CBC reporter Nami Tomohiro from Osaka, who loves cycling, embarks on an unannounced trip to discover the charms of the Tokai region, called "Local Good Cycling Trip." This time, she aims for Irago Cape Lighthouse in Tahara City from Noma Saki Lighthouse in Mihama Town, Aichi Prefecture.

Through an underwater tunnel to an aquarium

At 3:00 PM, about 22 km from the starting point, Noma Saki Lighthouse.

After being thwarted by three closures by noon and with the rain intensifying, Tomohiro arrived at the Kinura Tunnel, an underwater tunnel connecting Handa City and Hekinan City. She headed to the entrance of the bicycle and pedestrian path, about 600m past the car toll booth.

The tunnel is about 20m deep, descending to the 11th basement level. It is about 480m long and stretches straight. "It doesn't feel like I'm walking underwater at all. Are there fish swimming next to me?" she said, entering Hekinan City.

At 4:00 PM, about 26 km from the start. Tomohiro discovered a large aquarium and decided to stop by.

The "Hekinan Seaside Aquarium" is an aquarium celebrating its 44th anniversary. It exhibits about 300 species of living creatures.

Curator Minami Asakura's first recommendation is the "Large Tank." It is a huge tank, about 2m deep and holding about 200 tons of water, mainly exhibiting creatures from the local Ise Bay and Mikawa Bay. You can enjoy the elegant swimming of sea bream, horse mackerel, and banded houndsharks.

Her second recommendation is the "Dragon's Baby," or "Olm." It is a rare creature that lives in European caves, and it is a super rare exhibit that can only be seen here in Japan! It is said that the only exhibition in Japan was realized after the friendship between Croatia and Hekinan City at the 2005 "Expo 2005 Aichi, Japan." There is a local legend that it is "the child of a dragon."

What kind of senbei won the highest award at the National Confectionery Exposition?

Ms. Asakura's recommendation for Hekinan City is "Ebisen Kazoku." It is about a 10-minute walk from the aquarium.

She arrived at "Ebisen Kazoku Main Store." According to Mayu Nakane of the direct sales department, the most popular item is "Taberin," which contains 8 types of senbei. The product name comes from the Mikawa dialect, meaning "try it."

It received the "Honorary President's Award" at the "National Confectionery Exposition." This is the highest award given by the Imperial Family, surpassing the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award and the Prime Minister's Award. Not only its quality but also its regional characteristics using dialect were highly evaluated, and it won among over 2,000 products nationwide.

Tomohiro tasted the "Ebi Sugata-yaki." "The texture is good! The shrimp flavor is rich! I can really taste the umami, and the edges are slightly sweet!" she said with a smile.

The most highly praised aspect was that even the container is edible. According to Ms. Nakane, the boat-shaped tray part is a senbei that is soft enough for elderly people to eat. Tomohiro said, "The boat part might be the easiest to eat!" with a convinced expression.

Both the gelato shop and the eel shop were closed

At 6:00 PM, about 27 km from the start. The bicycle left Ebisen Kazoku and headed to Nishio City in heavy rain.

Tomohiro discovered "FRESCA," a gelato specialty store recommended by the manager of "Goichi," a Chinese restaurant in Handa City. However, it was closed for the fourth time today! Tomohiro said, "I worked so hard cycling in the heavy rain!" with a tearful expression.

FRESCA is currently not accepting interviews because "it would be difficult to handle if more customers came," but they specially agreed to an interview at a later date.

Kenji Uchida, the 80-year-old owner who has managed the popular shop for 30 years. Gelato can be chosen from 12 seasonal flavors.

Tomohiro cycled for 30 minutes in the rain to "Sansuitei," an eel restaurant recommended by Ms. Nakane from Ebisen Kazoku.

However, Sansuitei was also closed! Tomohiro burst out laughing, "This is the fifth store! I'm not doing a stamp rally of closed shops!"

"Unagi Kappo Mikawa Sansuitei" is the first eel restaurant in Isshiki-cho, Nishio City, operated by an eel wholesaler with the largest handling volume in Japan. You can enjoy eel dishes carefully grilled with binchotan charcoal by skilled craftsmen.

Failed food review of a too luxurious unagi liver bowl?

Tomohiro, who wanted to eat eel, turned back and went to another eel restaurant that was open. She couldn't help but pump her fist when they agreed to an interview!

"Unagi no Kanemitsu Isshiki Main Store" is attractive for its freshness and cost-performance, as it is directly managed by a wholesaler. All menu items are reasonably priced.

Manager Asaya Kato's recommendation is the famous "Charcoal-grilled Unagi Liver Bowl." It was just the time when they switched to "Shin-ko Unagi," young eels, which are said to be rich in fat and tender.

Tomohiro bit into the eel and narrowed her eyes, saying, "Mmm! Supreme deliciousness! The crispiness of the skin, and the inside is moist and fluffy! The natural sweetness of the eel comes through directly!" Next, she took a bite of the liver. "It has a good elasticity! The slight bitterness and the richness of the sauce match perfectly. It's incredibly easy to eat!" she praised.

According to Mr. Kato, they put 8 eels' worth of liver, even though only one liver can be taken from one eel. Tomohiro was so excited by the luxurious bowl that she stumbled over her words, saying, "The eel itself, munyo... unaji...n?" We hope the deliciousness was conveyed through the video!

＜This trip's notes＞
Handa City → Hekinan City → Nishio City

From CBC TV "Chant!" broadcast on July 17, 2026