[Philipf]

Thanks for the replies. I would like to see the different-than-usual side of japan due to holidays etc, and dont mind it being too busy as long as its not unbearable. Im a pretty tolerant person.

Do places/shops still open during the holidays, as over here in the UK, a bank holiday means everything shuts down...really, everything!

If the shops dont open, I may see if I can slide the holiday over a few days to catch some of golden week and some of normal working week.

Ta