Kansai to Kyoto, Takayama, Hakone and back to Kansai

[AustralianDave55]

Hello All, My wife and I arrive at Kansai in late August for 10 days, this being our first trip to Japan.
This is what we have arranged so far.
First 3 nights in Kyoto - we have booked at Hearton Hotel.
Next 3 nights in Takayama - We have booked at Hotel Associa.
Next 2 nights - Nothing arranged.
Last 2 nights - Back to Kyoto - Booked back at Hearton Hotel.
We would welcome some suggestions about where to go for those 2 free days.
Some friends said to travel from Takayama to Hakone and stay in a Ryokan. Distant views of Mount Fuji apparently. Here are our questions.
Question 1 - It seems a long journey from Takayama to Hakone so we wondered if there are some other more convenient locations that would give us a different and traditional Japanese experience?
Question 2 - Also if we purchase a 7 day JR rail pass and activate it on day 4 would that cover all major travel requirements?
Question 3 - It seems some of the rail journeys require a number of train changes. How difficult is it to find the correct train/ platform as I have been told there is very little English signage?
Question 4 - As we are spending a total of 5 nights in Kyoto are there any recommended tours or a we OK to just do our own thing?
Thank you for reading this post.
Regards,
David

[MMM]

Three nights in Takayama seems like at least one day too many.

Personally I would recommend a night in Kobe and a night in Nara.

I am not sure exactly what you are interested in, but five days in Kyoto seems like a lot for a first trip to Japan.