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.” — Kyodo