A drive toward Oyama, Yuki or Sakuragawa
Make a Route 50 lunch stop a little more enjoyable
A convenience store would do for an ordinary break, but here you can choose Shimodate ramen, Hitachi Aki soba, bakery bread or gelato. People eating, browsing the produce market and resting in the plaza can all spend time on the same grounds.
On the Shimodate Bypass of National Route 50; easy to include when coming from the Sakuragawa-Chikusei interchange.
Food outlets can get busy at lunchtime, so shifting your visit a little may make it more relaxed.
Families with preschool children who want outdoor play and a meal in one stop
A play area makes a family drive easier
The lawn, outdoor play equipment and indoor play area make this an enjoyable station for children. A little play before or after a meal or shopping can change the mood of a drive. With an infant, it helps to locate the toilets and diaper-changing area.
Choose among the lawn, play equipment and indoor play area to suit your mood.
In midsummer, avoid spending too long moving between outdoor areas, and make use of places to cool down.
Drives with dogs and breaks on long journeys
A short break for dogs at the dog run and on a walk
The dog run gives a dog that has been sitting in the car a chance for a change of pace. People can visit the produce market or cafe while the dog gets a break at the dog run or on a walk.
Make the dog run or a nearby walk a short break.
On crowded or event days, do not push it; keep an eye on the heat too.
Days spent driving until evening or when you want to wash off the day's sweat
Add a hot spring bath for a half-day outing
Akeno Genkikan in Chikusei City has baths using natural hot spring water, an open-air bath, a heated pool and a gym. After food and shopping at Grand Terrace Chikusei, a bath on the way home turns the station into the starting point for a short trip.
Grand Terrace Chikusei → Akeno Genkikan. Bath facilities: 10:00–22:00; some facilities close at 21:30.
Closed on the second and fourth Wednesdays, among other days. Check opening information if you plan to bathe.
A short adult sightseeing trip or a rainy-day detour
For a cultural detour, visit the Itaya Hazan Memorial Museum and Shimodate Museum of Art
The Itaya Hazan Memorial Museum, Shimodate Museum of Art and central library are nearby. After food and shopping, a short detour introduces Chikusei's culture.
From Grand Terrace Chikusei, the Itaya Hazan Memorial Museum is about 1.8 km away and Shimodate Museum of Art about 2.0 km.
Exhibition venues have closing days; check whether they are open on the day you visit.
Photography enthusiasts and families wanting a short outdoor walk
On a clear day, add views of Mount Tsukuba
Grand Terrace Chikusei's appeal extends beyond the station. Hakojima Retarding Basin and Kokai River Fureai Park add Mount Tsukuba views and riverside seasonal scenery. One nature stop after eating and shopping can leave a stronger impression of Chikusei.
Grand Terrace Chikusei → Hakojima Retarding Basin / Kokai River Fureai Park.
Flowers and views vary with the season and weather.
