Driving around Yufuin & Aso

Hi all. I am planning to visit Yufuin & Aso with a group of friend (all ladies). We intend to stay at Ryokan in Yufuin and then drive towards Aso, specifically Kuju National Park, Kuju Flower Park and probably Mt Aso.

We would like to ask opinion on few things.

1) Is it safe for us ladies-only group to drive from Yufuin towards Aso?
2) Is the view alongside the expressway worth it? Or should we use alternative road to have more beautiful view?
3) If we use the expressway, how much is the toll and petrol cost?
4) How about the travel time if we use expressway and other alternative road?

I really appreciate any feedback as this is our first time driving around Kyushu, and we really want to enjoy the trip.

Thank you!

1. Yes safe.

All other questions can be answered using google maps.

This might be of help: https://www.welcomekyushu.com/kyushu-road-trip/

@ Hakata14,

Noted with thanks.

@ Alishan,

This is very helpful. Thank you!

You could if you want, take the expressway west to Kokonoe - it is not that far, and then take Rte 40 south. If you like, there is the Yume Otsurihashi (Bridge), the biggest in the world for pedestrians.
http://www.yumeooturihashi.com/eng/
And if going by car, you could also go up to the Daikanbo Lookout if the weather is good - the view is spectacular.
https://is.gd/3Rh8Gs
Also nearby is the Nabegataki Waterfall, which is very beautiful and still mostly unknown.
https://youtu.be/fqNCq1kMdac

As long as you are OK with heights, it should be fine but bear in mind that there are logging operations in the area, a logging truck came out of the mist when our bus was approaching a hairpin bend and the passengers all nearly crapped themselves, I think the driver too. If your driver isnt OK with heights I wouldnt recommend it, as there are plenty of sheer drops. I might be confusing the area after Yufuin - Kurokawa for the area before it, though.