Itinerary advice

Hi all, we’re planning an 18 day trip to Japan next month. We’re 2 adults and 2 teens, both of whom are good travelers. We want a mix of city, smaller towns/outdoors and art. We’re ok being on the move but don’t want the trip to be too rushed. We’d love to get people’s feedback on this itinerary. Anything we should do differently for efficiency's sake? Anything we should cut out or add? Also any activities you recommend for teens and/or day trips?

We will probably do a Sumo show in Tokyo or Kyoto, and a hedgehog cafe in Tokyo. The boys wanted one theme park so we chose DisneySea since it's unique. And my wife and I have already been to Nara so that's not included in the Kyoto plan.

Thank you in advance, I really appreciate your collective wisdom!

Day 1 —  Arrive Tokyo

  • Arrive Haneda 1:55 PM
  • Transfer to Asakusa hotel
  • Light walk + early dinner

Richmond Hotel Premier Asakusa International

Day 2 —  Old Tokyo

  • Senso-ji
  • Asakusa streets + markets
  • Tokyo National Museum

Day 3 — Modern Tokyo

  • Meiji Shrine
  • Harajuku / Omotesando
  • Shibuya Crossing at night

Day 4 — Art Tokyo

  • teamLab Planets
  • Odaiba / waterfront
  • Relaxed evening

Day 5 — DisneySea Day

  • Full day at Tokyo DisneySea
  • Top rides + immersive areas

Day 6 — Tokyo → Kyoto

  • Shinkansen (~2.5 hrs)
  • Evening walk in Gion

Day 7 — Eastern Kyoto

  • Fushimi Inari Taisha
  • Kiyomizu-dera
  • Higashiyama district

Day 8 — Arashiyama Nature Day

  • Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
  • River + forest walk

Day 9 — Kyoto Culture Day

  • Museums, neighborhoods, cafés
  • Slower exploration

Day 10 — Kyoto → Kanazawa

  • Limited Express (~2–2.5 hrs)
  • Arrive Kanazawa
  • Evening stroll

Day 11 — Kanazawa Full Day

  • Kenroku-en
  • 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Higashi Chaya District
  • Nagamachi Samurai District

Day 12 — Kanazawa → Hiroshima

  • Train via Osaka (~4–4.5 hrs)
  • Evening arrival

Day 13 — Hiroshima

  • Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
  • Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

Day 14 — Miyajima Overnight

  • Ferry to Miyajima
  • Itsukushima Shrine
  • Mt. Misen hike or ropeway
  • Overnight stay

Day 15 — Miyajima → Naoshima

  • Ferry + train via Okayama + Uno
  • Arrive Naoshima

Day 16 — Naoshima Art Day

  • Chichu Art Museum
  • Benesse House Museum
  • Island biking

Day 17 — Naoshima → Osaka

  • Ferry + Shinkansen
  • Evening in Dotonbori

Day 18 — Depart Osaka

  • Easy morning
  • Transfer to Kansai International Airport
  • Flight 4:55 PM

by 338High