Feedback on 2-week Japan itinerary (late Nov, with kids 3 & 5)

Hi all—would really appreciate feedback on our Japan itinerary.

We’re traveling in late November (family of 4: 2 adults + kids ages 3 and 5). We’re experienced travelers, but this is our first time in Japan.

Our goals:

• Avoid the worst crowds (we know it’s peak fall foliage season)
• Keep things fun and manageable for young kids with lots of energy
• Mix major sights with a few more unique/local experiences

Current itinerary

Nov 23 – Tokyo
• Arrival + stroll at Ueno Park

Nov 24 – Tokyo
• Asakusa + Skytree

Nov 25 – Tokyo
• DisneySea

Nov 26 – Tokyo
• teamLab Planets + Pokémon Center (Nihombashi)

Nov 27 – Hakone
• Travel to Hakone + ryokan stay

Nov 28 – Hakone → Kyoto
• Open Air Museum, Ropeway, Pirate Ship
• Evening train to Kyoto

Nov 29 – Kyoto
• Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove, Monkey Park, Sagano Romantic Train)

Nov 30 – Day trip to Nagoya
• Legoland (kids are obsessed with LEGO)

Dec 1 – Kyoto
• Fushimi Inari + Higashiyama + Kinkaku-ji

Dec 2 – Nara → Osaka
• Day in Nara, overnight in Osaka

Dec 3 – Osaka
• Universal Studios Japan (we’ve been to US Hollywood)

Dec 4 – Osaka → Tokyo
• Osaka Castle + return to Tokyo

Dec 5 – Fly home

Questions

1. Crowds / route question

I’m reading that the Golden Route gets extremely crowded during the fall foliage season.

I’m considering:
 Dropping Nara + Osaka & spending more time in Kanazawa / Hokuriku region instead

• Would this actually help reduce crowds in late November?
• Or is Kanazawa also very busy that time of year?
• Is it a good swap with young kids, or would you stick with Nara/Osaka?

2. Kid-friendliness

Are there any:

• Must-do activities we’re missing that are great for kids this age?
• Places on our list that might be less enjoyable for young kids?

Thanks!