Onsen geisha (温泉芸者) is the Japanese term geisha working in onsen (hot spring) resorts or towns, known for their traditions of performance and entertainment style, which differ significantly to geisha working in other areas of Japan.
Historically, the term "onsen geisha" has held mostly negative connotations with sex work, and has come to be synonymous with "sex worker" for a number of reasons, despite prostitution being made illegal in Japan in the 1950s.
Despite connotations of low standards of performing arts, modern onsen geisha hold the same training in the arts as geisha from other regions of Japan.