If you’re traveling between Tokyo and Kyoto, Hakone is one of the best places to pause for a relaxing overnight stay. This Hakone one night itinerary is designed for an easy trip: arrive in the morning, stay one night, and leave the next evening.

You’ll get the best of Hakone at your own pace, including a ryokan stay, hot springs, mountain views, and a few standout sights.

Why Visit Hakone on an Overnight Trip?

Relaxing hot springs, scenic hikes, seasonal treats, and charming local shops and bars. Hakone has a little something for everyone at any time of year.

Back in the Edo Period, this town served as a post station and checkpoint for travelers along the highway from Edo (modern-day Tokyo) to Kyoto, so it’s fitting that today it remains one of the best places to pause and rest between packed Tokyo and Kyoto itineraries.

For many travelers, a Hakone overnight trip is the perfect reset between big-city sightseeing days.

Where to Stay: Hakone Ryokan and Onsen for One Night

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn, and a Hakone ryokan stay is one of the most relaxing ways to experience the area. Usually constructed in classic Japanese style with tatami mats and futons to sleep on (and often private baths), a ryokan is designed around comfort and downtime. This style of lodging dates back to the 8th century, with some ryokan recognized as among the oldest hotels in the world.

In Hakone, many ryokan provide multiple hot springs, a full-course dinner and breakfast, and your own yukata (a traditional Japanese robe) to wear during your stay.

This is one of the best things for a weary traveler. Coming in from the bustling chaos of Tokyo, walking steep hills from shrine to shrine in Kyoto, or even exploring Hakone’s own mountainous hiking spots, getting back to your ryokan and soaking in a hot bath is one of the best ways to relax after a long day. That said, there’s plenty to see and do outside of your hotel in this lovely area.

Day 1: Hakone Ropeway, Owakudani, and Black Eggs

See Natural and Man-Made Beauty

From majestic mountain views along the Hakone Ropeway to masterpieces from the likes of Picasso and Monet, Hakone offers an impressive mix of natural and cultural sights. Hiking the Mount Kintoki Loop has great foliage views, especially in the spring and fall. The ropeway takes you over the Owakudani volcanic valley where you can see steam rising up, and on clear days, you may even get unforgettable views of Mount Fuji.

The Hakone Ropeway is also one of the easiest ways to reach Owakudani, one of the most iconic stops on a Hakone itinerary even if you’re only staying one night.

On less clear days, there’s still plenty to see. The Pola Museum of Art and Hakone Open-Air Museum both house some amazing pieces, from sculptures and paintings to towers and interactive exhibits.

At the Open-Air Museum, even children can find ways to have fun without it feeling like another boring museum. If you’d rather just continue relaxing, there’s even a nice foot bath at the base of the stained-glass tower where you can soak while taking in the scenery.

Practical Info: Hakone Open-Air Museum

Address: 1121 Ninotaira, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0493

Hours: 9 AM–5 PM daily (last admission 4:30 PM)

Why Go: Outdoor sculptures with mountain scenery, plus interactive exhibits that are genuinely fun for both children and adults.

Practical Info: Pola Museum of Art

Address: 1285 Kozukayama, Sengokuhara, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0631

Hours: 9 AM–5 PM daily (last admission 4:30 PM)

Why Go: World-class Impressionist art in a peaceful, forest-immersed museum.

Owakudani Black Eggs and Black Curry Lunch

No Hakone one night itinerary is complete without a stop at Owakudani for the famous black eggs (黒たまご・kuro tamago), said to add seven years to your life. While there’s no proof behind the legend, they’re still a fun and iconic part of visiting Hakone.

You can buy them directly at the Owakudani gift shop for ¥500 per pack of four. The line can get long, but it moves fast. Just be sure to have your money ready, as it’s cash only. The shell of the egg is chalky black, but the egg inside is just a regular hard-boiled egg, so there are no strange flavors to worry about.

If you’re looking for a heartier lunch, this area is also known for its black curry. Right in Owakudani Station, places like Owakudani Eki Shokudo offer black curry, often topped with the same eggs. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal, especially after a day of walking around.

Recently, some spots have even added a curry bread option: basically a savory donut stuffed with that same rich black curry. No matter which you choose, there are plenty of great bites and sights around this whole area.

Hakone Onsen Etiquette Tips

With everything there is to see and do in Hakone, it would be impossible not to mention one of its most famous features: its hot springs. Hakone sits on a natural hot spring zone, so finding a Hakone onsen is easy, whether you’re soaking at your ryokan, booking a private bath, or visiting a day-use facility.

A few quick etiquette tips to keep in mind:

• Wash before entering the bath. Most onsen have shower stations with soap and shampoo before the bathing area.

• You’ll enter the bath nude. There’s usually a small changing area with baskets or lockers for your clothes.

• Rinse first, then soak. Many onsen have small buckets so you can rinse your body with bath water to adjust to the temperature.

• Check rules posted on-site. Different onsen have different guidelines, and Hakone bath houses often post rules in English.

• Tattoo policies vary. Some onsen have restrictions, though many ryokan and private baths are tattoo-friendly.

Different onsen have different rules, and most will be clearly posted around on the walls. Hakone’s bath houses typically have those rules in English as well! Keeping an eye out for local rules will help you have the calm and relaxing experience that visitors travel to Hakone for.

Tips for Getting Around Hakone

Hakone is a fairly spread out area, so traveling by foot is not very feasible. There are many different transportation methods around Hakone, and each offers different pros and cons depending on where you’re staying.

• Trains offer slower, but incredibly scenic rides through the mountains.

• Taxis are more expensive, but often the fastest way to get around.

• Buses have a good balance of price and convenience, but be mindful of schedules as they can run less frequently.

• The ropeway is highly recommended for its incredible views, but it’s not a main transportation method on its own, so you’ll likely combine it with trains, buses, or taxis, to get to and from your destination.

For a short 48 hour trip in Hakone, options like the Hakone Free Pass and other multi-day passes tend not to be worth it.

Unless you’re staying for a few days, paying individually for transportation usually makes the most sense.

Hakone One Night Itinerary: Final Thoughts

Hakone is a beautiful area. So beautiful, in fact, that in some neighborhoods even convenience store signs like 7-Eleven and Lawson appear in a muted brown, white, or black instead of their standard colors. This is to comply with local regulations that are meant to protect the area’s natural beauty.

Whether you’re shopping in the city center, going for a day hike, or just taking in the peaceful atmosphere of a private bath, Hakone is one of the best places for a pit stop to refuel on your journey across Japan.