[samurai007]

I'm not sure if the mountain route is open during winter, but I took a bus from Takayama to Kamikochi, hiked in a valley in the Japan Alps, and then took another bus the rest of the way to Matsumoto. The next day I saw Mastumoto Castle (one of the best in Japan!), and then took a train straight down toward Tokyo (and I'm sure there's a way to change trains to get to Hakone along the way). That route saves all the backtracking to Nagoya, and gives you several great experiences along the way! But the Japan Alps bus route may be closed due to snow, I'm not sure. Check it out though.