1.
large communal bath; large public bath
A large communal bathing area, typically found at hot-spring inns (温泉旅館), hotels, and some public bath facilities. Separated by gender and often featuring stone tubs and views of nature.
Compound of 大 (large) + 浴場 (bathing place). A standard feature of Japanese hot-spring inns, hotels, and capsule hotels. Always sex-segregated and used naked.
Common collocations
- 大浴場に入る: to enter the large bath
- 大浴場付き: with a large bath (hotel feature)
- 男性大浴場: men's large bath
- 女性大浴場: women's large bath
Cultural note
Guests at traditional inns (旅館) often bathe in the 大浴場 rather than using in-room baths. Bathing etiquette requires washing thoroughly at the shower stalls before entering the communal tub.