Easiest route to Takayama in mid-December

Hi

I will be driving to Takayama in a rental car in mid-December (7 to 12 Dec). I have 3 options to pick-up & drop-off the rental car - Matsumoto, Toyama or Kanazawa.

1) Which route is recommended in mid-Dec? Matsumoto-Takayama or Toyama-Takayama or Kanazawa-Takayama?

2) Will snow fall be likely during mid-Dec in Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Shin-Hotaka?

3) If snow fall is likely, will snow tyres alone be enough?

Thank you.

I do not recommend driving after autumn leaves. There is always a chance of snowfall. Some could be too much with snow tires. You should need chains at that time.

Rely on professionals. You do not have to worry until the last minutes.
http://www.meitetsu.co.jp/eng/ticket-info/shoryudo4.html

There is a highway from Takayama and Kanazawa through Shirakawago. Others should be riskier; such as Toyama and Matsumoto. There are steep slopes to Shin-Hotaka.

Driving would be good in warmer months; from fresh green to autumn leaves.