Today's weather is said to be "cloudy with occasional sunny spells."
It has been sunny in Arima since morning.
The cherry blossoms at Gekkoen today are a little past full bloom but still beautiful.
I'm worried about the wind being a bit strong and the weather forecast for tomorrow being "cloudy with occasional rain."
I really want them to keep blooming like this forever, but it's selfish of me to think that the cherry blossom petals dancing in the wind are beautiful too.

[Top photo: Today's cherry blossoms]

"Afuku-sama" and "Tamahoko-sama"
Among the hot springs at Gekkoen are "Ofukunoyu" and "Tamahokonoyu."
These two hot springs are located closest to the source of the hot springs at Gekkoen and have the best water quality.

[Photo below: Afuku no Yu (men's open-air bath)]

By the way, what are these "Afu" and "Tamahoko"?
In fact, the name comes from the amulets "Afuku-sama" and "Tamahoko-sama" at Tosenjinja Shrine in Arima Onsen, which is famous for granting fertility.
Of course, at Gekkoen, the chief priest, Mr. Bessho, performs prayers, and the "Afuku no Yu" and "Tamahoko no Yu" baths are said to be effective in bringing about fertility.

↓This is the Yusen Shrine homepage.
http://www.tousen.or.jp/

　　　　Arima Onsen Gekkoen　Kosaka