ClimateAugust 9, 2026

bathhouses

BATH-how-suhz

Definition

Public establishments or facilities where people go to bathe, specifically referring to the traditional Japanese onsen or communal bathing venues.

Etymology

The word is a compound formed from 'bath' (from Old English 'bæth') and 'house' (from Old English 'hus'). It has been used since the Middle Ages to denote public or private buildings containing facilities for bathing.

In the news

The article mentions that the Japanese hot springs industry opposes geothermal development because of concerns that it could drain the water supply for traditional bathhouses.

Japan draws lessons from Iceland, a renewable energy powerhouse

Read the full article ↗

Japan Today

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