The Metasequoia Avenue in Makino, on Lake Biwa’s northwestern edge, is one of Japan’s most photographed tree-lined roads: some 500 metasequoia (dawn redwood) trees march dead-straight for 2.4 kilometres across open farmland toward the mountains, their tall conical crowns meeting overhead in a soaring green tunnel. Planted as a windbreak in the 1980s and now grown magnificent, the avenue transforms with the seasons — fresh green in spring, deep shade in summer, a blaze of coppery russet in late November, and a monochrome corridor after winter snow — and is regularly named among Japan’s most beautiful streets.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Makino, Takashima, Shiga |
| Hours | Roadside always open |
| Admission | Free |
| Time needed | 30–60 minutes |
| Best time | Late November foliage; fresh green May–June; snow in winter |
What to See
- A 2.4 km dead-straight avenue of 500 dawn redwoods.
- The soaring green tunnel of summer.
- Coppery autumn colour peaking in late November.
- A monochrome snow corridor in deep winter.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Shirahige Shrine in the same Takashima area.
- Pair with Biwaichi cycling around the lake’s northwest.
- Read our Shiga overview .
Getting There
- By train + bus: JR Kosei Line to Makino Station, then a short bus or taxi.
- By car: roadside parking at the Makino Pick Land facility mid-avenue.
Tips
This is a living road, not a park — traffic uses it, so shoot from the safe verges and never stand in the carriageway for that centred photo, however tempting. Late November is peak for the copper foliage but also peak for crowds and parked cars; early morning gives the cleanest light and the emptiest road, and a fresh snowfall rewards winter visitors with the avenue at its most magical.
