Day 1 - Fukuoka

Explore Fukuoka city and check out the city's famous food stalls (yatai) in the evening.

Day 2 - Fukuoka to Nagasaki

Travel to Nagasaki and explore the city. Stay overnight there.

Day 3 - Nagasaki to Kagoshima

Leave Nagasaki early and head to Kagoshima in southern Kyushu. Check out Sakurajima, an active volcano and the symbol of Kagoshima.

Day 4 - Kagoshima to Yakushima

Board the high speed ferry from Kagoshima to Yakushima. A rental car makes it easier to explore the island. Spend two nights on Yakushima.

Day 5 and 6 - Yakushima

Spend an entire day exploring Yakushima before taking the ferry back to Kagoshima on day 6. Overnight in Kagoshima.

Day 7 - Kagoshima to Kirishima

Explore the Kirishima Mountains and overnight in Kirishima Onsen.

Day 8 - Kirishima to Kumamoto

Go to Kumamoto, explore the city and visit Kumamoto Castle.

Day 9 - Kumamoto to Takachiho

Explore the town of Takachiho and attend a Yokagura performance at Takachiho Shrine in the evening. Overnight in Takachiho.

Day 10 - Takachiho to Kurokawa via Aso

Visit Mount Aso along your way from Takachiho to Kurokawa Onsen. Stay at a ryokan in Kurokawa.

Day 11 - Yufuin via Mount Kuju

Move on to Yufuin via the Kuju Mountains and overnight in Yufuin.

Day 12 and 13 - Beppu

Head to Beppu and visit the town's hot springs. Stay in Beppu and return to Fukuoka via Kitakyushu the next day.

The above itinerary is somewhat fast-paced. Tourists preferring a slow pace of travel should consider spending more time at some of the destinations along the way.