To Ghibli freaks (like me), perhaps Yakushima has been starred on your map for a long time. It's attracted a nice amount of tourism since its official naming as the inspired setting of Miyazaki's animated classic Princess Mononoke. The ancient cedar forests of the island cannot disappoint. If it's nature you're after, this is THE place to be. The most popular forested hiking area (now known as Mononoke Hime no Mori, or Princess Mononoke Forest) is about a four to five hour hiking experience that leads you through an enchanted cedar forest to a rock cliff that overlooks a deep area of the mountains. There are many hiking routes on the island, but I recommend this one if you want to keep your hiking down to a single day. Other paths can get so lengthy that they require camping in order to finish (still recommended if you have the time, though).

Lodging is often expensive if not booked well in advance as there are very few hotels on the island. Also consider camping options or staying at a hostel. I personally recommend Tomarigi guesthouse.

How convenient! You're already in Kagoshima prefecture (if you're visiting Yakushima). Why not visit that enormous, ever-erupting volcano you probably noticed on the way. Sakurajima is a volcano that looms over Kagoshima City, the capital city of Kagoshima Prefecture, both with its size and its ash production. Ash-fall in Kagoshima is such a regular occurrence that it's as much a part of the local weather forecast as rain. Sakurajima is a volcano that is in a consistent state of eruption. Although these daily eruptions are very small, a big one days rarely come along. Sakurajima was once an island, but an eruption more than a century old connected the island to the mainland via magma. There are incredibly beautiful magma gardens that you should be sure not to miss. These magma gardens are also filled with cats (which is a must love if you visit Japan).

From the city, it's a beautiful natural monument. From the "island" itself, it dominates the skyline. Sakurajima is truly marvelous! It's only a short ferry ride from the city, so there's no reason you can't plan your accommodations in Kagoshima City. 

Shodoshima is an island in the Seto Inland Sea between Okayama and Kagawa Prefectures, although the island is claimed by Kagawa. It's a relatively large island famous in Japan for its olive farms. If you come during the warmer seasons, you can take advantage of some of Shodoshima's stunning beaches, as well as it's famous Angel Road, which is a romantic sandbar that connects the mainland to a single tiny, mountainous island. Couples like to take advantage of this by walking across the sandbar hand in hand during sunset. Make you sure check the tide schedule if you're coming solely to capture some Instagram moments, however. They do often change. Also, make sure you try spicy Shodoshima ramen while you're here. Grab yourself a bicycle from one of the numerous rental shops and explore, explore, explore!

As for accommodation, we stayed at Hotel Green Plaza and really enjoyed our time in the hotel's outdoor hot spring under the stars. The views from this place were amazing, as well. Make sure you request a free shuttle bus to the hotel as it can be quite far from the port on foot.

Matsue City and Izumo City belong to Shimane Prefecture, and both cities can be conquered under one booking. These areas border the east and west sides of Lake Shinji, which is one of the largest lakes of Japan and famous in the area for its marvelous sunsets. Matsue's most notable attraction, however, is Matsue Castle, sometimes known as The Black Castle. Matsue Castle is one of the twelve original castles of Japan making this castle particularly unique at over 400 years old. The views from the top floor are also rather impressive. 

Izumo is well-known in Japan for its Shinto importance. Izumo Shrine is arguably the most significant shrine of Japan. It's also the oldest shrine in the country. The ancient myth is that the shrine houses the god that formed the Japanese land. Its beauty truly trumps all other shrines. If you can only see one, make sure it's this one!

There are many accommodation options in either city. A recommended area to stay in would be south of the lake in the Tamatsukuri Onsen village. Lots of lovely hot springs there!

Not too far outside of Matsue, Daisen is a mountain in Tottori prefecture often talked about for its skiing in the winter. All year, however, Daisen is an incredible escape into local Shinto history and nature. The mountain town itself is exceptionally cozy - full of small, locally owned breakfast shops and dairy farms. Daisen is famous around the country for its milk. Even if you wouldn't usually consider such a place, Daisen Ranch Milk Village is a family friendly experience full of perfect picnic spots and frisbee-chasing toddlers enjoying the sunshine. There are few places on the planet that could match its charm. The ranch also sits serenely under Daisen's gaze.

Make sure you grab a map from the visitor's center and rent a free walking stick. Hiking is why you're here! Accommodation in the area is plentiful, but don't expect any sky-rise hotels or very much English assistance. Just do your best and go with the flow.

Another Kyushu destination? That's right! Other than Shikoku, Kyushu ranks among the least visited mainland islands by foreigners. Mount Aso, in my opinion, should go unmissed if you're visiting Japan. Aso is Japan's largest volcano by area. Its five peaks change with the seasons, but in summer, the mountains are an incredible lush green. It'll be difficult to resist the itch to get out and roll around. Nakadake is the only still active mountain of Aso, and you can visit the bubbling blue lake of the crater all year round. Please note that it does occasionally close when there is too much gas emission from the crater. It should also be mentioned that Aso City, a small farm town to Aso's direct west, is as lovely as the mountain's summer plain. The city is completely surrounded by mountains and full of hot spring getaways. Commuting from Kumamoto City is doable, but staying at an onsen resort in the city is highly recommended. The need for any serious hiking is minimal to see it all, so take advantage of the area for its peaceful lifestyle. Make sure you grab some Aso milk on your way out, as well. As someone with a distaste for milk, I totally loved it!