V-Flyer

Being weak willed and unable to resist a bargain I have some seats on hold for NRT flying out on New Years Eve .
I have a couple of concerns/ questions however.
1. We will arrive on a public holiday (and the following 2 days are also public holidays). Will transporation (ie trains) be running on public holidays ?
2. We (DL the Elder and I) had toyed with Japan previuosly but then the earthquake struck - has all rebuilding etc been completed?
3. Area to stay in?
4. What to do when we get there?
All help and advice gratefully received.
Thanks,
DL

Tink will no doubt be along to fill in extra..

1. not sure on the public hols thing- you will probably want to take the NEX train from NRT into Tokyo, by fair the easiest way, If you fail to come up with answers- pm me, my mate lives in Tokyo he'll be able to find out.
2. Where are you planning on going, Tokyo was mainly unaffected so doubt you'd even notice, the other MUST is Kyoto, and being "down south" unaffected.
3. Dependant on your trip duration, I'd recommend splitting Tokyo/ Kyoto. In terms of Tokyo, we based ourselves in Shinjuku,and loved it, however all depends on what you want. Shibuya also good, Bay area a bit out, Wife spent a month near Reppongi - which is a bit ropey but suited given the general good transport links, but again nowheres a no go.
4. What to do...walk around open mouthed with the sensory overload! learn some pleases/thanks yous in Japanese; As above, def include Kyoto by Bullet train (JP railpass) (we will go back and spend more time there next year)- Kyoto accom options (Westin/ Hotel Granvia), but better still try a traditional Inn.

Remember its pricey, its very safe and the politeness is overwhelming.

Ask away, if anything else..NH y)

We're going in April and have booked a trip through Inside Japan Tours (http://www.insidejapantours.com). They're very flexible and can put together almost any kind of package. Worth having a look at.