The tourism industry is one of the world's largest and most profitable industries. While travel companies constantly try to come up with new and unique options for travel enthusiasts, the Unagi Travel company of Japan provides a first ever opportunity. They send stuffed animals on vacations, without the owners.
The travel agency, founded by Sonoe Azuma, organizes tours for stuffed animals in Japan and various other countries. The service includes a postcard from the destination and photos featuring the stuffed toy. But there are restrictions, the toy has to weigh less than 250 grams (0.55 pounds).
Some customers of the unique service claim that it has therapeutic benefits, especially for handicapped individuals who get to see these destinations through the eye of their favorite stuffed animal.
More about travel in Japan:
- Shinkansen, high speed trains or "bullet" trains, offer transportation between cities in Japan.
- Those visiting Japan must not place chopsticks upright in the rice at meals because it is a Japanese funeral ceremony tradition.
- Cherry blossom viewing or "hanami" is one of the most popular spring events in Japan for Japanese and tourists alike.