Shirakawago-Ainokura round trip need advice

Hello! I am planning a trip to Shirakawago and Ainokura from Takayama next 2 weeks. There's a Nohi bus tour that covers Ainokura and then Shirakawago, but I'm hoping to spend more time in both places so will be buying separate bus tickets (as I won't be staying at any of the Gassho styled houses).

This is my plan:
- take the 8.50am Nohi bus from Takayama and arrive Shirakawago at 9.40am
- take the 11.45am Kaetsuno bus from Shirakawago to Ainokura
- return to Shirakawago via the Kaetsuno 2.38pm bus . Arrive Shirakawago at 3.30pm
- Take 4.15pm Nohi bus from Shirakawago back to Takayama

Is this honestly overkill? Plus, where can I purchase the Kaetsuno bus tickets to and from Ainokura? Can I just pay the driver when the bus arrives?

Thanks!

Check Nohi Bus website. Nohi Bus is situated in Takayama. They have designed bus tour for Shirakawago-Ainokura that suits your need, at an earlier finish time.

https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/hida/bustrip/%e3%80%90world-herotage%e3%80%...