AINS Inc. (Ryuo Town, Shiga Prefecture), with cooperation and technology provided by Sony Marketing, will launch the audio tour “Omihachiman-Azuchi Sound Trip: The Merchant Heritage and Warring States Romance of Omi” on August 6, 2026. The tour uses Sony’s location-based audio experience service Locatone™, with VTuber Shirayuki Mishiro serving as the audio guide. Participation is free.

Sony’s Locatone™ Brings Audio-Guided Tourism to Life

The tour runs on Locatone™, a location-based audio experience service from Sony Marketing. Using a dedicated smartphone app, visitors can explore 25 sightseeing spots in Omihachiman City, Shiga Prefecture, while enjoying GPS-triggered audio commentary. Covered locations include Hachimanbori canal, Himure Hachiman Shrine, the water-village boat tour, and Azuchi Castle ruins — sites steeped in history and culture.

Audio Guide VTuber Shirayuki Mishiro

The audio guide is voiced by Shirayuki Mishiro, a VTuber known for music videos on YouTube and as a member of the unit Roselta. Her clear, translucent voice walks visitors through the charms of Omihachiman. Having a VTuber serve as an audio guide for regional tourism is gaining attention as a new form of travel experience.

Omi Beef Giveaway Campaign

Visitors who check in at five or more of the 25 spots can enter a raffle for an Omi beef prize. The top prize is 50,000 yen worth of Omi beef (one winner), and the campaign runs through November 30, 2026. The chance to win a premium local delicacy while sightseeing adds an extra draw to the tour.

The Future of VTuber × Regional Tourism

Using VTuber voices for tourism guides holds considerable promise as a way to reach new visitor demographics, including younger audiences. Pairing that with Sony’s audio technology enables an immersive experience, and there is clear potential for similar initiatives in other regions.

Outlook

Combining a VTuber audio guide with Sony’s location-linked sound technology, this tour sits at a unique intersection of tourism, technology, and VTuber culture. Free participation lowers the barrier to entry, while the Omi beef campaign offers a tangible incentive — the makings of a strong case study in regional revitalization.

Source: PR TIMES