CBC's Nami Tomohiro, a reporter from Osaka, embarks on a spontaneous cycling trip to discover the charms of the Tokai region. This time, she aims for Irago Cape Lighthouse in Tahara City, starting from Noma Saki Lighthouse in Mihama Town, Aichi.

Tropical Fruit Botanical Garden declined coverage

The journey starts at "Bali Cafe 42" in Tahara City, where Ayaka Nakamura, who filled in for her last time, arrived. First, she enjoys the guava juice that Nakamura wanted to drink. "It's refreshing! It has a refined sweetness like a peach. The aftertaste is clean, with a hint of sourness! It's tropical!" she says with a smile.

Tomohiro departs from Bali Cafe 42, which is 107km from the starting point of Noma Saki Lighthouse. Approximately 18km remain.

Amidst the scent of trees, a steep downhill slope leads to a panoramic view of the sea. After cycling for a while, she comes across a street lined with greenhouses. Green sprouts are visible.

When asked a man who was repairing a greenhouse, he said they were cultivating "chrysanthemums." Tahara City has even been ranked first in Japan for chrysanthemum cultivation area and shipment volume in some years.

When asked about the town's pride, he mentioned a coffee shop further ahead that sells "the second most delicious shaved ice in Japan."

Before that, she decides to visit the botanical garden that Nakamura recommended.

Approximately 118km from the start. She discovers a sign for "Tropical Fruit Jungle Exploration Botanical Garden" in a residential area. It seems to be an unmanned facility. She tried calling, but they said they were busy and currently declining interviews.

The closest supermarket to Irago Cape

Tomohiro decides to return to the store with the sign "Delicious Mamma's Store: Smiles to Your Table Today" that she noticed on the way. She cycles back about 1km near the goal.

The store with the sign, "Mamma," was a supermarket. The name comes from two meanings: the Italian word for "mother" and the baby talk word for "food." It is said to be the closest supermarket to Irago Cape.

The store manager, Hisumi Watari, recommends "Iragyoza," made from fish paste. These gyoza are made with locally caught fish and cabbage, and are healthy yet flavorful enough to be eaten without sauce. They are usually sold at local events and will be available in stores from September.

When asked about the town's pride, Watari also recommended "Donburi Kaido," a gourmet event on the Atsumi Peninsula that sells rice bowls made with local ingredients such as Mikawa pork and whitebait. There is also a store called "Konfuto" nearby.

Is something wrong with her body due to all the closed days?

Tomohiro sets off for "Konfuto." She arrives shortly, but it's closed today! This is the second closed day today. According to the owner, it's a once-a-month temporary closing day.

Konfuto is a 100-year-old diner. Their signature dish is "Mikawa Pork Stamina Don," generously coated with a sweet and savory sauce.

A hungry Tomohiro asks the owner of Konfuto for recommendations. She is directed to a nearby diner called "Sunaba."

However, Sunaba is also closed today. This is her third loss today! Tomohiro says with a tearful smile, "Oh no! I'm tired of this development! Everyone and I are already tired of it!" She suddenly feels itchy and writhes, saying, "I'm itchy!"

Sunaba is a Japanese-style diner that offers set meals and rice bowls.

Tomohiro, anxious about not being able to convey the town's charm and hungry, decides to try every other store on the street. Then, a woman standing in front of a nearby store calls out to her. Tomohiro, who has been unlucky, rejoices at the arrival of a savior, saying, "God!"

"Taharaya," founded about 50 years ago, is a restaurant run by a 72-year-old mother, where you can enjoy fish from Irago. It also has an inn where you can enjoy Irago Onsen.

The popular menu item is the "sashimi set meal." You can enjoy fresh white fish caught in the Atsumi Peninsula, such as local fish like houbou (gurnard), bora (mullet), seigo (Japanese sea bass), and koshodai (spotted grunt).

Tomohiro takes a bite of the houbou, recommended by the mother. "It has a high-quality sweetness. It's thick and firm! The umami is also strong! It's easy to eat without any peculiar taste. This is the best!" she exclaims.

The fried houbou is also exquisite, crispy on the outside and moist on the inside.

The second most delicious shaved ice in Japan, closed for the fourth time today

With a full stomach, Tomohiro is seen off by the mother of Taharaya and sets off for the store that sells "the second most delicious shaved ice in Japan."

Approximately 124km from the start. She finds the recommended store, "Kawaguchi." However, just before the goal, it's closed for the fourth time today. Tomohiro looks up at the sky and says, "It's closed until the very end! Why?"

Kawaguchi is a store where you can enjoy fluffy shaved ice made with homemade jams and syrups all year round. You can enjoy shaved ice with flavors like strawberry milk, marmalade yogurt, blueberry yogurt, and black tea milk.

Tomohiro changes her mood and heads to the goal, Irago Cape Lighthouse, a few hundred meters away.

Walking along the promenade while enjoying the beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean, she finally reaches the goal! She has completed the approximately 125km journey around Mikawa Bay!

<This trip's memo>
Tahara City

From CBC TV "Chant!" broadcast on September 11, 2026