when reflections on the road can add atmosphere. Using a telephoto lens to compress the scene can reduce the presence of cars and tidy up the background.
A. Winters can feel very cold, and snowy days make footing slippery. Shoes with good grip plus gloves can make photography much easier, and a wind-blocking outer layer changes how it feels. If you’re driving, plan with proper snow tires or equivalent winter preparation.
A. It’s easy to combine with Makino Highlands or Lake Biwa lakeside spots. Because the avenue can become a quick “take photos and leave” stop, adding a break at a nearby café or local market can make the trip feel more complete. If you want to avoid peak lines, visiting the avenue first and eating later often keeps waits shorter.
A. It’s a living road, so the key rule is not to stop in the roadway—shoot from the sidewalk. Simply avoiding farmland and private property dramatically reduces trouble, so think “zoom from the sidewalk” for peace of mind. When headlights feel harsh, switching to a slightly diagonal composition can help reduce blown highlights.

Nearby Recommended Spots

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※ The article content is based on information at the time of writing and may differ from the current situation. In addition, we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the published content, please understand.