Russ, thanks! I read and am re-reading both your trip reports. Love the details. Your trip reports played a huge role in a lot of our decision-making for this itinerary.

"we're actually planning to go to Shirakawago before heading to Kanazawa so in a way, we'll have 2 full days in Takayama" -- Like russ_in_LA, I personally would put more time to Kanazawa than Takayama, but again, it really depends on what YOU want to see and experience. And if you spend some time at Hida-no-Sato in Takayama, you can perhaps skip Shirakawago or keep your time there to a minimum. Just an option....

>>so in a way, we'll have 2 full days in Takayama

But not really. Travel time will be 3+ hours to Takayama. You also have to check out/in of the hotels and get to/from the stations.

I suggest adding a night to Kanazawa.

You can enjoy Kyoto in the morning and then depart for Takayama as late as early afternoon. The segment between Nagoya and Takayama is fairly scenic, so you want to do that during daylight.

Next day is for Takayama. Day after that is for Shirakawago enroute to Kanazawa where you spend the night. With two more nights in Kanazawa you would have two full days there.