JP-44 · JP-46 · Yufuin + Kagoshima
Seven days threading Oita's onsen, Aso's caldera rim, and Kagoshima's volcanic sake breweries. Real ferries, real bus schedules.
Skip Tatsumaki (geyser, overrated). Umi-Jigoku and Chinoike for color, Kamado for the cave bath.
JMA volcanic gas readings determine access. Check kazan.kishou.go.jp before driving the parkway.
Sweet potato shōchū tastes nothing like awamori. Mao for the soft entry, Sakurao for the deep cut.
Ippudo daimyō, not the airport branch. Then Shin-Shin for the soft-pork side. ¥1,200 a bowl.
Toppy hydrofoil 1h 50m. Stay 1 night near Anbo. Don't try Jōmon-sugi as a day trip from the boat.