Translation guide
In Japan, public baths (銭湯, sentō) and hot spring baths (温泉, onsen) are common. This guide covers how to refer to these facilities and related bathing culture.
A communal bath facility, typically in a neighborhood, where people pay to use the baths.
The standard word for a public bathhouse, especially in urban neighborhoods. Literally 'coin hot water'.
近所の銭湯に行く。
I go to the neighborhood public bath.
A more casual, colloquial term for a public bathhouse. Often used in everyday speech.
風呂屋でゆっくりする。
I relax at the public bath.
A bathing facility using natural hot spring water, often at a resort or inn.
Refers to both the hot spring itself and the bathing facility. Very common for travel and leisure.
週末に温泉に行きたい。
I want to go to a hot spring this weekend.
Often used in compound words or names for hot spring facilities, e.g., 〇〇湯. Can also mean 'hot water' or 'bath' in general.
この温泉は「美人の湯」と呼ばれている。
This hot spring is called 'Bath of Beauty'.
A modern, large-scale bathing facility with various types of baths, saunas, and amenities.
A large, often suburban, bathing complex with multiple baths, saunas, restaurants, etc. More like a spa.
スーパー銭湯で一日中過ごせる。
You can spend the whole day at a super sento.
Similar to a super sento, but often with more health-oriented facilities. Can be used interchangeably.
健康ランドで岩盤浴を体験した。
I tried a stone spa at the health land.
The communal bath inside a traditional inn or hotel, often using hot spring water.
The large communal bath in a hotel or ryokan. Often used for both regular and hot spring baths.
旅館の大浴場は24時間利用できます。
The inn's public bath is available 24 hours.
A communal bath, often in a small inn or a public facility. More formal than 大浴場.
共同浴場で地元の人と話した。
I talked with locals at the communal bath.
In public baths, wash your body thoroughly before entering the bath. Tattoos may be prohibited in some facilities. Bring your own towel and toiletries, though they are often available for rent or purchase.
銭湯 (sentō) uses heated tap water and is typically found in neighborhoods. 温泉 (onsen) uses natural hot spring water and is often located in resort areas. However, some 銭湯 may use hot spring water and call themselves 温泉.