On New Year’s Day, we pried the kids away from their friends and screens and headed a bit north. Our first stop was Zakimi-Jo Castle Ruins.

The castle was built in the 15^th century by Aji Gosamaru. According to several sources, it was built as a boundary to check the power of the Hozukan Kingdom to the north. Gosamaru would go on to build the Nakijin Castle to the north (which explains the similarities in design and workmanship in the two structures). The walls and gorgeous views are all that remain today.

The site is a great place for families to visit—lots of open spaces, smaller garden enclosures, and of course bathrooms. The museum was closed, but the kids just wanted to run anyway.

From Zakimi, we headed to Cape Zanpa (also known as scare the stuff out of your momma on the rocks).

There are a number of things to do in this area, but we stayed near the lighthouse, entranced by the East China Sea. There were fishermen down on the lower section of rocks, braving the spray of the surf against the cliffs. I admonished our crew to stay on the high ground.

On our way back south, we stopped at Toguchi Beach. This northern end of the Hagushi Bay/ Hija River was an important supply landing area for American troops during the Battle of Okinawa during World War II.Today it is a family friendly park and beach area with amazing views.

We ended the day with some Udon noodles and some ice cream.

We thought we were following our host country’s tradition by eating long noodles on New Year’s Day (long noodles = long life), but it turns out we were a day late—traditionally Udon is eaten on New Year’s Eve. Oh well, maybe next year.