Osaka to Takayama and Kurobe Gorge

This is my first trip to Central Japan. I plan to go to Kurobe Gorge and Shiragawa-go from Osaka on 18 Nov. Could anyone advise me on the most appropriate way to cover these 2 places in 3 days 2 night? Is it better to go to Kurobe Gorge first then Shiragawa-go or the reverse. I am returning to Tokyo on 20 Nov. Thank you in anticipation of your advice.

In your title you also mention Takayama, so I assume that you would also like to visit that city. I would travel as follows:

Day 1:
Osaka - (train and bus via Kanazawa) - Shirakawago

Day 2:
Shirakawago - (bus) - Takayama - (train) - Toyama

Day 3:
Toyama - (train) - Kurobe Gorge - (train via Echigo Yuzawa) - Tokyo

Instead of staying overnight in Shirakawago on day 1, you could also do so in Takayama. And instead of staying overnigth in Toyama on day 2, you could also do so in Unazuki Onsen.

Much thanks for your suggestion.

I found the train timetable from Osaka to Kanazawa and would like to know, is the Ltd Exp Thunderbird operated by JR? I intend to get a 7 day JR pass.

Thank you.
 

Yes, it is a JR train.