Everybody, at least once in their lifetime, would like to discover and explore some parts of the world. This dream might not be feasible for some but it is time to put an end to that wistful wish. Unae, the stuffed eel living in Tokyo, welcomes everyone to Unagi Travel – the ideal travel agency for stuffed animals.
Hold on to the snorts of disbelief. Posing in front of memorable monuments and other attractions is not restricted to humans and animal tourists. Stuffed plush toys have been acting as tourists for quite a while now and their popularity is no joke. So, don’t let your stuffed animals be bored and collect dust on the shelves; send them to Japan for some fun and adventure!
The agency is run by Sonoe Azuma who has been conducting successful and affordable tours in Japan, Europe and USA. The prices range from $35 to $55 with a decent variety of tours to choose from. The fee includes a commemorative picture along with a CD and a ride home. While your adorable inanimate pet is enjoying the foreign breeze for two weeks, you can keep track of his/her adventures on the official Unagi Travel Facebook and Twitter page.
We got in touch with Sonoe Azuma herself to talk about this unique concept and how she came up with it. “About 6 and half years ago, I made a stuffed eel and started a blog about it. It’s about my daily life but I never appear. The stuffed eel appears. Gradually, I came up with the concept and started as a service,” said Ms. Azuma.
A concept like Unagi Travels would definitely raise some eyebrows in the beginning. Ms. Azuma experienced uneasiness when introducing the idea to people around her, particularly the older Japanese people. However, entrepreneurs based in San Francisco understood exactly what she wanted and encouraged her to go ahead.
According to Ms. Azuma, those who live their life through these inanimate objects can easily feel like they are on a vacation instead. Our curiousity led us into asking where most of her clients come from and what are they like, to which she responded, “More than half are from Japan. Others are mainly from Europe and the US. More than half of my clients are women. Some come for fun, some come to see Japan, and some are sick, physically challenged or have reasons they cannot travel on their own.”
There are three types of tours offered by Unagi Travels and according to Ms. Azuma, Tokyo Tour has been the all time favourite. It covers the amazing Tokyo Tower, the beautiful Meiji Jingu Shrine and Historic Asakusa. In the Mystery Tour, the location remains mysterious until the very last moment. Lastly the Onsen tour takes the clients to have a traditional experience at a hot spa.
There are certain terms and conditions the clients will have to take into consideration prior the travel like the insurance of the toy, weight, the duration and location of the tour and some other factors. All the details are easily available on Unagi Travel’s website.
With the growing number of clients, Sonoe Azuma tells us that she plans on expanding the business within Japan as a stepping stone.
The affordability and sincerity “felt” during the tour has won the hearts of many customers. Customer loyalty emerges from trust and satisfaction. This is the reason why Unagi Travel is receiving so much attention. If your toy (or secretly you) wishes to experience a wonderful time in Japan, then be prepared for an unforgettable and one of a kind adventure.
Printed in Petigree Magazine April / May 2014 issue