A good way to visit the Shonan area is to take the JR Tokaido line to Ofuna Stn from Tokyo. Switch over to the JR Yokotsuka line down to Kamakura Stn. Switch over to the Enoden (Enoshima Densha) narrow gauge down to Enoshima. Then take the Shonan Monorail back to Ofuna Stn. There are many places to see along this triangular route. The modes of transportation in themselves are interesting too.

The Hakone Mountain Railway starting at Hakone Yumoto uses zigzaging switch backs to climb up. It is interesting to watch the driver running to the other end at each switch back. At Gora, then a modern cable car at the end plus a gondola to the lake.

A gondola?!?! Are you sure?

Is it new? This is my first time up there last week.

http://www.odakyu.jp/english/sightse...por/Erope.html

Well if no one tattles on us then we should be fine........

Maybe he/she meant the Hakone Ropeway as described below:
"The Hakone Ropeway, covering a distance of 4,035 m between Sounzan and Togendai, is the longest in Japan and the second-longest in the world after the Kriens Bahn in Switzerland. Gondolas carrying 13 passengers rise up into the sky once every minute. Enjoy sweeping panoramas all the way over the sea of trees from Sounzan to Togendai near Lake Ashi, via Owakudani and Ubako. At its highest point, between Sounzan and Owakudani, the ropeway is 130 meters above the ground. The large crater visible below is impressive in its overwhelming energy. Proceeding to Ubako and Togendai, the ropeway offers grand views of Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji behind Mount Kami, with the scenery reflecting the changes of the seasons. The journey between Sounzan and Togendai takes approximately 28 minutes. The Hakone Freepass is an economical and convenient way to enjoy an excursion in Hakone using the Hakone Ropeway."

The link for above:
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/sightse...por/Erope.html

I've been to Hakone in January, and it's a great time to go. I was in a big mass-market ryokan, and it was comfortably heated. The outdoor hot spring pools in winter are not to be missed!

I've gone round the route a few times. The nearest thing I could remember seeing that resembles what I think of as a gondola are the tacky Swan peddle boats you get on Lake Ashinoko. I just wanted to be sure they hadn't introduced a giant Gondola with plastic animatronic'd Gondoleer to go along with the hideous pirate ships.