CBC reporter Minami Tomohiro from Osaka embarks on an unannounced cycling trip to discover the charms of the Tokai region, a journey she calls "Local Good Places Cycling Trip." This time, it's a special Asian Games edition, where she rides the road race course.

Challenging the course ridden by athletes

The destination is "Onikubo Fureai Hiroba" in Shinshiro, Aichi. The Asian Games cycling road race starts from here and runs through Shinshiro city.

The special course in Shinshiro city includes a 23km loop. Men will complete 6 laps for a total distance of 161km, while women will complete 3 laps for 91km.

Kenichiro Mori, manager of "Kamihagi Cycle Midori Store," who always supports the filming, guides Tomohiro through the course. They start amidst beautiful greenery.

However, they immediately encounter a steep uphill climb. Furthermore, the downhill slopes are also quite steep. According to Mr. Mori, "This is where the athletes' technique shines."

The most distinctive feature of this course is its intense ups and downs. Steep ascents and descents alternate, requiring both physical strength and delicate technique.

After a long descent, another uphill climb appears. The latter half of the loop course is a long uphill climb that continues for about 10km. There is also the toughest uphill climb just before the finish line. Tomohiro desperately pedals, exclaiming, "This is part of a 160km course!"

After overcoming the final hill, they return to the starting point, Onikubo Fureai Hiroba, to finish.

After finishing the ride, Tomohiro shared her impressions of the course and her expectations for the competition, saying, "The last steep hill was tough. I wonder if the athletes also consider their pace? I'm excited to see what kind of performance they'll show!"

Exquisite curry udon, enjoyable even to the last drop

Tomohiro had a look of accomplishment, but then a staff member handed her a flip chart that read, "If you come to Shinshiro for the Asian Games, go here!"

From here, it's a cycling trip to find four recommended spots in Shinshiro! This time, there's a special rule: if Tomohiro doesn't actually see or eat something, it doesn't count.

Tomohiro started asking around in the plaza. She decided to head for "Chosei Udon," recommended by a staff member.

After riding for a while, she found the sign for Chosei Udon.

Chosei Udon is an udon restaurant that has been loved in Shinshiro for over 30 years. According to the owner, Mitsuo Kato, their most popular dish is curry udon. They often serve "Curry Tsukemen," which features cold noodles and warm curry.

Tomohiro ordered the Curry Tsukemen. She raved, "It's incredibly rich! The udon noodles are smooth and slippery, with an excellent texture! The curry is thick and clings to the noodles unbelievably well!"

Tomohiro slurped down the noodles. According to Mr. Kato, people who have leftover roux often add rice to enjoy it.

Tomohiro finished the udon and ordered rice for the finale. "The spiciness of the curry comes through even more. The rich, thick texture is addictive!" she said, finishing it all.

Are the cake shop and "Okumikawa's Niagara" closed?

Tomohiro set off for a cake shop nearby, recommended by Mr. Kato.

"It's 4:30 PM. I've only found one local gem!" Tomohiro fretted. But the cake shop, "Pompadour," was closed on its regular holiday!

Pompadour is a cake shop offering about 15-20 types of cakes. Their "Choco Roll" has an unchanging taste since its establishment, characterized by a choux pastry inside.

Since it was a regular holiday, it didn't count, and there were about two hours left until sunset.

Tomohiro checked X for information from viewers. She headed for the "Nagashino Entei" (weir), known as "Okumikawa's Niagara."

Tomohiro finally arrived before sunset. However, she couldn't find the waterfall that was supposed to be visible everywhere.

When she asked a woman watering plants nearby, she said, "It was flowing until yesterday." Due to insufficient rainfall in August when the filming took place, the water had stopped flowing that morning.

Tomohiro screamed, "Wait! Wait! Wait!" Unable to give up, she went to look at the Nagashino Entei up close.

The Nagashino Entei is a small dam built in the Meiji era, and the sight of overflowing water cascading over a width of about 100 meters earned it the name "Okumikawa's Niagara."

Tomohiro reported on the rugged rocks. Although no water was flowing, she counted it as clearing the second recommended spot.

Tomohiro, not wanting to end there, continued to investigate local attractions. She got information about a nearby diner.

Since it was already dark, this was her last chance. This time, it was open!

"Nagashino Shokudo" is a diner offering various set meals, such as toriten (chicken tempura) set meal and pork fillet cutlet skewer set meal. Tomohiro decided to eat the "Oyakodon Set Meal," recommended by the owner. Oyakodon is a lunch menu item, but it can also be ordered as a secret menu item at night.

Tomohiro savored it, saying, "The dashi (broth) is incredibly flavorful! The fatty parts of the chicken are sweet and tender. It's a melt-in-your-mouth taste!"

She cleared the third recommended spot. However, the sun had already set, and the filming ended there.

<This trip's travel notes>
Shinshiro City

From CBC TV "Chant!" broadcast on September 18, 2026