Hi all!
Hoping to travel around Kyushu in Japan in November.
We’ve been to Japan before (Tokyo, Hakone, Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto) but want to try a new area this year. … See more

Try beppu, got lots of onzen, and some cool bars and restaurants

James yep

Get the JR rail pass, the shinkasun is pretty amazing

We rented a car and did a loop from Fukuoka -> Kumamoto -> Beppu.
Mt Aso area is nice. Stayed at this onsen resort: http://www.takenokura.co.jp/

When in Fukuoka, stop by BARR Nowhere in Daimyo. Check it out on trip advisor. High reviews all true. Say Hi to Yusuke for me.

I'm also planning an extensive trip to Japan for October and November and will be spending a whole week in Kyushu. I feel like I need to share some of what I've learned or my head might explode. Based on my research I would suggest renting a car for Kyushu. Remember you need to get a international driver's license and I think you can get that from CAA. I am unfortunately traveling by rail and bus and I'm limited to where I can go. The Kyushu JR might be different but I know that the I am restricted from some of the rail lines with the national JR Pass. Also, there's a section of rail line that's been knocked out by the last earthquake and won't be repaired until 2021. Bus schedule is limited and some only run a couple of times a day and others run at most once an hour and then matching up different routes can be a pain. If you're only sticking to the larger cities then it won't be an issue. Overall just more freedom for the more remote places.

As for getting to Kyushu, I found that Fukuoka is the best hub. I suggest flying there via Tokyo or Korea. I found a flight yesterday round trip from Seoul for $99 CAD but I'm sure you have to pay for checked and carry on for that price which ends up being and extra $20-$40 each way. Flights from Tokyo were about the same last I checked with the same baggage restrictions. Compared to a $270 shinkansen ticket from Tokyo over 5 hours. So just layover from wherever you get the cheapest flight too. I feel that IMO that 14 days on just Kyushu might be a long time. If you do stay that long then I would suggest circling the island in about 10 days or so and then get a charter flight to Okinawa from Fukuoka for also about $100 round trip. On my list but ran out of time and will have to make it there next time.

And lastly some recommendations of stuff to do....Look up the Sumo grand tournament. It's happening in Fukuoka in mid November and tickets are about $50 for the cheap seats and you get a seat for the whole day and can come and go as you please. Kurokawa Onsen town and stay in one of the ryokans. I've got one reservation and in that town you can get a pass to got to up to 3 onsens for 1300 yen or pay 500 yen each. Obviously Kyushu is full of onsen towns with Beppu being the more unique and Yufuin being the more modern. Also, look into Takachiho Gorge and Yakushima island. Foodwise...Kyushu is where Tonkatsu style ramen originated and Karaage aparently. The whole island is a food destination because of the more southerly warm climate. Also know for sweet potato sochu, horse, various types of mackerel off of the east coast and I hear a type of fugu too. Still working on finalizing my trip so still have more to learn myself. Have a great trip.

Jimmy I would recommend anyone to look into guishan, they can be got at nearly every shrine. This is an example of one. Well worth it, it costs $3 for each one and each shrine has a different one.
Think of Pokémon for adults

Domestic flights in japan are capped at about $100! Fly there. I’m also doing zamami, ishigaki islands

Agree with the flying there but disagree with domestic flights being capped especially with the Rugby Tournament and the Sumo Tournament happening. Prices can be much higher but booking this far in advance, you should be able to get prices pretty close to that

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2364.html foreigners get a discounted domestic flight fare

Lindsay Holland this thread may interest you