Translation guide
A public bathhouse is a shared bathing facility where people go to bathe, relax, and socialize. In Japan, these are typically called 銭湯 (sentō) or 温泉 (onsen) if using natural hot spring water. The experience involves washing before entering the communal bath, and there are specific etiquette rules.
A local, paid public bathing facility, often found in older neighborhoods, with separate sections for men and women.
The standard word for a public bathhouse where you pay an entrance fee. These are common in residential areas and have a nostalgic, community feel.
週末は近所の銭湯に行くのが楽しみです。
I look forward to going to the neighborhood public bathhouse on weekends.
この銭湯は昔ながらの雰囲気が残っている。
This public bathhouse retains an old-fashioned atmosphere.
A colloquial, friendly term for a public bathhouse, often used by locals or children. Literally 'bath shop'.
子供の頃、よくお風呂屋さんに行った。
When I was a child, I often went to the public bathhouse.
A public bathing facility using natural hot spring water, often located in resort areas, ryokan, or as a standalone facility.
Refers to both the hot spring itself and the bathing facility. Can be indoor or outdoor (露天風呂). Often part of a travel experience.
箱根にはたくさんの温泉があります。
There are many hot spring baths in Hakone.
旅館の温泉でゆっくり疲れを癒した。
I relaxed and soothed my fatigue in the ryokan's hot spring bath.
A hot spring facility that you can visit for the day without staying overnight. Popular for short trips.
日帰り温泉でさっぱりした。
I felt refreshed at the day-trip hot spring.
The communal bath inside a traditional Japanese inn, often using hot spring water, available for guests.
The large communal bath in a hotel or ryokan. Usually separated by gender and may have scenic views.
この旅館の大浴場からは海が見えます。
You can see the ocean from the large communal bath in this ryokan.
An outdoor bath, often part of a ryokan or onsen facility. Highly prized for the open-air experience.
Referring to public bathhouses from older times, such as Edo period, or in a historical context.
An archaic term for a public bathhouse, often used in historical dramas or literature. Not used in modern daily conversation.
江戸時代には多くの湯屋があった。
In the Edo period, there were many public bathhouses.
In Japanese public baths, you must wash your body thoroughly before entering the bath. Tattoos may be prohibited in some facilities. Swimsuits are not worn.
まず体を洗ってから湯船に入ってください。
Please wash your body first before entering the bathtub.
銭湯 (sentō) uses regular heated water and is typically found in urban neighborhoods. 温泉 (onsen) uses natural hot spring water with mineral content and is often in resort areas. Some 銭湯 may use heated tap water but advertise as 温泉 if they add minerals, but true 温泉 must have natural hot spring water.
A large-scale public bath facility that often includes various types of baths, saunas, restaurants, and relaxation areas. More like a spa complex.
スーパー銭湯は家族連れで賑わっている。
The super sento is crowded with families.
雪を見ながら露天風呂に入るのは最高だ。
It's the best to soak in an outdoor bath while watching the snow.