Wake-up and final packing at your Wigan apartment — double-check passports, pet passport/DBS, flight e-tickets, medication, phone chargers, and Percy’s carrier, blanket, and food portions.
Light breakfast at home or grab-and-go from nearby café The Coffee Fix Wigan (porridge/toast and a takeaway tea) while you give Percy a short walk around the block to stretch and go to the toilet.
Final pet prep: secure Percy in his travel crate with familiar blanket and a chew toy, attach ID and travel tags, pack a small bowl and water, and load the taxi luggage into the hall.
Pre-booked taxi (pet-friendly) arrives at your apartment — driver helps load luggage and Percy’s crate; confirm the driver knows the Wigan Airport terminal and any pet drop-off procedures.
Arrive at Wigan Airport (or nearest major departure airport if flying from Manchester/Birmingham — confirm earlier) — head to the airline’s check-in desk for pet check-in and oversized luggage handling.
Check-in and pet health checks: present Percy’s documentation (pet passport, microchip, vaccination records), complete any airline forms and pay any pet fees; confirm cabin or hold arrangements with staff.
Security and airport screening — remove electronics and liquids while keeping Percy calm in his carrier; ask security staff if you can keep the carrier on the floor near you during screening if permitted.
Relax before boarding: get coffee and sandwiches at WHSmith or Pret a Manger inside the terminal, give Percy a small drink and a chew, and review boarding gate and layover instructions.
Boarding begins — follow airline staff directions for priority boarding for families with pets; stow cabin baggage and ensure Percy’s carrier fits under the seat per airline rules.
Takeoff — settle in for the long-haul flight. Use in-flight entertainment and earplugs or headphones for the kids (Gallus, Yona, etc.); reassure Percy with calm talk and a last-minute comfort item.
Meal service onboard — choose the child or adult meal options you pre-ordered; use calm, quiet activities for the children (coloring books, downloaded movies). Give Percy water and a small treat if allowed.
Stretch legs and short walk down the aisle when safe; use this time to rotate small activities for the kids and offer Percy another brief water and comfort check.
Begin sleep routine for the children: change into comfortable clothes, hand out sleep masks/blankets, and play a quiet audiobook; dim lighting makes it easier for everyone to rest before arrival.
Begin descent into Japan — gather passports, immigration forms, and Percy’s pet paperwork; tidy your carry-ons so you can quickly exit the aircraft.
Immigration and customs: queue for passport control (use family lanes if available), present immigration cards, and follow customs procedures including any pet declarations — keep Percy accessible for inspection if requested.
Baggage claim and pet collection: collect checked luggage and follow airport directions to the animal reception or designated pet pick-up area to retrieve Percy if he traveled in the hold.
Exchange local currency at airport kiosk (or use airport ATMs) and purchase a local SIM card or eSIM at vendors such as Japan Welcome Center if needed; confirm your pre-booked taxi to Swanson Hotel.
Board a pre-booked pet-friendly taxi or private transfer to Swanson Hotel — confirm driver knows the hotel’s entrance rules for guests with pets and request any assistance with luggage and Percy’s crate.
Drive to Swanson Hotel — on the ride, brief the kids on morning plans (breakfast at hotel, short neighborhood walk) and offer Percy a final small drink to settle after the flight.
Arrive at Swanson Hotel check-in — present reservation, show passports and pet documents, request a ground-floor or pet-friendly room and any extra bedding or pet bowls the hotel can provide.
Settle into your room at Swanson Hotel: unpack essentials, set up Percy’s crate in a quiet corner with his blanket and familiar toy, and prepare the kids for a short rest before a fuller recovery day.
Quick walk near the hotel (if permitted and safe) to let Percy stretch and do a final toilet break before sleeping; note nearby conveniences for morning (convenience store, 24-hour vending machines).
Lights out for the family — encourage the children to sleep and keep Percy comfortable; set alarms for a slow morning tomorrow to help everyone recover from the long journey.
Wake-up call at Swanson Hotel — gentle breakfast at the hotel restaurant (recommend ordering a Japanese-style morning set or continental) and a short planning huddle for Day 2, Recovery & Local Transfer.
Wake gently after a long travel night — quick check on Percy in his crate, freshen up and dress the children (Gallus, Yona, Sandbar, Ocellus, Smolder, Silverstream, Thorax, Ember, Gruff, Seaspray, and Rutherford) for a calm first day.
Hotel breakfast at Swanson Hotel restaurant — order the Japanese morning set (grilled fish, rice, miso soup) and a child-friendly continental option; request hot water for Percy’s bottled water and a small bowl from reception.
Short neighborhood walk to stretch legs — wander the street in front of Swanson Hotel to find a nearby convenience store (FamilyMart or Lawson) for drinks, snacks, and any last-minute pet supplies.
Return to the hotel for a light unpack and room setup — make a comfortable corner for Percy with his blanket and toys, and lay out today’s essentials (passports, local cash, SIM, charger).
Relaxed downtime in the room — let the children rest or watch a short downloaded show while adults handle any quick emails or notify family back home about your safe arrival.
Visit the Swanson Hotel concierge — confirm local taxi options or arrange a midday pet-friendly transfer if you plan to explore, ask for a map of nearby parks and veterinarian contacts, and book any local experiences you want later in the trip.
Walk to a nearby park for Percy’s toilet and play break — head to the closest green space recommended by concierge (example: Midori Park) for a 30-40 minute stroll and dog-friendly time.
Light snack stop at a nearby café — pop into Café Lune (or a local kissaten) for coffee, pastries and kid-friendly onigiri; sit outside if possible so Percy can relax at your feet.
Return to the hotel for a short rest and tidy-up — change into comfortable clothes for everyone and prepare a small day bag with water, snacks, Percy’s travel bowl, and waste bags.
Check-out or modify room if you plan to transfer — if extending at Swanson, confirm late checkout; if moving, confirm your pet-friendly taxi reservation to your next accommodation or a short transfer to a quieter neighborhood.
Lunch nearby at Izakaya Hana or a family-friendly sushi restaurant recommended by concierge — order simple rolls, tempura, and warm broth for the children and try a mild local dish.
Midday nap/rest time back in the room — encourage everyone to relax; Percy can nap in his crate while you recharge for an easy afternoon orientation walk.
Orientation walk through the hotel’s neighborhood — explore local shops, a temple or shrine if nearby, and identify the closest pharmacy, park entrances, and pet supply stores (ask concierge for exact names and directions).
Visit a local pet store (example: Pet Plus) to pick up any supplies you need — buy extra waste bags, familiar treats, and a collapsible water bowl for city walks.
Early evening treat at a dessert shop — stop at a recommended patisserie (for example, Patisserie Lumiere) for cake or mochi and hot drinks while the kids enjoy a sweet break.
Return to Swanson Hotel to freshen up — quick showers for everyone and set Percy’s crate in a calm corner before dinner; review tomorrow’s plan with the children.
Dinner at Swanson Hotel’s restaurant or a nearby family restaurant — choose dishes that suit jet-lagged appetites and order small portions for the children; let Percy rest quietly nearby or in the room as allowed by hotel policy.
Short post-dinner stroll — take Percy for a brief toilet and sniffing walk around the hotel block to burn off energy and enjoy the neighborhood lights.
Wind-down activities in the room — quiet story time or an audiobook for the kids and a gentle grooming/check for Percy to ensure he’s comfortable after the day’s activity.
Prepare for bed — lay out tomorrow’s clothes, set alarms for a gentle morning, and confirm any taxi or activity bookings with the concierge for Day 3.
Lights out / quiet time — encourage the children to sleep early to adjust to the new time zone and keep Percy undisturbed in his familiar blanket-lined crate.
Final checks before bed — one last short walk if Percy needs it, secure room windows/doors, and set a low-volume night light for the children if desired.
Overnight rest — everyone sleeps to recover fully; staff at Swanson Hotel are available if you need any late-night assistance with Percy or room requests.