Travel Ainokura to Kanazawa

Hi,

My name is Christian and I"ll be traveling to Japan in October. This forum has helped me a lot, planning for my first trip to Japan. At the moment I'm working on some details, mostly transportation.
I'm travelling from Nagano-Matsumoto to Takayama by bus. From Takayama to Ainokura (via Shirakawago) by Nohi and Kaetsuno bus. Last bus is World Heritage bus. So far, So good.
After 1 night in Ainokura I'm heading for Kanazawa. Here things get complicated, or at least I have a few too many options.
1. Ainokura to Shin-Takoaka by world heritage bus and shinkansen to Kanazawa
2. Same bus only exit at Takoaka and take a regular JR train
3. Head back to Sirakawago and take a direct bus to Kanazawa
4. Also heading back in the direction of Shirakawago but exit in Miza and take a direct bus to Kanazawa (as suggested by Google maps, seems a shorter trip than nr 3).

My limitations: No special need to take Shinkansen, travelling solo so carrying all of my luggage alone therefore not very keen on 3-4 transfers, no rush.

Can you comment on the above options or even add some new ones?
Thank you very much

Christian

Taking the route #1,
you can get to Kanazawa around 9:35,
which seems to be the earliest connection.

Ainokuraguchi bus stop
(07:45)
| Kaetsuno Bus: World Heritage Bus
(08:55)
Shin-Takaoka Station bus stop;
Shin-Takaoka Station
(09:21)
| JR Hokuriku Shinkansen: Hakutaka 551
(09:35)
Kanazawa Station.

The expressway bus line
Takayama -- Shirakawa-go -- Kanazawa
is operated jointly by Nohi Bus and Hokutetsu.
(You may see a logo mark of Hokutetsu on the body of your bus.)
For some buses on this line, your ride should be booked.

Bus timetables
https://www.japan-guide.com/bus/gokayama.html
https://www.japan-guide.com/bus/shirakawago.html

Where will you go after Kanazawa?

Thank you very much Omotenashi

Looking at these timetables:
#1 departs from Ainokura at 07.45 or 12.30 (that's a big gap)
#3 gives me a few more options in departures (or, just more buses compared to #1) i.e. 10.25 or 10.55. Leaving Ainokura at 08.33 or 09.28.

From Kanazawa (1D1N) I'll be heading to Kyoto

Christian