温泉
おんせん
onsen
= onsen / hot spring
Onsen (温泉) refers to natural hot springs—places where geothermally heated water flows. Bathing in onsen is a cherished Japanese tradition combining relaxation, health benefits, and social bonding.
Onsen are natural hot springs with water heated by geothermal activity. Japan’s volcanic geography provides abundant onsen. Bathing in onsen is considered therapeutic and spiritually cleansing. Onsen establishments (hotels and public baths) welcome visitors. Bathing etiquette is important: rinse before entering, don’t dunk head underwater. Mixed-gender onsen exist though often have separate hours. Onsen visits are romantic getaway destinations.
Follow onsen etiquette: rinse thoroughly before soaking. Onsen water is hot—enter slowly. Tattoos may prohibit entry at some onsen.
温 (warm) + 泉 (spring)
EXAMPLE 1
温泉でリラックスするのは、最高だ。
Onsen de rirakkusu suru no wa, saikou da.
Relaxing in onsen is the best.
EXAMPLE 2
温泉旅館に泊まった。贅沢な経験だった。
Onsen ryokan ni tomatta. Zeitaku na keiken datta.
I stayed at an onsen resort. It was luxurious.
EXAMPLE 3
温泉の水は、肌に良い。体の疲れが取れる。
Onsen no mizu wa, hada ni yoi. Karada no tsukare ga toreru.
Onsen water is good for skin. It relieves body fatigue.
Onsen is quintessentially Japanese relaxation and wellness experience.
Deeply woven into Japanese tourism and cultural identity.
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