Matsumoto to Kanazawa?

Does anyone know what is the best way to get from Matsumoto to Kanazawa in early October? Is it a very long trip (we are travelling with 3 kids)? We will have a JR railpass but its not obvious to me which route is best.

Thanks,
Steve

You can either go by bus via Takayama along a very scenic mountain route (6400 Yen):
11:10 Matsumoto
13:30 Takayama
15:20 Takayama
18:20 Kanazawa

Or take trains via Itoigawa: about 6 hours, 6800 Yen:
http://www.jorudan.co.jp/english/norikae/

Thanks, Uji. Also I would like to hear your opiion on if you think this is a good plan for a week between Tokyo and Kyoto:

Sun: Tokyo to Matsumoto
Mon: Matsumoto
Tue: Day trip to Kiso Valley
Wed: Matsumoto to Kanazawa
Thu: Kanazawa
Fri: Kanazawa
Sat: Travel to Kyoto

we prefer to minimize travel, hotel changes etc. so usually like to stay in one place at least 2-3 days.

Thanks again,

Steve

If you are going to the Kiso Valley, you might be better off staying overnight at an inn there. the TrainRouteFinder ( http://www.jorudan.co.jp/english/norikae/e-norikeyin.html ) says you can get from Nakatsugawa to Kanazawa in just over 3 hours, via Nagoya. If you don't want to take buses through the mountains, this might be the most efficient thing to do.

I second Albert's advice.