Japan’s 3rd largest island, Kyūshū is a fun place to visit for its wonderland of smoking volcanoes such as Sakura-jima, Kirishima, and Mt Aso, one of the world’s largest calderas. The mini-Mt Fuji look-alike of Kaimon-dake makes a great day hike at the extreme south of the island.

Volcanic activity means onsen hot springs such as at atmospheric Kurokawa Onsen and Yufuin - and at the over-developed Beppu. Try ‘sand bathing’ in naturally heated sand on the beach at Ibusuki.

Kyūshū’s big cities are exciting places to visit. Fukuoka, the largest, features yatai, open-air foodstalls, and Hakata ramen; Nagasaki has the Peace Park; the castle and its grounds in Kumamoto are gorgeous; and Kagoshima keeps you on your toes with smoking Sakura-jima just across the bay.