With Christmas and Hanukah on the horizon, a trip out of town probably isn’t very feasible. Even though the weather might make you crave a tropical vacation, most people simply don’t have the budget to get out of town for a few days or a week. Fortunately, there’s one Japanese agency that’s drumming up repeat business, by offering its clients the opportunity to live vicariously through their favorite stuffed animal. Presenting Unagi Travel, the agency that will take your stuffed animal out and show them the town for a nominal fee.
1. Yep, Travel Agencies Still Exist, Only They’ve Had to Get Creative
For three years and counting, enterprising travel agent Sonoe Azuma, 38, has been taking stuffed animals on holidays. For the low price of $52 – $58 (depending on your location), Azuma will take your favorite furry friend on a day trip to any number of locations. Before you start laughing uproariously, just know that Azuma takes these trips very seriously. As she told reporters in 2013, “Anyone could do it if it was simply about taking pictures of stuffed animals. . .. You must do this with the belief that ‘I’m taking care of other people’s children.’”
2. The Day Trips Aren’t Limited to Tokyo Either
Just because Azuma’s business is based in Tokyo, doesn’t mean her offerings are limited to that city. Thanks to the success of Unagi Travel, Azuma has been able to branch out. The agency now offers a day trip to Kamakura, as well as a three-day sojourn to Paris. For those people looking to explore a more intriguing side of Tokyo, Azuma offers a series of Mystery Tours as well.
3. So What Exactly Do You Get For Your Cash?
For the money Azuma will take your plush buddy to a given city’s major sites, and snap jaw-dropping adorable pictures of your stuffed animal posing among some of the world’s most famous landmarks. Azuma organizes 10 such trips a month, and she’ll even coordinate trips to specific locations if the money is right. At the end of the trip, clients receive a commemorative photo and a CD filled with photos and “precious memories.”
4. Azuma’s Business Is Built on Repeat Customers
According to the business owner, about forty percent of her business is from repeat customers, which is either a testament to her professionalism, or a big indicator of how few people there are willing to pay for a trip for their stuffed animal . . . let’s go with “professionalism.”
5. And What Is the Point of Paying to Send an Inanimate Object on a Vacation?
For most of Azuma’s customers, the payoff is inspiration. Seeing their familiar stuffed animals traveling to some of the world’s most famous landmarks, serves as inspiration for people to save up their money and get out to see the world for themselves.
6. Sending the Teddy Bear Where You Can’t
Another huge portion of Azuma’s business comes from those people with a wanderlust who may not be able to actually get up and wander. Aging individuals or those people with physical handicaps, have used Azuma’s service in order to see the sites without actually having to get out there on their own. Some customers have even said that the stuffed animal tours helped them overcome social anxiety or depression.
7. Okay, So They’re a Legit Thing and I’m Sold, I Guess . . . What’s Next
Once you’ve contacted Unagi Travel, and booked a day for your plush to take a trip, you’re going to need to get him (or her) to Tokyo. The method is up to you, but most people choose to just ship their pal in the mail. Your stuffed animal must weigh under 250 grams, which should make the shipper’s transportation fees a minimal consideration.
8. Before You Actually Pack Your Buddy in a Box
Remember that your furry friend is headed out on the road, so you should prepare accordingly. Got any extra outfits for your stuffed animal? Pack one or two alongside your pal. Is your stuffed animal in need of a little mending? Or perhaps they’re in need of a bath? Just remember that you’re going to want your stuffed animal to look their best once Azuma’s camera is turned on.
9. An Early, Phenomenal Success Story
In 2013, a woman who’d been diagnosed with a disease that made it harder for her to walk, became more and more reclusive. Until that is, she sent her animal on one of Unagi Travel’s excursions. “Seeing my stuffed animal traveling encouraged me,” said the woman. “I began to think that I should do what I can do, instead of lamenting over things that I can’t.” As a result of the trip, the unnamed client rehabilitated her legs and began to travel to the best of her ability.
10. The Social Element Is Extremely Important to the Trip
While they’re on the road (or at least once they’re in the custody of Unagi Travel), your stuffed animal’s adventures will be broadcast on Facebook and Instagram, as their unique trip through the city of your choosing is shared with the world. Thanks to length of time Azuma and her company has been completing the trips, their charges are now afforded some pretty unique opportunities. Some got to peer down through the glass of the Yokohama Tower, the fourth tallest building in Japan. Others have been invited to attend TED Talks.
11. There Really Is Value in Repeat Trips
Once you’ve seen the results of your stuffed pal’s trips abroad, you can keep sending them back to Unagi Travel to experience new facets of Tokyo and Paris. There’s plenty to do in both cities, from general sightseeing to city-specific activities like paddle boarding or club-trotting.
12. Beyond France and Japan
On several occasions, Azuma has actually orchestrated trips to specific destinations outside her normal offerings. She offers semi-regular outings to Japan’s ancient capital of Kamakura, plus she’s also sent stuffed animals to Japan’s world-famous hot spring resort and spa in Hakone. She’s even managed to help a stuffed animal live its dream of seeing the beautiful beaches of Hawaii.
