♨️
Hot Springs
hɒt sprɪŋz
Definitions
1
Travel · Tourism
common
Represents hot springs or thermal baths, especially Japanese onsen. Used to indicate relaxation, vacation spots with natural hot water, or spa experiences.
Often used when discussing travel plans, wellness activities, or to express a desire for relaxation.
Finally booked our trip to Japan! Can't wait to experience the ♨️ in Hakone!
Instagram travel post
After this stressful week, I need a ♨️ day so badly.
WhatsApp message
Strongly associated with Japanese onsen culture, where communal bathing in natural hot springs is a traditional practice for relaxation and health.
2
Food · Dining
uncommon
Indicates hot food or drinks, especially when steam is visible. Used to show that food is freshly prepared, hot, or spicy.
Secondary meaning used mainly in food contexts when other food-specific emojis don't convey the desired 'hot/steaming' quality.
Just made some ♨️ homemade soup perfect for this cold weather!
Food blog post
This usage evolved from the visual similarity between the emoji and steam rising from hot food, despite not being the emoji's original intent.
Evolution Timeline
2010
Introduced in Unicode 6.0 as a symbol representing Japanese hot springs (onsen).
Growing international interest in Japanese culture and tourism.
2015
Usage expanded beyond literal hot springs to metaphorical meanings like 'trending' or 'popular'.
Emoji adoption in Western markets with limited hot spring culture.
Cultural Context
The symbol originates from Japanese maps and signage where ♨ indicates onsen locations. It represents steam rising from hot water, a visual shorthand recognized throughout Japan.
Hot springs have different cultural significance globally: in Japan they're central to communal bathing traditions, while in Western cultures they're more associated with luxury spa experiences.
The emoji has developed metaphorical meanings beyond its literal representation, particularly in English-speaking countries where it can indicate popularity or trending topics.
Regional Variations
Japan
Used extensively and with cultural specificity to reference actual onsen facilities, bathing etiquette, and as part of tourism information.
United States
Often used metaphorically for relaxation, stress relief, or to indicate something is trending or 'hot' in popularity.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: Primarily used in literal contexts related to travel, wellness activities, or actual hot springs experiences.
Gen_Z: Often used metaphorically to indicate something is trending, popular or 'fire'. Sometimes used in meme contexts about being 'steamy' or dramatic.
Older: Limited usage, mostly in travel contexts or when sharing information about health benefits of thermal springs.
Millennials: Used both literally for travel content about hot springs/spas and metaphorically to indicate stress relief needs or trending topics.
Common Combinations
♨️🇯🇵
Japanese hot springs or onsen experience.
Often used when discussing travel plans to Japan or authentic Japanese bathing culture.
♨️🧖
Spa day or relaxation retreat with hot springs or sauna.
Used to indicate wellness activities, self-care, or vacation experiences.
♨️🍜
Hot, steaming food, especially Japanese cuisine.
Used to indicate freshly prepared, hot meals, particularly soups or noodle dishes.