A Japanese beach-resort has come up with a novel idea where tourists can enjoy the evening sunset - with a virtual girlfriend.

Now, romance your virtual girlfriend on an iPhone!

A Japanese beach-resort has come up with a novel idea where tourists can enjoy the evening sunset - with a virtual girlfriend.

Atami, a Pacific coast resort southwest of the metropolis, has attracted many men this year who are armed with their iPhones and Nintendo DS consoles, ready to spend some quality time with their virtual girlfriends that are brought to life using augmented reality (AR) software.

"Look, it's like I'm in a snapshot with her," Discovery News quoted Shu Watanabe as saying, as he showed off his iPhone display, featuring himself next to the image of a doe-eyed cartoon character named Rinko, a smiling high school girl.

Rinko is the result of Love Plus, a dating sim or simulation game that is played on handheld Nintendo DS consoles and also boasts AR applications for iPhones.

The creators, Konami Digital Entertainment, are a hit with men obsessed with high-tech, manga and anime, known as 'otaku,' as it lets them chase virtual girls in the alternative universe of their digital dreams.

Now, the company has selected 13 romantic locations which can be overlaid with images of Rinko or her teenage friends Manaka and Nene, who have all swapped their usual sailor-style school uniforms for casual summer wear.

The local Ohnoya hotel even offers traditional rooms to the unusual couples, which feature two sets of futon beds and another barcode panel that allows the men to visualise their girlfriends in a flattering summer kimono.

The goal of the game is to build long lasting relationships. That means that the girl can get moody when neglected by a player who is not sufficiently committed, and that she demands attention when she feels unwell.

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