Advice needed: Best way to fit Nikko into itinerary (early Nov) & organizing the Japanese Alps?

Hi everyone! My husband and I are finalizing our honeymoon itinerary for early November, and I could really use some advice on a couple of routing logistics.

1. Integrating Nikko:
   What is the best way to fit Nikko into our schedule?
   Is it better to do a day trip from Tokyo, or should we make it a 2-day overnight trip from Tokyo?
   Alternatively, is it at all feasible to travel directly from Matsumoto to Nikko (either by train or rental car)?
   Also, since we are traveling in early November, should we be worried about heavy traffic jams on the roads in or around Nikko?
2. Routing the Japanese Alps:
   I'm trying to figure out the most efficient way to travel through the Alps. Right now, my thought process is:
   Kanazawa: 2 days
   Takayama: 1 night (we are planning to visit Shirakawa-go on the way there)
   Matsumoto: 2 nights (we want to visit the Kiso Valley and Kamikochi while we are here).
   Does this flow make sense? Is there a more efficient way to organize this part of the trip?
   Any advice or insights would be hugely appreciated. Thank you!