Kaetsuno Bus Operational Hours

I plan to go back from Shirakawago to Takaoka using local bus. Do kaetsuno bus operate on 31th Dec 2016?

If you mean the World Heritage bus, yes, it does. In fact, if you are looking at the timetable on this website you may be interested to know that there are three additional departures from Shirakawago, at 10:20, 12:50, and 15:30.

http://www.kaetsunou.co.jp/company/sekaiisan/

Thank you for your prompt reply.
Can we buy the ticket on the spot at Shirakawago bus station for one way to Takaoka?
Thanks :)

If you do just one trip, you pay when exiting as described here: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2015.html

Unfortunately, those additional three in red are not likely to go to Takaoka; they stop at Johana.

For reference, the Japanese bus stop names show:
”’μ‹½i‰¬’¬jShirakawago(Ogimachi)
ι’[(Joohana)
V‚‰ͺ‰w(Shin-Takaoka station)
‚‰ͺ‰w(Takaoka station)

Right, though you can take a train from Johana to Takaoka as well (departures at 11:44, 14:24, and 16:59), especially if you have a JR Pass.