The Kumamoto prefecture is famous for its series of peaks that surround the Aso Caldera in the centre of Kyushu. It’s one of the largest calderas in the world and the best way to see the magnificent views of the terrain created by a volcanic eruption, is from above. Paraglide over the peaks surrounding the area with an instructor and enjoy a panoramic view of the vast grasslands, rice paddies and the central crater hill that rises in the centre of the caldera. 

The central crater hill of the Aso caldera is known as the Aso Gogaku (Five Aso Mountains). Hike past active volcano rims of Nakadake as smoke billows by, as well as Takadake, Eboshidake and Kishimadake. Depending on the route, you can see desolate volcanic mountain-sides, emerald green crater lakes and vast grasslands.

The 22,000-hectare grassland of Aso has been tended to by locals for at least 1000 years. With a professional guide, you’ll “feel the volcano” on a 90-minute Bokuya Ride E-bike tour that whirs through the World Agricultural Heritage site’s lush green prairies and around the Nakadake crater.

Discover more of the Kumamoto prefecture visit, kumamoto.guide/en/

The island of Yakushima, a 40 minute flight from the Kagoshima prefecture, is home to Macaque monkeys and deer endemic to the area. Silently watch as the monkeys hitch rides on the deer’s backs (a common sight) as you hike through the Seibu Forest Path found in a World Natural Heritage Area. The journey passes through one of the largest evergreen forests in Japan, set along the western coastline of Yakushima. 

Beginning in the lower reaches of the Yakushima’s Kurio River where abundant rainfall sees the crystal clear water flow through steep rock faces and freshwater and seawater meld. Kayak about two kilometres towards Mount Kuromi-dake, admiring the entanglement of mangroves and meander through the quaint Kurio village. Step back on land for lunch along the riverside before embarking on sawanobori, or climbing the stream, which involves diving into the water then hoisting yourself up the small ravines in the Kurio River wearing specially padded wetsuits and helmets.

Hiking the 1831-metre-high Kuromidake Mountain, located on Yakushima’s central ridge, is no small feat and the journey comes in at about nine hours by the time you descend. The 10.2-kilometre climb takes in dense forest, high moorland and clear mountain streams, showcasing some of the most spectacular scenery in Kyushu. The crowning glory is the view from the summit. The enormous granite monolith offers a 360-degree panorama of Yakushima’s forest, sea and mountains.

Discover more of the Yakushima, World Natural Heritage in Japan. Visit, world-natural-heritage.jp/en/yakushima

Formed from the lava of Mount Aso and eroded by the Gokase-gawa River, Takachiho Gorge, in the Miyazaki prefecture of Kyushu’s eastern edge, is a narrow chasm that cuts through towering basalt columns. On a Takachiho Packrafting tour, you’ll hike parallel to the river before paddling an inflatable rubber raft through the gorge to hidden waterfalls not accessible to regular sightseeing tours. The experience begins at Hattai-Ryugu-Shrine, which is dedicated to the water-god Ryujin. 

Grab a pack and some water before heading out on the half-day Zig Zag Village Walk. The near eight-kilometre guided hike passes through Miyazaki’s picturesque terraced rice fields, dense forests, ancient shrines and the charming villages of Takachiho where artisans practise traditional crafts, such as making elegant bamboo longbows and masks worn by kagura dancers. A homemade lunch box is included, as well as fragrant local tea and sweets. 

Learn how traditional farming supports the land, culture and biodiversity of Takachihogo-Shiibayama on an immersive eight kilometre e-bike tour. A vast area of terraced rice paddies on the mountains of Takachiho is recognised by the United Nations as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System and is supported by a network of 500 kilometres of canals that have been maintained by locals for hundreds of years. 

Discover more of the Miyazaki prefecture visit, visitmiyazaki.com