open-air bath; outdoor hot spring; public bathhouse (at a hot spring)
Refers to a bath at a hot spring resort that is outside the lodging, often open to non-guests, or an outdoor bath. Contrasts with 内湯 (indoor bath).
The inn's outdoor bath can be used by non-guests as well.
雪を見ながら入る外湯は最高だ。
An open-air bath while watching the snow is the best.
Standard kanji spelling for a public or outdoor hot spring bath.
Mixed kana-kanji spelling; less common but still seen in signs and casual writing.
Compound of 外 (そと, 'outside') and 湯 (ゆ, 'hot water/bath').