Translation guide
In Japanese, a hot spring is most commonly referred to as 温泉 (onsen). This word covers natural hot springs, bathing facilities, and the cultural experience. There are also more specific terms for the water source, types of springs, and related activities.
The most common way to refer to a hot spring, whether natural or as a bathing facility.
The standard word for a hot spring. It can refer to the natural spring itself, the bathing facility, or the hot spring resort area.
日本にはたくさんの温泉があります。
There are many hot springs in Japan.
週末に温泉に行きませんか。
Would you like to go to a hot spring this weekend?
Referring specifically to the hot water itself or the source of the spring.
Also used for the water itself, especially in contexts like 'hot spring water'.
この温泉は肌にいいそうです。
This hot spring water is said to be good for the skin.
Refers to the source of the hot spring, often used when talking about the natural spring before it is piped into baths.
A general word for hot water, often used in the context of baths and hot springs. Can be combined with other words like 温泉 (onsen) to form 温湯 (onsen-yu).
いい湯だね。
This is nice hot water (in a bath).
Referring to a place known for its hot springs, often a resort area or town.
A hot spring resort area or town.
箱根は有名な温泉地です。
Hakone is a famous hot spring resort area.
A hot spring town, often with a traditional atmosphere and many inns.
温泉街を散歩するのが好きです。
I like walking around hot spring towns.
Describing different kinds of hot springs based on location, temperature, or mineral content.
An open-air bath, often with a view. A very popular type of hot spring bath.
露天風呂から海が見えます。
You can see the ocean from the open-air bath.
A sulfur spring, known for its distinctive smell and milky water.
Words related to the act of bathing in or enjoying hot springs.
Bathing, especially in a bath or hot spring. Often used in formal contexts.
入浴前に体を洗ってください。
Please wash your body before bathing.
The most common way to say 'to take a hot spring bath'.
毎晩温泉に入ります。
I take a hot spring bath every evening.
Staying at a hot spring for therapeutic purposes, often for an extended period.
When visiting a hot spring in Japan, remember to wash your body thoroughly before entering the bath, and do not put towels in the water. Tattoos may be prohibited in some facilities.
この旅館は源泉かけ流しです。
This inn uses free-flowing hot spring water directly from the source.
There are many sulfur springs in this area.
A carbonated spring, with bubbles like soda water.
炭酸泉は血行を良くすると言われています。
Carbonated springs are said to improve blood circulation.
I stayed for a week for hot spring therapy.