The great thing about experiencing this autumn festival in Takebe is that you get to closely watch authentic traditions that you can hardly ever see nowadays, such as kagura (singing and dance) as well as a stick fighting performance. The fighting ritual with long sticks and festival masks and the ritual to welcome the mikoshi (portable shrine) are amazing and are said to express the Okayama Shrine style in the old Okayama area Ikeda-clan domain. The stick fighting ritual is said to be related to kobudo (ancient martial arts), is fierce and forceful, and will amaze people who watch it. Seeing the portable shrines being marched through fields of rice waving in the wind makes you feel like you're back in an ancient time.
To be honest, my friend and I had never seen this kind of festival until we saw the one here in Takebe. Everything was new to us and just overwhelming. We were really impressed.

Our eyes were glued to a cute children's kagura ritual performance and the courageous stick fighting performance, then we followed the mikoshi shrine back to the main shrine. Past the shrine gate, with our candied apples in hand, we dashed to the top of the steps. We were able to watch the shrine coming our way and it was a good experience.

You can relax in the foot bath in front of Takebe Yahata hot spring after the excitement of the festival. You'll have a good time talking about the festival you just saw. Once you're a little refreshed by the hot bath, it's time to check-in! The reception desk clerk greets you with a great smile and a stylish shoe rack welcomes you. Don't forget, there is a small market by the lobby selling fresh vegetables, yogurt, handmade hair decorations and other small things.
Our guest room had two rooms together facing the river. We had some complimentary tea with the sound of the river flowing by. We put on the Japanese sandals prepared for guests on the balcony and stepped outside. An old iron bridge caught our eyes. It has some character. Suddenly a train came through so we fumbled trying to get our smartphones out to take a picture of it. Now the pictures are a good memory from our trip.

There was still some time until dinner time so we went for a stroll, leaving the inn. We were in the middle of golden rice plants and colorful cosmos plants, feeling totally in the middle of autumn. Once we got to the middle of the bridge that connect the main road and the hot spring, a soothing breeze wafted by our cheeks. It reminded us of the Hiruzen heights, which is the headstream of the Asahi River running here, and listening to the train running across the iron bridge, we had a wonderful relaxing moment.

This hot spring was found more than 300 years ago. It's said to be effective for pain, poor blood circulation and tired bodies. The not-too-hot water is one of the characteristics of this hot spring. You can choose baths at 29℃, 35℃ and 39℃, as well as a lie-down bath, open-air bath and a sauna. There are private family-baths and a day-time bath, so everyone can find something to enjoy.
In the open-air bath you can gaze up at the stars at night, and take in the fresh air in the morning. You can hear the river running near the bath, and it's so soothing that it can take you away from all of your worries.
The locker room has both smaller and larger lockers, so it's also good for day trippers carrying a lot of things. There is also the popular drink Coffee Milk that everyone loves waiting for you after your bath. The vending machine has a good selection if you prefer other drinks. The break area has low tables on the tatami floor and a cozy private area if you close the curtain. You can also have some a la carte dishes, noodles, set meals and drinks in the hall. The refreshing soft-serve ice cream is made with special local yogurt from Takebe and is perfect for after a hot bath.

The dinner we were anticipating was served to us in our room, not in the dining room, so we could have our own private dining time. The Japanese style room had a low dining table and matching chairs to sit comfortably.
Beautiful dishes kept coming in and we toasted with some beer. The feast in front of our eyes made us grin from ear to ear.
Lightly salted and grilled ayu (a kind of sweetfish) caught in the clean river there, cooked chestnuts and clear soup decorated with edible chrysanthemum were practically works of art work, such was the great presentation. Sashimi (raw fish) and tempura (lightly fried food) followed and it was all more than enough. Those dishes were great gifts from the rich and clear river and very seasonal. The alcohol drinks paired perfectly with the food and made us chattier.
They have a very specific idea about the rice they serve. The locally harvested Takebe rice is firm but not too firm, soft but not too soft, with a freshly cooked aroma.
The dishes we had in our room were different from the ones offered in the dining hall. These elegant kaiseki ryori dishes were filled with seasonal ingredients to bring you happiness.

After eating up all the great Takebe tastes, we just slid into the futon that was already laid out for us in the next room. The autumn night in Takebe was a little chilly so they'd prepared a fluffy blanket as well. The guest room was actually two rooms, a dining/living room and a bedroom. Each room had a glass door leading to the balcony, with reed roll screen blinds that added to the relaxing mood of the room. We kept talking about the fun things we did that day, our plans for the next few days, and the usual girls talk, which never ends. We adjusted the lighting and the room was calm but not too dark. Cold water was available in the room so it was OK for us to keep talking until late at night. In the quiet night we could hear a train echoing over the iron bridge.

A great breakfast was waiting for us after a full night's sleep in the comfortable room. Yahata hot spring is surrounded by woods so the air is very fresh in the morning.
Our breakfast was served in the dining room. The freshly cooked rice was bright white, with a sweet aroma. Guests serve their own rice from a big traditional rice serving bowl. Grilled fish, egg dishes, nori (seaweed), all of the traditional Japanese breakfast dishes. We were very comfortable with such a traditional Japanese breakfast. The food was all locally sourced and it was a very appropriate breakfast for our departure.