YOKOHAMA - A gondola with a spatial audio system has been introduced on a scenic ropeway in a famous hot spring and resort town southwest of Tokyo, according to its operator.
Odakyu Hakone Co. said the gondola allows riders on the Hakone Ropeway to listen to music during a roughly 10-minute trip while enjoying views such as the Owakudani valley, a popular tourist site known for its sulfur vents and geothermal hot springs.
It is the first time in the world for a gondola to be equipped with a Dolby Atmos surround sound system, with the music for that day tailored to the weather, according to the operator.
Describing the ride as a "new attraction" for tourists in the mountainous town of Hakone, a company official said, "I hope couples and families will have good memories of their trips."
Equipped with 10 speakers including two woofers, the gondola is named "otobaco" -- a combination of the Japanese words "oto" for sound and "bako" for box.
The gondola from Sounzan Station to Owakudani Station is available for hire for up to 16 people, priced at 2,500 yen ($16) in addition to the regular fare.
