Start the day with a calm morning in Wigan: pack last-minute essentials for Percy (vaccination papers, travel crate, favourite blanket) and enjoy a hearty breakfast at home before the pre-booked taxi collects you from your Wigan apartment to the airport. Allow extra time for airport check-in and pet processing—Wigan airport staff will guide you through security and Percy’s paperwork so the whole family (Gallus, Yona, Sandbar, Ocellus, Smolder, Silverstream, Thorax, Ember, Gruff, Seaspray and Rutherford) can board with minimal stress.
During the flight and airport transit at your arrival in Japan, use layover time to stretch, feed Percy, and explore the airport’s pet relief areas; on arrival at the Tokyo-area airport, clear immigration and customs with your documents ready. After collecting luggage, meet your pre-arranged Japan taxi (confirm it’s pet-friendly) which will take you directly to Swanson Hotel in the Tokyo area—enjoy window views of city rooftops and the first glimpses of Japanese streets as you travel.
Check into Swanson Hotel and settle Percy into the room, taking a short familiarisation walk around nearby streets or the hotel’s designated pet area to help him relax after the journey. Finish the evening with a family dinner at a nearby dog-friendly izakaya or café (ask the hotel for recommendations), sample a comforting bowl of ramen or donburi, and plan a gentle early night so everyone is rested for day two’s Tokyo orientation.
Wake up slowly after your long travel day and enjoy breakfast at the Swanson Hotel café, sampling a Japanese-style morning set alongside kid-friendly options for Gallus and Yona; take Percy's vaccination papers and leash and stroll to nearby Yoyogi Park (or the closest local green space recommended by the hotel) so he can stretch his legs while the family watches street performers and inspects the seasonal trees. Pop into a konbini (convenience store) on the way back to pick up snacks, bottled water and any travel essentials you forgot at the airport.
Spend the afternoon on a gentle orientation walk through the nearby neighborhood — explore the boutique shops and galleries in Harajuku or Omotesando (depending on your hotel’s exact location), visit the Meiji Shrine grounds for a calm, cultural introduction to Tokyo, and let the kids enjoy a crepe or matcha soft-serve while Percy rests in a shaded spot or a pet-friendly café terrace. Stop by a local tourist information center or the Swanson Hotel concierge to collect maps, train passes and recommendations for dog-friendly restaurants and pet services.
For dinner, choose a dog-friendly izakaya or a family-friendly yakiniku restaurant that accepts dogs on the terrace (ask the hotel for the best nearby pick), and order shareable plates so everyone can try different flavours — yakitori, tempura and vegetable sides. After dinner, take a short evening walk around illuminated streets near the hotel for a last look at Tokyo’s city lights, then return to Swanson Hotel for an early night to help everyone adjust to the time zone.
Start with a relaxed breakfast at Swanson Hotel before heading to Ueno Park, where wide paths, ponds and open lawns give Percy room to stretch while the kids explore the Tokyo National Museum courtyard and the small zoo exterior. From there, wander to Ameya-Yokochō market for a sensory morning of street-food snacks—grab some yakitori or taiyaki to share—and browse stalls selling toys and souvenirs while the family soaks up the lively market atmosphere.
After lunch, take a short taxi or train to the fashionable streets of Omotesando and Meiji-Jingu Gaien: stroll the tree-lined avenue and visit the Meiji Shrine grounds for a calm, cultural pause; many shrine approaches are dog-friendly if Percy is on-lead. Continue to Yoyogi Park or the nearby Shibuya Crossing for an iconic photo stop, letting the children watch the scramble crossing while Percy rests at a café terrace in dog-friendly Cat Street or back near Harajuku.
For dinner, head to a dog-welcoming restaurant in Daikanyama or Nakameguro—book an outdoor/terrace spot to enjoy yakitori, ramen or izakaya-style small plates while Percy relaxes at your feet. Finish with an evening riverside walk along the Meguro River (illuminated in season) or return to the Swanson Hotel for a short rooftop or hotel-garden stroll to wind down before bed.
After breakfast at Swanson Hotel, head to Senso-ji in Asakusa to wander the atmospheric Nakamise shopping street and admire the temple’s thunder gate and pagoda while the kids sample ningyo-yaki and rice crackers; Percy can stretch his legs on the wide approach to the temple (keep him on a short lead and be mindful of busy areas). From Senso-ji, take a short rickshaw-view walk along the Sumida River for photos of Tokyo Skytree rising behind traditional rooftops.
Catch a taxi to the quieter neighborhood of Yanaka for a stroll through old Tokyo streets, stopping at small temples like Tenno-ji and exploring artisan shops and cosy cafés where you can taste matcha sweets while the family learns about Edo-era life; the gently sloping lanes and small parks are great for Percy to explore calmly. Continue to Nezu Shrine or the nearby Ueno Toshogu Shrine for a serene, less crowded shrine visit and a chance to see seasonal shrine decorations and tranquil torii-lined paths.
Return toward central Tokyo and enjoy dinner in the historic Kagurazaka district, choosing a family-friendly izakaya or soba restaurant with a street-side seat so Percy can rest nearby while you sample tempura, soba and seasonal small plates. Finish with an evening stroll under lantern-lit lanes of Kagurazaka or a short visit to the illuminated paths around the Imperial Palace outer gardens for a peaceful end to your cultural day.
Catch an early JR train or a reserved pet-friendly taxi from Swanson Hotel to Kamakura, arriving mid-morning to stroll the grounds of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and admire the giant bronze Great Buddha at Kotoku-in; let Percy stretch on the wide approaches and the family can sample freshly made shirasu (whitebait) at a seaside stall near Komachi-dori. Wander down to Yuigahama Beach for salty sea air and photo opportunities of the coastline while the kids hunt for shells and you take in the temple-studded skyline.
After a seaside lunch of tempura or seafood rice bowls at a dog-friendly terrace café near Hase, explore the hydrangea-lined paths and panoramic viewpoints around Hase-dera Temple, then head to Enoshima Island by local train for coastal caves, a lighthouse observation deck and friendly shops—Percy will enjoy the island’s promenade and small parks. If time allows, ride the Enoden line toward Fujisawa for a quick stop at Katase-Enoshima for ice cream and views back toward Mount Fuji on a clear day.
Return to Tokyo in the early evening and freshen up at Swanson Hotel before choosing a relaxed dinner near the hotel—opt for a dog-welcoming izakaya or seafood restaurant to compare Kamakura flavours with city cuisine. Finish with a gentle post-dinner walk around illuminated nearby streets or a short visit to a local convenience store for treats, letting Percy unwind after the busy coastal day while the family reviews favourite moments from the trip.
Start the day with a relaxed breakfast at Swanson Hotel, then head to the lively Ameya-Yokochō (Ueno) market where the family can browse fresh seafood stalls, snack on takoyaki and sweet taiyaki, and pick up quirky souvenirs while Percy enjoys a leash-walk along the wider market approaches and nearby Ueno Park lawns. Pop into a nearby dog-friendly café like Cafe Restyle Community for a coffee and a pancake break while the children explore toy stalls and you stock up on bottled water and snacks for the day.
After lunch, take a short taxi to the boutique streets of Nakameguro and stroll the Meguro River promenade — browse independent shops, vintage stores and small design galleries, stop at a patisserie for matcha pastries and let Percy relax on a riverside terrace at a dog-friendly café. Continue toward Daikanyama’s T-Site complex for a leisurely bookstore browse, family-friendly shops and light Christmas window displays, giving everyone time to pick a few unique gifts or a new book for the flight home.
For dinner, head to the terrace at Dog Dept + Cafe in Ebisu or a pet-welcoming izakaya near the hotel for a comforting dinner of yakitori and shared plates while Percy lounges at your feet; afterwards take a gentle evening walk through illuminated side streets of Harajuku or Omotesando to admire seasonal lights and stop for a warm dessert. Return to Swanson Hotel with a few market finds and a calm Percy, ready to relax and reflect on favourite market moments before tomorrow’s family-friendly theme park visit.
Head out after breakfast at Swanson Hotel for a family-friendly morning at Tokyo Sea Life Park in Kasai Rinkai Park — stroll the aquarium’s giant dome, watch the tuna and penguin feeds, and let Percy enjoy a shaded walk along the waterfront promenade while the kids spot jellyfish and tropical fish. If the family prefers rides, choose an earlier start at Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea (book tickets and a pet-friendly drop-off service in advance) so Gallus and Yona can enjoy age-appropriate attractions and character parades.
After a relaxed lunch at a park café or a theme-park family restaurant, continue exploring Kasai Rinkai Park’s ferris wheel and birdwatching areas, or move to Odaiba’s teamLab Borderless (check pet care options) and the nearby Palette Town attractions for interactive digital art and shopping; Percy can rest in a shaded spot or the hotel-arranged pet daycare while older kids try hands-on exhibits. For Disneyland/DisneySea days, use the afternoon to catch shows, take photos with characters, and grab snacks like popcorn in souvenir tins before returning to the hotel for Percy’s walk and a rest.
Return to the Tokyo area in the early evening and dine at a dog-friendly waterfront restaurant in Odaiba or at a cosy izakaya near Swanson Hotel — choose shareable dishes like tempura and grilled fish so everyone can sample flavours after a busy day. Finish with a gentle riverside or hotel-garden stroll so Percy can stretch again, and settle in at the Swanson Hotel to review grab-your-favourite-photos from today’s aquarium or theme-park highlights before bed.
After breakfast at Swanson Hotel, collect luggage and check Percy’s paperwork before your pre-booked pet-friendly taxi or JR transfer picks you up for the journey to Tokyo Station; enjoy a scenic ride through city neighborhoods as you head to the Shinkansen platforms, and grab bento boxes and drinks at Gransta for the train. Board the Shinkansen (for example the Kodama or Hikari) toward Hakone or Kyoto, letting the children watch the countryside unfold while Percy rests in his travel carrier on the seat-by-seat luggage space.
Arrive mid-afternoon in your chosen regional destination—if heading to Hakone, take the Hakone Tozan Railway up into the hills and stop at Gora Park for a picnic and gentle stroll where Percy can investigate grassy paths; if Kyoto-bound, check into your hotel and wander the quieter Philosopher’s Path and nearby Nanzen-ji temple gardens for a calm, cultural welcome. Pop into a local café or teahouse (Hakone: Bakery & Table Hakone; Kyoto: % Arabica in Higashiyama) for warm drinks and a snack while the family stretches their legs and Percy enjoys a short leash walk.
Settle into your regional accommodation—book a pet-friendly ryokan annex or a Western-style hotel with a dog policy—and enjoy an early dinner sampling local specialties: Hakone’s kaiseki-style set or Kyoto’s yudofu and seasonal small plates at a family-friendly restaurant near your hotel. Finish the evening with a slow sunset walk by a lake (Hakone: Lake Ashi promenade) or through lantern-lit Kyoto side streets, letting Percy sniff familiar scents and the family reflect on the day’s travel before a restful night.
Wake to a hearty regional breakfast at your pet-friendly accommodation, then head out for a morning walk through nearby nature — if you’re in Hakone, take the Hakone Ropeway up for panoramic views of Mount Fuji and explore the Owakudani volcanic valley (Percy can join on-lead along the ropeway approaches and trails); if you’re in Kyoto, begin at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and stroll the riverside paths toward Tenryu-ji, letting the children spot carp and Percy enjoy the shaded woodland air. Bring a camera for scenic lookout points and stop at a local stall to taste yuzu sweets or freshly grilled mochi for an energising snack.
After a countryside lunch—try a lakeside soba set in Hakone or a tofu kaiseki lunch near Arashiyama—spend the afternoon visiting a tranquil temple or shrine: Hakone’s Hakone Shrine with its torii on Lake Ashi offers calm waterside walks and boat-views, while Kyoto’s Kinkaku-ji and nearby quieter temples provide photo-worthy gardens and peaceful paths where Percy can sniff under supervision. If you prefer hot springs, book a private onsen experience (many ryokan offer family/private baths) so the adults can soak while Percy rests comfortably in a designated pet area or the hotel room with familiar bedding.
As dusk falls, enjoy a relaxed regional dinner showcasing local specialties—fresh seafood and black eggs in Hakone, or yudofu and seasonal pickles in Kyoto—at a family-friendly restaurant that accepts dogs on the terrace or in a private dining room; share favourite moments from the day as the children compare temple finds. Finish with a gentle evening stroll beneath lantern-lit streets or lakeside promenades, giving Percy a final stretch before a cosy night back at your pet-welcoming lodging, ready for tomorrow’s relaxation day.
Wake slowly and enjoy a regional breakfast at your pet-friendly accommodation before taking a gentle morning stroll — in Hakone, wander the Lake Ashi promenade and the Hakone Shrine torii approach for calm waterside views, or in Kyoto, amble along the Philosopher’s Path toward a quiet riverside café (pick up a warm onigiri or yuzu pastry) while Percy explores grassy banks on-lead. Book a short private onsen slot or a ryokan’s rotenburo reservation early so adults can relax while the family alternates caring for Percy in the nearby guest lounge or garden.
After lunch, treat the group to a leisurely onsen experience — reserve a family/private bath at your ryokan (for example a private rotenburo at a Hakone ryokan or a reservable kashikiri onsen near Kyoto) so everyone can soak without worry about pets; if you prefer to stay out, visit a nearby botanical garden such as Hakone Gora Park or the Arashiyama bamboo grove for shaded walking and peaceful photo stops. Spend a relaxed hour at a local tea house (Hakone: Sengokuhara tea garden; Kyoto: a machiya tea room) sampling matcha sweets while Percy rests on familiar bedding in the hotel room or in a hotel-designated pet area.
Return to your accommodation for a special regional dinner — enjoy a kaiseki-style meal in a private dining room if available (Hakone: seasonal seafood and mountain vegetables; Kyoto: yudofu and local pickles) so the family savours local flavours together while Percy relaxes nearby, or choose a dog-friendly terrace restaurant in the town for a more casual meal. Finish the evening with a slow lantern-lit stroll by the lake or along quiet temple lanes, sharing favourite moments from the trip so far and tucking Percy into his cosy travel bed for a restful Christmas Eve in Japan.
Start Christmas morning with a relaxed festive breakfast at your accommodation — if you’re in the Kyoto/Hakone region, seek out a local bakery (Hakone: Bakery & Table Hakone; Kyoto: % Arabica or a nearby machiya café) for warm pastries and hot drinks, while in Tokyo enjoy a seasonal set at the Swanson Hotel café before taking Percy for a brisk walk along a nearby park or lake (Hakone: Lake Ashi promenade; Tokyo: Yoyogi Park). Let the kids open a small stocking or travel surprise on a bench overlooking the water or beneath temple pines, and keep Percy comfortable with his favourite blanket between strolls.
Spend the afternoon joining local festive events — in Kyoto, visit Kiyomizu-dera and wander the illuminated Ninenzaka lanes for seasonal decorations and street snacks like yaki-mochi; in Hakone, browse craft stalls and holiday displays around Gora Park or take a short pirate-ship cruise on Lake Ashi for winter views of the mountains. If you’re back in Tokyo, head to Roppongi Hills or Marunouchi for holiday light displays and family pop-up markets, stopping at a dog-friendly outdoor café so Percy can rest while the children try festival treats like roasted chestnuts or matcha sweets.
For dinner, book a special family-friendly meal — reserve a private room or terrace at a regional ryokan for a kaiseki-style festive dinner (Hakone) or choose a dog-welcoming izakaya/restaurant in Tokyo (Daikanyama or Nakameguro) that can accommodate Percy on the terrace so everyone can share seasonal dishes. End the evening with a leisurely stroll beneath twinkling street lights or temple lanterns (Kyoto’s Higashiyama or Tokyo’s Omotesando illumination), enjoy a warm dessert together, and settle Percy into his travel bed for a quiet, cozy night reflecting on the day’s highlights.
After breakfast at Swanson Hotel, take a relaxed train back into central Tokyo and start at Asakusa to revisit Senso-ji for any last-minute photos and pick up traditional souvenirs along Nakamise-dori—grab ningyo-yaki or a handcrafted fan while Percy enjoys a calm leash walk on the temple approaches. From there, wander across to the Sumida Park riverside for clear city views and a short break so the kids can compare keepsakes and Percy can stretch beside the water.
Head to Ginza for an afternoon of upscale souvenir hunting and window-shopping at department stores like Mitsukoshi and Itoya, where you can choose Japanese stationery, sweets and select food gifts; stop into a dog-friendly café terrace near Hibiya Park so Percy can rest while the family samples wagashi and picks boxed souvenirs. Next, take a short taxi to Akihabara or Nakano Broadway for quirky pop-culture finds for Gallus and Yona, hunting collectible toys and anime goods before returning to the hotel with your treasures.
For your final Tokyo evening, enjoy a celebratory dinner in Daikanyama or Nakameguro at a cosy, dog-welcoming restaurant—share plates of tempura, grilled fish and seasonal side dishes while Percy lounges nearby—then finish with a gentle riverside stroll along the Meguro River to admire seasonal lights and savour the last night in the city. Return to Swanson Hotel to pack keepsakes, tuck Percy into his favourite blanket, and review favourite moments from the trip before an early night ahead of departure.
Begin the day with breakfast at the Swanson Hotel café, then take a slow stroll to nearby Yoyogi Park for off-leash practice in designated areas and people-watching near the Meiji Shrine approach while the kids explore weekend stalls. Pause at a dog-friendly terrace café on Cat Street for coffee and crepes so Percy can relax and the family can plan the morning’s route through Harajuku and Omotesando.
After lunch, head to the riverside Meguro River promenade for a gentle walk past boutique shops and seasonal displays, stopping at a pet-friendly bakery like Dog Dept + Cafe in Ebisu for a pup-friendly treat and kid-friendly pastries. Continue to the nearby Daikanyama T-Site for browsing books and design shops while Percy rests on a shaded bench, then wander the quiet lanes of Nakameguro to enjoy window-shopping and a riverside photo stop.
Return toward the Swanson Hotel and dine at a recommended dog-welcoming izakaya in Nakameguro or Daikanyama with a terrace table so Percy can be near the family while you sample yakitori and grilled fish. Finish with a short evening walk along illuminated streets or the hotel garden, giving Percy a final stretch before a cosy night in reviewing photos from the day.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the Swanson Hotel café, then use the morning to pack calmly—check Percy’s travel crate, vaccination papers and favourite blanket—and drop any last laundry or souvenirs at the concierge so you’re ready for tomorrow’s transfer. Take a short stroll with Percy to nearby Yoyogi Park or the hotel garden for one last stretch in Tokyo’s fresh air while the kids tuck small keepsakes into carry-on bags.
Head into Daikanyama to pick up final souvenirs at T-Site and enjoy a relaxed lunch at a dog-friendly terrace café such as Ivy Place, where the family can savour seasonal salads and pasta while Percy lounges beside you. After lunch wander the boutique streets of Nakameguro for one last riverside photo stop and a sweet treat from a patisserie, then return to Swanson Hotel to double-check flight documents and confirm your pet-friendly taxi to the airport for the next day.
Savour a comforting farewell dinner near the hotel in Nakameguro—book a terrace table at a dog-welcoming restaurant to share tempura, grilled fish and miso sides—and take a gentle post-meal walk along the Meguro River to admire any seasonal lights. Finish the night packing Percy’s travel bed and favourite toys in a quiet corner of the room, review tomorrow’s pick-up time with the concierge, and enjoy an early night so the whole family is rested for the journey home.
Pack the last belongings after an early breakfast at the Swanson Hotel café, double-check Percy’s vaccination papers and secure his travel crate, then take a short farewell walk around Yoyogi Park or the Meguro River for one last stretch before departure. Meet your pre-booked pet-friendly taxi at the hotel lobby (confirmed with the concierge) and enjoy the drive to Tokyo airport—use the journey to review favourite trip photos and hand out small travel snacks to Gallus, Yona and the kids.
Arrive at the airport with plenty of time to process Percy through pet relief and airline check-in; while the family completes boarding formalities, let Percy visit the airport’s pet relief area and rest on his favourite blanket near the gate. Once onboard, settle the children with inflight entertainment and snacks, and take a final look at Japan’s coastline from the window as the flight begins the long journey back to Wigan.
On arrival at Wigan airport, clear immigration and collect luggage before meeting your pre-booked taxi for the comfortable transfer back to your Wigan apartment; give Percy a slow, happy walk around a nearby green space to celebrate being home. Unpack slowly, reunite Percy with his familiar bed and toys, and enjoy a low-key family dinner at home while sharing highlights from your 15-day Japanese adventure before an early night to recover from travel.