Japanese Onsen Vocabulary: Easy Listening Practice

An onsen visit is easier when you understand the words behind the etiquette. Listen to Sayuri's lesson, then use this vocabulary to follow the key steps before you enter the bath.

How to use this listening lesson

1. Listen once without reading the transcript.
2. Listen again and pause when you recognize a word.
3. Read the transcript, review the vocabulary, then listen one more time.

Vocabulary to notice

• 温泉 (おんせん) — hot spring
• 銭湯 (せんとう) — public bath
• かけ湯 (かけゆ) — rinsing before bathing
• 脱衣所 (だついじょ) — changing room
• 湯船 (ゆぶね) — bath tub
• タオル (たおる) — towel
• 髪を結ぶ (かみをむすぶ) — to tie up hair
• 入る (はいる) — to enter

Grammar focus

Use 〜前に for “before doing …”: 温泉に入る前に、体を洗います。 (Before entering the hot spring, wash your body.)

Practice after listening

1. Listen once before reading. Which bathing word do you recognize?
2. Find 温泉 and 銭湯 in the transcript.
3. Explain one onsen rule using 〜前に.

When you are ready, use the source episode below for the full Japanese listening practice.

Listen to the source episode

日本旅行で失敗しない！温泉と銭湯のルール6選｜Don't Fail at Onsen! 6 Rules for Japanese Hot Springs ｜日本旅遊不踩雷！溫泉與錢湯的6大禮儀

Original Nihongo Sayuri podcast episode for this JLPT N4 lesson.

Nihongo Sayurisayuri

Continue your practice

Japanese Listening Practice with Podcast Scripts

Find more easy Japanese listening lessons with scripts, vocabulary, and clear next steps.

Nihongo Sayurisayuri

Level: JLPT N4.