Hey, so there’s this place I stumbled upon in Shiga that I just have to tell you about. It’s called the Metasequoia Avenue in Makino, and honestly, I didn’t expect to be so moved by a bunch of trees! But, here we are. It’s one of those spots that really makes you appreciate the beauty of each season.
Avenue of Giants
The avenue stretches for about 2.4 kilometers, lined with roughly 500 majestic metasequoia trees. Yeah, it sounds pretty cool, but trust me, it’s even better in person. As I walked along the path, I felt like I was in a nature documentary or something. The trees are tall and proud, with branches that create a natural tunnel overhead. It’s like Mother Nature’s own cathedral.
Every Season Brings New Colors
What’s incredible is how different the place looks with each season. I was there in autumn, and let me tell you, the trees were this rich, deep brick red. It was like walking through a painting. But I’ve heard that in spring, the avenue turns a fresh, vibrant green, and in winter, if you’re lucky enough to catch the snow, it’s like stepping into a winter wonderland. Pretty magical, right?
I spent a good few hours just wandering and taking photos. You know me, always with the camera in hand! And if you’re wondering, there’s no entrance fee. It’s free to enjoy, which is a steal!
Getting There
So, if you’re thinking of checking it out—and you totally should!—you can get there by taking a community bus from JR Makino Station. It’s about a 6-minute ride to Makino Pic-Land, and the avenue starts right there. If you’re driving, there’s free parking available at the Makino Pic-Land too.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, I didn’t expect to be so charmed by a row of trees, but life’s full of surprises, right? If you ever find yourself in Shiga, this is definitely a spot worth visiting. I’d love to hear what you think if you do go—maybe you’ll catch it in a different season and see something I didn’t!
