An Aichi-based electronic parts manufacturer has developed a free smartphone app that allows people to obtain information on tourist spots simply by taking photos of them.
Sono Electronics Co. teamed up with the tourism divisions of Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, and the Ise-Shima region in Mie Prefecture where the Group of Seven summit is to be held in May, to launch Pachiri Guide this month.
When the app is started and a photo of a tourist site taken, the location is automatically determined based on the smartphone's GPS and the direction the camera is facing. Information about the site then appears on the screen.