Translation guide
A town or facility built around natural hot springs, offering bathing and lodging. Japanese has several common terms depending on the type and scale.
hot spring resort (traditional inn)
Ryokan with hot springs
A town or area known for its hot springs, with inns and bathhouses.
General term for a hot spring area or resort region. Neutral and widely understood.
This hot spring resort is popular with foreign tourists.
Specifically a hot spring town with a street or district of inns, shops, and bathhouses. Evokes a traditional atmosphere.
It was fun to stroll through the hot spring town in a yukata.
A hot spring village or cluster of hot spring resorts, often in a mountainous area. Slightly literary or promotional.
This hot spring village has five different spring sources.
A lodging facility with its own hot spring baths.
A facility centered around hot spring bathing, possibly with multiple baths, restaurants, and relaxation areas.
General term for a hot spring facility, including day-use spas and large resort complexes.
This hot spring facility has an open-air bath and a sauna.
Loanword for a spa resort, often implying a more luxurious or Western-style experience. May or may not use natural hot springs.
The word 温泉 (おんせん) by itself means 'hot spring' and can refer to the water source, a bathhouse, or a resort area depending on context. To be specific about a resort, use compounds like 温泉地 or 温泉街.
The large bath at the hot spring hotel is available 24 hours.
We spent the weekend at a spa resort in the mountains.