Senaga Island is an outlying island connected to Naha Airport by a bridge, about a 15-minute drive away.
While the shopping spot "Umikaji Terrace" is a classic tourist attraction on Senaga Island, don't miss the "Ryukyu Onsen Ryujin no Yu" hot spring at the adjacent Senaga Island Hotel!
Day trips for bathing are also welcome.

In this article, I'll report on what Ryukyu Onsen Ryujin no Yu is like, based on my experience of both day-trip bathing and overnight stays!

table of contents……
[Introduction] What is Senaga Island?
[1] What kind of baths are there?
[2] Impressions of the hot springs
[3] Event Planning
[4] Customer Reviews
[5] Facilities other than the bath (lockers, rest room, surrounding area information)
[6] Opening Hours, Fees, and Discounts
[7] Access

[Introduction] What is Senaga Island?

It is an island located south of Naha Airport.
Even though it's an outlying island, it's connected to the main island by a road. If you come by car, you might not even realize you've arrived on an outlying island. That's how easily you can get there from Naha.

The island is surrounded by beautiful seas, and you can enjoy activities like clam digging around the island.
Although there are no private houses, Umikaji Terrace has many restaurants, walking paths, an observation deck (where you can get a spectacular view of planes taking off and landing at Naha Airport), a baseball field, barbecue facilities, and the Kodakara-iwa (Fertility Rock), and more. It's a small island that you can drive around in about 5 minutes, but it's bustling with people.

[1] What kind of baths are there?

In the large public bath area, you can enjoy a variety of open-air baths, indoor baths, and saunas of different sizes.

There are two baths, "Kinryu no Yu" (Golden Dragon Bath) and "Ginryu no Yu" (Silver Dragon Bath), which are switched between men and women every other day. However, as shown in the map above, the general layout is the same.
The difference is the sauna and the open-air bath.

At "Kinryu no Yu," you'll find a "rock bath" that truly embodies the essence of a hot spring, and an "aroma sauna" where you can enjoy a variety of scents.

At "Ginryu no Yu," you can relax in the "reclining bath" while gazing at the sky, and enjoy the "salt sauna" for a good sweat.

If you're staying overnight, you can enjoy both the evening and morning visits.

The most striking feature of Ryujin-no-Yu is undoubtedly its beautiful ocean view!

It soothes the eyes and relaxes in the warm water.

The baths are arranged so that you can enjoy the sea and the hot springs together as much as possible, and even the individual soaking tubs offer views of the horizon.

This location offers panoramic views all the way to the Kerama Islands on a clear day. The evening is especially recommended. Senaga Island has always been famous for its sunsets. Even before the hot springs were built, it was a popular spot for scenic drives to enjoy the beautiful sunsets.

The best way to enjoy this beautiful ocean is at the "standing bath," which is highly rated in online reviews!

A "standing bath" is exactly what it sounds like: a bath where you bathe while standing.
This is a bathtub with a water depth of 1.2m.
It's strange, but I feel like my whole body is stretching out more than when I'm sitting.
The recommended way to enjoy it is to immerse yourself in the hot water up to your chest and rest your elbows on the edge. You can enjoy a panoramic view like the one in the photo.

The ground is covered with round stones. The feeling of slightly floating on the stones, with the rounded stones gently touching the pressure points on your feet, is incredibly soothing.
If there aren't many people around, I recommend taking a short walk. Alternatively, you can enjoy the scenery while pressing down firmly with the arch of your foot.

The first time I went in, I was so captivated by the scenery and the pleasant atmosphere that I ended up staying for 30 minutes. (As a result, I was late getting to Naha Airport and barely made it to my flight home...)
The second time I came to Senaga Island, I was so excited to take a dip in this standing bath. Of all the hot springs in Japan, it's personally one of my top three favorite baths.

We have the standard cold bath, and of course, an indoor bath as well.

Incidentally, although it's not visible in the photo above, the open-air bath is covered with a sunshade net.

This ingenious design was born from customer feedback. It effectively shields you from Okinawa's dazzling sun, reducing worries about sunburn.

[2] Impressions of the hot springs

This hot spring was discovered 1,000 meters underground.
It's a slightly brownish color and has a smooth texture. Perhaps due to its location on a remote island, it tastes quite salty.

The hot spring source is a high-temperature spring at 50°C. The water quality is sodium chloride strong saline spring.
If you soak up to your shoulders, you'll still feel warm for an hour or two. I later learned that it contains ingredients that warm the body from the core, and it certainly makes a difference.

The effects are,
Neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, frozen shoulder, paralysis, joint stiffness, bruises, sprains, chronic digestive diseases, hemorrhoids, poor circulation, post-illness recovery, recovery from illness, health promotion

...or so they say.

From my personal experience, I think it helped with muscle soreness.
The day after being exhausted from a scuba diving experience, I warmed up here and got a massage. I don't know if it was because of the hot springs, but my muscle aches were much better by nightfall.

[3] Event Planning

Various events are being planned. Here are some past events...

<Permanent, limited-time display>

• The "Back Washing Team" will wash your back for you.
• In the sauna, there's the recently popular löyly.

<Past Seasonal Events>

• Enjoy a yuzu bath in the indoor bath on the winter solstice.
• On White Day, the indoor bath will be a milk bath.
• A "rose bath" for Mother's Day, featuring 1,080 fresh roses floating in the indoor bath.
• Hydrangeas adorn the courtyard of the indoor bath during the "Hydrangea Festival" in Golden Week.
• Good Fortune! Boost Your Luck at Ryujin no Yu (We use different aromatherapy scents daily to boost your luck in finances, love, and career).
• Limited to the 22nd (Fuufu), if a couple visits and gives each other a hug at the reception, the wife will receive a 50% discount.

You can feel the staff's enthusiasm to liven things up, and it's nice for repeat customers to see the changes.
The latest information isfacebookUpdates are posted regularly.

[4] Customer Reviews

I looked into the reviews posted on major accommodation websites. Based on feedback from guests, the baths consistently received ratings of 4.4 to 4.7 out of 5! That's quite a high rating.

In addition to hotel guests and local repeat visitors, some people said they "stopped by on the last day of their Okinawa trip before returning their rental car."

When I was on a day trip, I would stop by on a Sunday evening before heading home from Naha Airport.
I relaxed and unwinded while watching the sunset, letting the fatigue of my journey melt away. It's a wonderful memory.

While I was in the bath, I noticed that there were a lot of people there for day trips. The conversations I overheard had a distinctly local feel to them.
I felt that way especially when I went there on a Sunday evening.

Being supported by the locals suggests that its popularity is becoming firmly established.
On the other hand, some reviews on accommodation websites say, "There aren't many times when it's empty. I wish there were times when it was only for hotel guests." Indeed, I do remember there being very few times when the bath was empty.
For those who want to have quiet, relaxed time and space all to themselves, its popularity might be a problem.

[5] Facilities other than the bath (lockers, rest room, surrounding area information)

[5-1] Lockers and luggage storage area

You receive a locker key at the reception desk. (Therefore, you cannot choose your own locker.)

Some hot spring inns have large public baths where, instead of lockers, you put your belongings in large baskets.
In my case, that made me a little uneasy, so I was happy that lockers were available (at no extra charge).
It has plenty of capacity, and a shoulder bag fits in it with room to spare.

[5-2] Changing Room

It's not small, but it's not so spacious that you can relax and unwind after your bath either.
I guess I could sit on a bench and drink a whole bottle of milk. (It's sold in vending machines.)

I can't remember the exact number, but I was able to use a hair dryer without any particular wait.
(This experience was during times when there were quite a few people: Sunday evenings, when there are many day-trippers, and around 22 PM, just before the reception closes, when the number of overnight guests increases.)

[5-3] Break Room

There is a Japanese-style rest room.
Since newspapers and other items are available, it seems like it could be used as a place for dads to wait while their wives take a long bath.

However, it's not a large Japanese-style room like a banquet hall. (Maybe around 12 tatami mats?)
This place might also be difficult to stay in for a long time if it gets crowded.

[5-4] Merchandise Sales

First, drinks. The standard milk was available for sale in the changing room.
In addition, drinks such as Yakult are sold at the reception desk.
They have quite a wide variety of products.

We also stock cosmetics and other items.

Upon entering the lobby of Senaga Island Hotel, you'll find a gift shop.
Here, they sell "Blue Seal Ice Cream" and local specialty drinks.
Buying some ice cream and going outside might be a good idea.

[6] Opening Hours, Fees, and Discounts

Opening hours…

6:00 AM - 24:00 AM (Last entry at 23:00 PM)

Rates and discounts…

Guests can use it free of charge as many times as they like. You will need to tell the reception counter staff your room number.

For outpatient visits, please see below. The price includes a towel.
Adults (junior high school age and older): 1,500 yen on weekdays, 1,700 yen on weekends and holidays.
Children (elementary school age)... 800 yen; Infants/Free. *Includes bathing tax and consumption tax.
(Those exempt from the bathing tax: children under 12, students on school trips, and people with disabilities)

Discount on multi-use tickets

The ticket booklet contains 11 tickets for the price of 10 weekday rides (1,360 yen).
It costs approximately 1,240 yen per session (a discount of approximately 120 yen).

Furthermore, there are no additional charges even if you use it on weekends or holidays when prices are higher.

[Price Revision] Effective April 1, 2023
(Current) 13,600 yen ⇒ (New) 15,000 yen *Includes consumption tax and hot spring tax

However, suddenly making a purchase of over 1 yen might be a little scary.
First, try it at the regular price, and if you and your family want to use it several times, then consider other options.

It can be used within the basic fee...

<Package contents>
Bath towels and face towels (provided at check-in)

<Amenities provided>
Shampoo, conditioner, body wash,
Hairbrush, hair dryer,
*For men* Tonic, aftershave lotion
*For women* Skin lotion, milky lotion

I tried comparing it to some other hot springs near Naha.

Rikkarikka Yu (located inside Naha Central Hotel / Makishi, Naha City)
The price for adults, including towel rental, is 1,500 yen on weekdays and 1,650 yen on Sundays and public holidays.
It's conveniently located, accessible by the Yui Rail monorail and only about a 20-minute drive from Naha Airport.

Loisir Hot Springs "Miegusuku Hot Springs"(Loisir Spa Tower Naha / Naha City, West)
3,500 yen for adults. As expected of a luxury hotel, the facilities are magnificent. (And the price is also luxury.)

"Urasoe no Yu," a natural hot spring using ancient seawater, is located at the sports club "Zistas Urasoe" in Urasoe.
It requires a bit of a detour, but this place is very affordable.
During service hours (weekdays 9am-5pm, weekends and holidays 9am-12pm), the price is 620 yen. At other times, it's 700 yen per hour, or 1,00 yen with no time limit.

Each has its own unique features, but as far as I've researched, the only hot spring near Naha that offers a view of the sea is "Ryujin no Yu" on Senaga Island.
In terms of novelty and a great location, I think "Ryujin no Yu" has a unique advantage.

[7] Access

Zip code:901-0233
Ryukyu Onsen Senaga Island Hotel, 174-5 Senaga, Tomigusuku City, Okinawa Prefecture

• It takes about 15 minutes by car to Naha Airport (it's recommended to leave with plenty of time to spare, especially during the evening rush hour when the roads to Naha Airport are congested).
• It takes about 25 minutes by car to reach Kokusai Street.

Depending on the type of car navigation system, the search results using the hotel's main phone number may differ from those using the hotel's address.
Please try setting the address using either the address search [175 Senaga, Tomigusuku City] or the map code [33 002 605].

★ Click here for the official website

[7-1] Bus

Senaga Island Hotel is also accessible by bus. Buses operate between Naha Airport, Akamine Station, Ashibinaa, iias Okinawa, and other shopping areas around Naha Airport.

The timetable is here.

Please make your hotel reservation here.

• Rakuten Travel
• Jalan net