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.
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.
この温泉地は外国人観光客に人気です。
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.
温泉街を浴衣で散歩するのが楽しかった。
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.
この温泉郷には五つの異なる源泉があります。
This hot spring village has five different spring sources.
A lodging facility with its own hot spring baths.
A traditional Japanese inn with hot spring baths. The most typical accommodation at a hot spring resort.
温泉旅館に一泊しました。
We stayed one night at a hot spring inn.
A Western-style hotel with hot spring facilities. Often larger and more modern than a ryokan.
温泉ホテルの大浴場は24時間利用できます。
The large bath at the hot spring hotel is available 24 hours.
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.
この温泉施設には露天風呂とサウナがあります。
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.
山の中のスパリゾートで週末を過ごしました。
We spent the weekend at a spa resort in the mountains.
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.