T R AV E L
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.
25