By: Alex
Traditionally, Japanese people love telling ghost stories and visiting haunted houses in the summer, using the “chilling fear” induced by scares to drive away the sweltering heat. However, considering the risks of gatherings during the pandemic, this year’s “haunted house” experience has been redesigned to minimize the chances of infection for both visitors and staff.
▲ To maintain social distancing, the “haunted house” gets a new twist.
The haunted house design team from Kowagarasetai has created the world’s first self-driving haunted attraction—well, technically, it’s more like a “haunted parking lot.” Located in Higashi Azabu, Minato Ward, Tokyo, it’s based on a legend that “a terrifying incident once occurred here long ago. Now, it’s whispered among locals that if you park your car inside and honk three times, unpredictable strange things will happen.”
▲ “Just park your car inside and honk three times, and unpredictable strange things will happen.”
When fearless self-drivers park in the “haunted parking lot,” they can tune in to their car radio to hear the backstory of the terrifying event. As they listen intently to the broadcast, they must stay alert for unexpected occurrences right before their eyes—such as zombies, vengeful spirits, or other undead beings tapping on their windows and leaving bloody handprints. (Note: Visitor consent is obtained in advance and vehicle owners’ permission is secured.)
▲ Your car might end up looking like this after leaving the “haunted parking lot.”
The “haunted parking lot” event takes place on July 4–5. Each session lasts about 20 minutes and requires advance booking (booking link). Participants must remain in their vehicles at all times, and the fee is 8,000 yen per car (approx. HK$582), with no limit on the number of passengers. Non-car owners can also join—in this case, the organizers will provide vehicles on July 5, with each car limited to a maximum of four familiar guests. To prevent group infections, carpooling isn’t allowed, and each vehicle is thoroughly disinfected after every use. The service costs 9,000 yen per car (approx. HK$654). For details, visit the official website.
▲ Japanese people believe that a “chilling fear” can help beat the summer heat.
Source: SoraNews24