Day Trip suggestions around Kyushu?

Hello hello!

I’m heading to Japanese Late May – Early June, and have almost nailed down a two-week itinerary.

Towards the end of the trip we have 3 nights in Fukuoka/ Hakata. My sense is that I can get a good sense of the area over three evenings/ nights (plus most the day when we arrive). So I’d like to use it as a base for a couple of day trips around Kyushu.

Any suggestions?

Couple of things I’m considering:

Rainy season!
It’ll be early June when we’re there and whilst I’m interested in places of natural beauty like Aso, Beppu and Nokonoshima Island Park – I’m worried it’s not the “right” time of year?

Sightseeing trains!
We’ll have a Kyushu railpass and I’d like to incorporate some [sightseeing trains](https://www.jrkyushu.co.jp/english/train/index.html)

Pottery towns!
I’ve heard there’s lots of regional pottery and ceramics styles to explore – is there anywhere tourists can visit studios and see traditional crafts?

Kumamon?
I have Kumamoto on my list of potentials, but I don’t know heaps about the area beyond Kumamon and shochu. Is it worth visiting if I’m already seeing a lot of Japanese cities?