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
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
Jenny Hewett
also
: a bathhouse or room used for such a bath
Examples of onsen in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Ancient societies have long regarded the element as a form of holistic medicine for their well-being, as seen in Roman thermal baths and Japanese onsens.
—Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
Nearby Hakone makes for a lovely excursion, home to centuries-old onsen, cute shopping streets, winding mountain roads, lakes and shrines.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
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
There was an onsen, and the food was the most adventurous yet.
—Matt Bomer, HollywoodReporter, 24 Mar. 2026
The onsen’s waters contain a rare seven of the nine therapeutic minerals recognized by Japanese law, creating a nutrient-rich concoction that leaves minds calm and skin baby-soft.
—Kelsey Eisen, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2026
The closest one gets to a genuine geothermally heated onsen in Kyoto is 30 minutes outside the city.
—Lauren Groff, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2025
Cyclists stop for sake tastings, architecture tours, castle garden walks, and, of course, a bath in a volcanically heated onsen.
—AFAR Media, 14 July 2025
The spa takes up two floors and includes a 30-meter pool that feels more like a private onsen.
—Nel-Olivia Waga, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
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Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
Nearby Hakone makes for a lovely excursion, home to centuries-old onsen, cute shopping streets, winding mountain roads, lakes and shrines.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
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
There was an onsen, and the food was the most adventurous yet.
—Matt Bomer, HollywoodReporter, 24 Mar. 2026
The onsen’s waters contain a rare seven of the nine therapeutic minerals recognized by Japanese law, creating a nutrient-rich concoction that leaves minds calm and skin baby-soft.
—Kelsey Eisen, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2026
The closest one gets to a genuine geothermally heated onsen in Kyoto is 30 minutes outside the city.
—Lauren Groff, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2025
Cyclists stop for sake tastings, architecture tours, castle garden walks, and, of course, a bath in a volcanically heated onsen.
—AFAR Media, 14 July 2025
The spa takes up two floors and includes a 30-meter pool that feels more like a private onsen.
—Nel-Olivia Waga, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Onsen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/onsen. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
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