Between Tokyo and Kyoto

Hi.

I am going with my dad back to Japan next month for our third visit. We have done Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima before but want to see other places!

I was thinking hiring a car and going to Gifu (Takayama, Shirakawa) and Nagano or Kanazawa.

I would LOVE to know any ideas or suggestions. We are only going for 10 days.

Also, should I skip the car idea and just train?!

Any advice appreciated.
Thanks and have a wonderful day

To car or to train depends on your itinerary. So start with that. The places you know lost so NOT call for a car.

If car however is an option I would explore a bit more off the trotted path places.

Just some ideas:
Izu peninsula
Oigawa river (use the steam train)
Tea fields in Kakegawa area
Inuyama
Hikone
Biwa lake
Miho museum
Kyoto

Or down to ise

If you drop off car in different prefecture additional charges apply

Or you could Explor north of Tokyo
Nikko
Aizuwakamatsu
Yamadera
Boso flower line

And return car in Tokyo

The list of places you say is also okay. Just more standard.

Experience onsen ryokan, if you haven't already.
Hakone is a good place for that, because:
(1) there are lots of other things you can see and do besides bathing,
(2) it's close to Tokyo and access is easy.

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5200.html