The third largest island in Japan, at the far southeastern tip of the archipelago, Kyushu ranges from tropical in its southern region to a temperate climate in the northern reaches. Two chains of volcanoes cross over this mountainous island, meeting in the centre at Mt Aso (1 592m), one of the largest and most active volcanoes in Japan. The sea, fringed with jagged shores, is never far away either, creating a striking contrast with the mountains. These meandering bays have made it possible to found excellent ports nestled deep in harbours, such as at Kagoshima and Nagasaki.