onsen

noun

on·​sen ˈȯn-ˌsen 

ˈän-

plural onsens or onsen

1

a

: a Japanese hot spring

When Japan began to modernize in the late 1800s, trains made it relatively easy for city dwellers to travel to the countryside, and traditional-style inns … sprang up around the onsen …

—Andrew Curry

b

: a traditionally Japanese resort or hotel with hot springs

2

: a Japanese bath in which bathers soak in a hot spring or hot-spring fed bath after first cleansing with a shower

The Japanese tradition of onsen (public baths) is high on the list of après-ski activities in Niseko [Japan].

—Jenny Hewett

also : a bathhouse or room used for such a bath

Examples of onsen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This property, however, is not only punctuated by surprising touches (like wild Sogetsu ikebana arrangements and abstract art), plus an indoor heated pool and outdoor hot tub to complement the two public onsen. —Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026

But the best part of it is the onsen. —Charlie Hobbs, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Apr. 2026

There was an onsen, and the food was the most adventurous yet. —Matt Bomer, HollywoodReporter, 24 Mar. 2026

Wellness programming includes indoor and outdoor onsen, forest bathing, traditional Japanese spa treatments like shiatsu massage and rice extract facials, and cuisine inspired by Kyoto’s historic culinary traditions. —Kelsey Eisen, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2026

An homage to nature and traditional Japanese artistry, the 89-room adaptive reuse hotel includes six suites with private onsen, along with three restaurants. —Kissa Castaneda, Forbes.com, 31 Jan. 2026

Take in views of the world’s largest volcanic caldera at Mount Aso and soothe sore muscles in volcanic sand baths and onsens. —Jen Murphy, Outside Online, 18 June 2025

Like an onsen, the modern Korean jjimjilbang has a variety of hot and cold baths, steam rooms and saunas. —Anna Haines, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2025

But not every pool of heated water qualifies as an onsen. —Chris Lau, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Japanese, from on "warm" + sen "spring, fountain"

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1