Golden Week in 2006 will be 29 Apr - 8 May.
http://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/...016&country=26

It is hard to predict when would be Natane-duyu (Rapeseed rainy season). It was something around Apr 1st - Apr 22nd this year in Tokyo.
http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%A2%...A2.85.E9.9B.A8
http://www.tenki.jp/past/2015/04/?ma...jma_code=47662

Warm greetings again, tripplanner, from a fine Friday morning in our sweet home of Singapore.

Will commence by once again praising your wondrous writing and thoughtful trip reports; well done. They are always a delight to read during various business trips.

A bit late to your thread and potential Japan journey, but will add a dining suggestion for you and others: the Aman, Tokyo. (My most recent Tokyo business trip occurred 26 March - 6 April, '15, with the concluding Easter holiday weekend spent at the Aman.) The Aman, Tokyo is quite the urban sanctuary. Earlier this week, had a most informative luncheon with some friends and individuals involved with the Aman; more potential Aman 'urban retreats' in the pipeline. Given your thoughtful writing style, tripplanner, you (and other fine Fodorites) would most likely appreciate the Aman, Tokyo.

[That said, tripplanner, noticed Africa is on your '16 radar screen. It's been ~ 16 years since my last Africa journey (summiting Kili, via the Western Breach, followed by safari; memorable), but would be pleased to offer thoughts, antique as they may be.]

Savour your planning, tripplanner; happy for you. A fly day for me (us) out of Changi, so early and warm weekend wishes to you and all,

robert


... Singapore Airlines, You're a Great Way to Fly ...

Robert, thank you so much for your suggestions. It's always a joy to hear from you. While Japan and Australia are among some of my favorite places, Africa is really calling my attention with how the South African rand is doing. It's one place I keep putting off again and again. We'll see what happens but it looks like I am set for '16 and '17 either way.