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'.
I go to the neighborhood public bath.
A more casual, colloquial term for a public bathhouse. Often used in everyday speech.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I tried a stone spa at the health land.
The communal bath inside a traditional inn or hotel, often using hot spring water.
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.
This hot spring is called 'Bath of Beauty'.
I talked with locals at the communal bath.