Kyushu: Nita pass in November. Recommended?

Hi, this november we will need to get from Nagasaki to Kurokawa Onsen by car.

There are 2 possible routes by car:

• Via Nita pass & ferry to Kumamoto (total approx. 4 hours)
• Direct way over land (approx. 2-3 hours)

Has anybody been on Nita Pass and the area in November? Is it worth the longer drive, what would you say? How is the road up to the pass?

The alternate route would be to drive directly to Kurokawa Onsen and have more time there..

Thank yoiu