Herpes simplex virus esophagitis (HSVE) has been reported in immunocompromised patients but occurs less commonly in immunocompetent patients. HSVE is difficult to distinguish from other types of infectious esophagitis by esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). We report a case of HSVE in an immunocompetent patient who presented with the acute onset of odynophagia. EGD revealed multiple erosions and ulcers in the distal esophagus. The symptoms improved quickly after conservative treatment without antiviral therapy.