Gondola with spatial audio begins operation near Tokyo hot spring resort town

A gondola equipped with spatial audio has officially gone into service on a cable car line at a popular hot spring and resort town southwest of Tokyo, according to the operator.

The new spatial audio system has been installed in the gondola cabins to provide an immersive music and sound effects experience that blends with the surrounding natural scenery during the ride.

The operator said the spatial audio gondola will enhance the travel experience for tourists, especially as the tourism industry undergoes a strong recovery after the pandemic.

Hakone, a renowned destination about 80 kilometers southwest of Tokyo, has long drawn visitors with its hot springs, views of Mount Fuji, and sightseeing cable car routes.