source of a hot spring
Refers to the place where hot spring water emerges from the ground, often the origin point of an onsen. Also used in proper nouns.
The source of this hot spring is deep in the mountains.
If you stay at an inn at the hot spring source, you can enjoy the water flowing directly from the spring.
Standard kanji spelling for this word of a hot spring.
Alternate kanji spelling, also used in place names.
Compound of 湯 (hot water) and 元 (origin, source). The spelling 湯本 uses 本 (origin) with the same meaning.