Minami Tomohiro, a CBC reporter from Osaka, embarks on an unannounced trip to discover the charms of the Tokai region on her beloved bicycle, "Local Good Place Bicycle Trip." This time, she aims for Irago Cape Lighthouse in Tahara City from Noma Saki Lighthouse in Mihama Town, Aichi.

Enjoying a melon parfait at a roadside station

At 1:45 PM, approximately 95 km from the starting point, Noma Saki Lighthouse. Departed from "Komopan" bakery in Tahara City. About 30 km remaining.

First, we head for "Roadside Station Tahara Mekkun House," which was recommended on X.

At 2:00 PM, approximately 96 km from the start. Arrived at the roadside station.

Tahara City is one of Japan's leading agricultural areas, ranking first in agricultural output by municipality (2024, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries). At "Tahara Mekkun House," a direct sales market lined with freshly picked vegetables and fruits, you can always buy vegetables and fruits at a great price.

Melons occupied half of the sales floor! During the summer peak, the store is filled with melons from various farmers.

What caught Tomohiro's attention was the "melon parfait." On top of cornflakes, two types of soft serve ice cream, one with Tahara brand "Doumai Milk" and the other with melon juice, are generously topped with large chunks of muskmelon. It's a luxurious parfait full of melon.

After taking a bite, Tomohiro closed her eyes and groaned. "It's so melon-y! The softness of the melon and the melting texture of the soft serve. They melt together in my mouth!" she said with a smile.

After enjoying the sweets, Tomohiro asked for recommendations for spots further ahead.

According to Ms. Sachi Ohashi of the tourist information center, there will be a peaceful road with rural scenery for a while, so there aren't many restaurants or shops. A hidden gem is "Kurokawa Wetland," where you might encounter a rare red dragonfly only 2 cm long.

Searching for Japan's smallest red dragonfly

At 4:15 PM, approximately 96 km from the start. Departed from the roadside station and headed for Kurokawa Wetland.

Tomohiro said, "It's characterized by its red color, so I'm going to look for it. By the way, I'm not good with bugs at all..." and pedaled with a somewhat uneasy expression.

Entering a road overgrown with trees, a cicada hit her face directly! Tomohiro said, "I got hit by a cicada! Did I come here for an adventure? This is not the bicycle trip I imagined..." with tears in her eyes.

At 5:00 PM, approximately 100 km from the start. Arrived at Kurokawa Wetland.

The "Kurokawa Wetland Plant Community" is a plant community designated as a natural monument by Aichi Prefecture. Many valuable plants, such as bog myrtle, grow in clusters.

Tomohiro got off her bicycle and started looking for dragonflies. "Is it perched? Is it flying?" she wondered as she went deeper.

After searching for 15 minutes, she found a small red dragonfly! "There it is! Amazing! It's so bright red, the color! It's shiny and doesn't look like an insect!" she exclaimed with joy.

The "Hatcho Dragonfly" is a one-yen coin-sized dragonfly that prefers sunny wetlands. It can be seen from around June to August every year. By the way, the red ones are males, and the yellow and black striped ones are females.

Afterward, she encountered a florist who appeared from the back of the bushes. She was taught the names of plants such as Shiratamahoshikusa and Mimikakigusa.

Chef's whim pasta or staff meal curry. Which one?

At 5:30 PM, approximately 100 km from the start. Departed from Kurokawa Wetland. Proceeded through beautiful rural scenery.

At 6:15 PM, approximately 105 km from the start. The bicycle entered the road along "Pacific Long Beach," where you can overlook the Pacific Ocean. The sunset over the horizon and mountains is a spectacular view!

At 6:45 PM, approximately 108 km from the start. Arrived at "Suzukiya Shokudo," which was recommended by the owner of Komopan.

Suzukiya Shokudo is a popular restaurant where you can enjoy dishes made with local seafood and other ingredients. It is run by the couple Kosuke and Yasuko Suzuki. Lunch is mainly bento boxes, and dinner is mainly izakaya (Japanese pub) style dishes.

Both the staff meal curry and the chef's whim pasta, recommended by the Komopan owner, were available to order. Tomohiro, who couldn't decide between the two, decided to eat pasta and finish with spice curry.

First, the "Chef's Whim Cream Pasta." On this day, it was bacon and zucchini cream pasta. A dish where chunky thick-cut bacon, juicy summer vegetable zucchini, and rich cream slowly prepared are well intertwined. Tomohiro praised it, saying, "Super rich! I can really feel the depth! The pasta is smooth and well coated! The bacon is crispy and juicy. The pepper is a nice touch!" She finished it in no time.

Next, the "Spice Curry to Finish." This is a special dish made with a blend of 10 spices, including coconut milk and mustard. "The aroma is super spicy! First, a sweetness spreads, that's the coconut milk! Then a tingling spiciness stimulates the tongue, and finally, an incredible umami comes! The meat is tender and super soft!" she said, also loving this one. She finished it in no time!

＜This trip's memo＞
Tahara City

From CBC TV "Chant!" broadcast on August 28, 2026