Cycling and A Spa Stay That Was So Much more
Spending the day and an overnight in Komono Town, Mie was filled with explorations, relaxation and delicious discoveries. It was amazing to pedal around “off the beaten track” and then enjoy all the amazing options and possibilities at Aqua Ignis Kataoka Onsen. Surprises and tasty treasures exceeded my expectations.
Komono + Mobility by Electric Bike stands for FUN and Adventure!
Komono-chō is a town located in northern Mie. With a population of about 40,000 people. It is accessible by train via the Kintetsu Yunoyama Line. The location is charming and ideal, the area of forests and nature at Yunoyama is part of Komono and can be found at the end of the train line, just three stations from Komono. It is an area with various hot springs, both indoors and outdoors at the base of Mount Gozaisho, the tallest mountain in northern Mie. I had the lucky chance to explore the Komono area on an electric assist bicycle using their “Komobility” Plan. Named for the combination of Komono + Mobility! So Cute. After my experiences I can say that Komono + Mobility by Electric Bike stands for FUN and Adventure!
Signing up and learning operations at the bike center
Electric assist bicycles have onboard batteries that make riding easy, even up hills and steep areas! Komono Town is full of natural beauty. Let's leave regular transportation of cars and taxis behind and explore on an electric bicycle, scooter or motorcycle!! You can go sightseeing around the area while experiencing and enjoying nature with new mobility. Even high-altitude sightseeing spots such as Yunoyama Onsen, Gozaisho Ropeway, and campsites, you can easily be reached with electric assist bikes. All the motors are environmentally friendly.
There are 6 locations around town to pick up and recharge the ebikes. We chose to visit the tourism office and community center to pick up ours. While there I really enjoyed checking out local pottery, produce and souvenirs. I even spotted the local town mascot, Komoshika, a cute deer with antlers made from local leeks that the town is famous for! So adorable!
Local pottery and souvenirs sold at the tourism center
Cute Local Mascot- HIs name is KOMOSHIKA! (shika means deer in Japanese)
When you start out on your cycling trip you will get a local sightseeing map. You can see the local popular sites as well as just enjoying the countryside and the rice fields. In fack Komono rice is famous. It was great touring around and seeing the town from a different perspective.
Loved exploring by electric assist bicycle
main onsen, accommodation building and antiques gallery
Along with an onsen (hot spring) which is open for day visits as well as for those staying in the resort, Aqua Ignis is A relaxing space designed to heal your tired body and relax your mind while inspiring your creativity. There are two types of accommodation styles: a simple accommodation building and unique sustainably designed villas.
The lobby is gorgeous. When I arrived I felt welcome. It really set the tone for a focus on wellness, art and relaxation. wide open spaces, natural wood interiors and unique lighting welcomes you for both visiting the hot spring or staying over in one of their cozy retro, Japanese tatami mat style rooms. There is also a gift shop selling different health and wellness beauty products and gifts in the lobby.
Warm wooden halls and floors guiding you to the accommodation
The spa and Aqua Ignis onsen waters flow from the local Kataoka Onsen which is a hot spring that flows from more than 1200m underground. The water is naturally around 42 ℃. You can enjoy the water in this all natural spa, no other water is added, there is no other form of heating, or circulating. This hot spring is nicknamed "Bijin no Yu" (Beauty Hot Spring) and features alkaline waters that make your skin smooth and remove dirt from your pores.
Gorgeous hot spring bath with bamboo garden
In addition to the hot spring and relaxing rooms, Aqua Ignis resort features a wonderful array of dining options from michielin and award winning bakeries and desserts, to italian, to Japanese. There are so many different types of dishes to enjoy. If you stay over you have a choice of breakfasts, traditional japanese or a fresh baked bread set. Lunch and dinner can be enjoyed in several other fine dining restaurants.
Choose pastries, breads, brick oven pizza, all made on premises
I loved all the choices at Mariage de Farine. The name of this award winning bakery literally means "marriage of powder" in French. They use a special flour made by combining domestic wheat to create original flour and then they agie and ferment it, bringing out unique flavors that you will only find at this location.
Delicious seasonal course meal from local ingredients
I also had a chance to enjoy a special meal in a hidden spot at the resort. Behind the more casual Japanese restaurant, there is a smaller 9 seat counter restaurant called Roanatatakami. The master chef here uses local ingredients to delight you with an unforgettable seasonal course menu.
I want to go back for strawberry picking