Should I base myself in Kumamoto for 6 nights

I just arrived in Kumamoto for 3 nights and have a booking for 3 nights at a hostel in Beppu after this. I just finished getting out of the onsen at the hotel in Kumamoto and it made me realize I don't want to do an onsen in Beppu and have to sleep in a hostel after that, lol. 

'm wondering if it makes sense to just extend my time in Kumamoto for a total of 6 nights instead? I have a $40 budget per night for accommodations (though I might be willing to splurge $100 for my last night).

I'd like to check out some art museums. I would also like to see Amakusa and go to Misumi and ride the A-train but that seems like a whole day affair. I'm JR pass only - without a car. I have already been to Fukuoka and Kagoshima.

Any suggestions on where/how to spend the next 6 days? 

Thanks very much for your help.

Hello!

Personally, I feel that 6 nights in Kumamoto is a little too much, and considering the rail connections surrounding Kumamoto, I'd prefer to reduce that number back to 3/4 nights, and instead staying at another hostel in either Nagasaki or Saga prefectures for the remaining 2/3 nights.

This is after taking into account your past visits to Fukuoka and Kagoshima prefectures, as well as your preference in using JR passes – Nagasaki and Saga prefectures are rather well-connected in terms of JR coverage, with the Nagasaki Shinkansen and other limited express trains available.

These two prefectures also offer a lot in terms of nature, culture, history, and activities – places like Nagasaki, Takeo Onsen, Ureshino Onsen, Yutoku Inari Shrine, and Yoshinogari are worth a visit.

Hope that helps :))

There is literally no accommodation available in Nagasaki this weekend because of the festival. I will stay a 4th night in Kumamoto so that I have enough time to get to Amakusa but that still leaves me with 2 nights somewhere else (before going to Kurashiki for 3 nights).

Any suggestions with this new info?

This weekend is still belongs to long public holidays in mainland China. South Korea and Taiwan has also public holiday.

I'd still go to Beppu. Just use it as a home location. Visit the surrounding areas like Yufuin for example.

Given the new information, I'd suggest for you to go along with H's suggestion of seeking an accommodation in Oita prefecture – you might want to consider staying in a lower cost ryokan if you wish to experience the local onsens on a budget :)

I suggest you consider seeing Nagasaki, as well as the often ignored little gem, Saga.
Nagasaki has loads of great places to see, and the food is excellent.
https://goo.gl/hZVjBi

Saga has a number of great places as well - one of the finest shrines in Japan - Yutoku Inari is there and is wonderful to visit. There is also Yoshinogari Historical Park, Arita Porcelain Park, Mifuneyama Rakuen, and Yoko Museum/Garden. Takeo Onsen is there too, and mostly known only to the locals.
https://goo.gl/dnqT25

But $40 a night (and I don't know which country's dollars you're talking about) as well as a hot spring is a rather tall order. Maybe stay at a cheap place and go to a hot spring as a day use is within budget.

Hi Ken. I'm talking $40 USD.

Currently there is zero accommodation in Nagasaki below $100 this weekend.

Not really surprising. Weekends can cost double weekday rates even in normal times. I suggest you get creative - see if you can find something nearby, such as in Isahaya City or Nagayo.