Minami Tomohiro, a CBC reporter from Osaka, embarks on an unscripted journey, "Local Cycling Trip to Discover the Charms of Tokai," on her beloved bicycle. This time, she aims for Irago Cape Lighthouse in Tahara City, starting from Nomasaki Lighthouse in Mihama Town, Aichi Prefecture.

You can sample high-grade melons!

At 10:00 AM, approximately 86 km from the starting point, Nomasaki Lighthouse. She departs from the coffee shop "Juno Cafe" in Toyohashi City. About 39 km remain.

Under a sky filled with cumulonimbus clouds, Tomohiro heads to "Osaki Farm," which was recommended on X.

At 10:15 AM, approximately 87 km from the start. She arrives at Osaki Farm, which has a large melon object.

Osaki Farm is a direct sales store offering seasonal vegetables and fruits. The most popular item is melon.

The Higashi-Mikawa region, including Toyohashi City and Tahara City, is one of Japan's leading melon production areas. It also boasts top-class watermelon production in the prefecture.

Lining the shelves are "muskmelons," known as the king of melons. They are characterized by their fragrant and elegant sweetness. According to store manager Toshihiro Aoki, their appearance is also excellent, making them popular as gifts. By the way, the "musk" in muskmelon is said to be named after its resemblance to the scent of "musk."

Inside the store, there is a wide selection, from gift melons costing over 2,000 yen each to super bargains unique to direct sales, such as two melons for 2,500 yen.

In fact, at Osaki Farm, muskmelon samples are free!

Tomohiro tried a large slice of melon. "Wow, it's sweet! The juice is amazing! It comes out from the inside like juice!" she exclaims, her eyes wide.

According to Mr. Aoki, the aroma is very rich, so when you put it in your mouth, it spreads and you feel the sweetness. Tomohiro highly recommends it, saying, "Everyone should experience this! It's so juicy you could really drown in it!"

Tomohiro asks Mr. Aoki for tips on "how to choose a delicious melon." The professional's tips are three: "the net (mesh) is clearly raised," "the net is fine," and "it's ready to eat when the stem is thin and brown."

Over 5,000 sunflowers to see

Osaki Farm opens its sunflower field to the public for free only during the summer.

They started offering free admission six years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic, hoping to "bring a little cheer." The number of hand-planted sunflowers has increased every year, now exceeding 5,000!

Tomohiro is moved by the beautiful scenery, saying, "Seeing the energetic colors of the sunflowers makes me feel energized!" She adds, "Surrounded by such beautiful sunflowers, there's only one thing to do!" and shoots a music video-style clip.

While filming in the sunflower field, she encounters a fan who had participated in Tomohiro's cycling trip event. The fan says that Tomohiro's efforts inspire her.

Tomohiro thanks her for the support and asks for recommendations for spots further ahead. She is told about "Komopan," a bakery in Tahara City.

Very popular! 70 kinds of exquisite bread

At 11:45 AM, approximately 87 km from the start. She departs from Osaki Farm and heads to Komopan.

At 0:30 PM, approximately 92 km from the start. She enters Tahara City, the last town. The bicycle proceeds smoothly along a peaceful road.

At 1:00 PM, approximately 95 km from the start. She finds Komopan.

Komopan is a popular local bakery that attracts customers every day. Inside, there are carefully crafted breads made with homemade yeast and domestic wheat. They offer a rich lineup of over 70 varieties, from sweet to savory breads using seasonal ingredients.

However, due to its popularity, most of the bread for the day was sold out by early afternoon!

She thought the recommended milk French bread was also sold out, but according to owner Yoshinori Komoda, "We still have some." It miraculously remained.

Milk French bread is the store's most popular bread, featuring a moist, soft French bread filled with a rich cream made with plenty of condensed milk and butter.

Tomohiro takes a bite of the milk French bread. "Mmm! The aroma of the wheat and the milk inside have a refined sweetness, and it's smooth! Everyone will love this! It's delicious!" she raves.

Hungry Tomohiro decides to try other recommended breads too!

Mr. Komoda's top recommendation is "Mentaiko Rodève." Rodève is a simple bread with a very high water content that has been made in southern France for a long time.

Tomohiro also samples the Mentaiko Rodève. "The inside is so chewy! The difference in texture is interesting. It's shocking!" she says, loving it. According to Mr. Komoda, the mentaiko filling soaks all the way through. The slightly spicy kick of the mentaiko enhances the sweetness of the bread.

Satisfied with the delicious bread, Tomohiro asks about Tahara City's proud spots. Mr. Komoda recommends "Suzukiyama Shokudo." They supply Komopan's bread and offer hamburgers. He also says their curry is delicious.

Now, Tomohiro sets off for Suzukiyama Shokudo!

＜This trip's notes＞
Toyohashi City → Tahara City

From CBC TV "Chant!" broadcast on August 21, 2026