How to get to Beppu from Kyoto or Shikoku?

Hello,

We'll be in Kyoto and want to go to Beppu. How can we get there? What train/shinkansen to take? How long will it take?

Another option is to go to Shikoku. Is it possible to go directly from Shikoku to Beppu? Or do we need to go back up to Okayama and take the train to Fukuoka, then Beppu?

Thank you!

Derek

1)
http://www.hyperdia.com/en/

2)
Depends on dep place.
If close Matsuyama[松山] take Uwajima ferry[宇和島フェリー]
from Yawatahama port[八幡浜(港)]　to Beppu port[別府(港)].
http://www.uwajimaunyu.co.jp/timetable/
3100Y(2nd class/2等:ni-tou) is cheapest.

You can take a ferry from Hiroshima or train directly.

For Hiroshima, just take the shinkansen from Okayama (Shikoku) or Kyoto.

For train, just take the shinkansen towards Hakata. Then take the super sonic to Beppu. You can transit at Hakata station.