Station Tahara Mekkun House

Taste the Spirit of Aichi’s Heartland at Tahara Mekkun House

Nestled in the vibrant heart of the Mikawa Bay region, Tahara Mekkun House is more than a roadside station—it’s a celebration of local life, agriculture, and community. Located in Tahara City, this dynamic hub sits at the crossroads of the scenic Nihon Fūkei Kōdō (Japan Landscape Route) and the Mikawa Bay Flower Road, making it a perfect stop for travelers exploring the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Ise Bay coast.

Visitors are greeted by a vibrant array of fresh, locally grown produce, seasonal fruits, and handcrafted regional specialties. The on-site processing facility showcases the area’s pride in 6th-sector agriculture, transforming local harvests into award-winning products. From the famed Tahara melons to savory sea urchin chikuwa and traditional sweets, every item tells a story of the land. Enjoy authentic dining at the seaside-inspired restaurant, explore the bustling market hall, or savor a refreshing melon soft cream—each experience rooted in the flavors of Mikawa. With free Wi-Fi, EV charging, and family-friendly facilities, Tahara Mekkun House offers a welcoming retreat for all.

Visit Tahara Mekkun House to experience the only roadside station in the region where you can taste the exclusive Meikun Melon Soft Cream—crafted from locally grown, sun-ripened melons harvested in the fertile soils of the Mikawa Bay coast. Beyond the dessert, the station is home to the only on-site processing facility in田原市 producing the signature Tahanan Brand chikuwa, a traditional fish cake made with fresh, local catch and aged for authentic flavor. These are not just products—they are edible stories of the land.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure the fresh batch of Wakamiya Bakery's Milk Bread, which sells out quickly and is only restocked once daily at 9:00 AM.

• Hidden Gems: At the 1F Food Counter, look for the limited-edition Tahara City Brand Chikuwa (fish cake) made using traditional methods from Yamasu Chikuwa, available only in small batches and often sold out by midday.

• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, the Pork Cutlet Sandwich at the Katsu-sato stand is served with a special seasonal dipping sauce made from locally grown green onions and soy sauce—ask the staff for the “Summer Green Onion Special” when ordering.

• Best Value Purchase: Buy the Tahara Melon Gourmet Box (a curated selection of 4 melons) from the Produce Counter before 11:00 AM; it includes one premium Mizu-kuri melon, which is only available in limited quantities and sells out by noon.

• Off-Peak Dining: Eat lunch at the Inari-meguri Restaurant between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM on weekdays to avoid the lunch rush and enjoy a quieter atmosphere, especially since the restaurant is often fully booked during peak hours.

• Free Access Tip: Use the Free Rest Area on the 1F level during peak times (12:00–14:00) when the Inari-meguri Restaurant is full—this space allows you to eat meals purchased from the food counters without needing a seat reservation.

• EV Charging Tip: Plug in your EV at the 50kW fast-charging station located near the east entrance; it’s free and available 24/7, but avoid parking in the charging spots after your vehicle is fully charged to allow others access.

Spring (March–May): Peak season for strawberry picking (late March–April) and fresh bamboo shoots available at the market.

Summer (June–August): Fresh melons and tomatoes harvested locally, with melon soft serve available at the food stall.

Autumn (September–November): Melon harvesting ends, while seasonal seafood and local produce highlight autumn offerings.

Winter (December–February): Limited fresh produce, but warm dishes like katsudon and hot coffee available year-round.