Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Kyoto to Nagoya (35-45 minutes, several trains per hour) and transfer to the JR Hida limited express train to Takayama (140 minutes, one train per hour). The entire one way journey takes about three hours, costs around 10,500 yen and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass if using a Hikari or Kodama train between Kyoto and Nagoya (Nozomi trains require a supplement fee).
This alternative route leads via Kanazawa and Shirakawago:
1) How to get from Kyoto to Kanazawa
2) How to get from Kanazawa to Takayama
There are multiple direct highway bus round trips per day between Kyoto (Kyoto Station Hachijo side) and Takayama operated by Kintetsu and Nohi Bus. The one way trip takes 4.5 hours and costs 6500 yen. Online reservations can be made at Willer.
Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.
JR Takayama Station and the adjacent Takayama Hida Bus Center are located about a ten minute walk from Takayama's old town on the opposite side of Miyagawa River.
Most of Takayama's attractions are within easy walking distance in the city center, except for the Hida no Sato open air museum and the Matsuri no Mori festival museum, which can be accessed in longer walks or 10-15 minute bus rides from Takayama Station.
The Sarubobo Bus is a bus for tourists that runs every 30 minutes between the station and Hida no Sato, with every second service continuing to the Matsuri no Mori. Furthermore, the Machinami Bus and the two Takumi Bus lines run from Takayama Station around the town center. The fare is 100 yen per ride on any of these buses or 500 yen for a 1-day pass, which provides unlimited rides on all four lines on one calendar day.
Guided tours on rickshaws (jinrikisha) are available in the old town. A 30 minute tour for two persons costs 7000 yen. Shorter and longer courses for up to three persons are also available.
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