Things to Do at Night in Hakone: Complete Guide for Foreign Tourists

From my experience of visiting Hakone for over 10 years, I can honestly say that Hakone's nightlife isn't as flashy as Tokyo's. However, this is precisely what gives it its special charm.

The sound of footsteps in yukata on the stone-paved streets of the hot spring town, enjoying open-air baths while gazing at the starry sky, spending peaceful time at a traditional hot spring inn - these are uniquely Japanese ways of spending the night that can only be experienced in Hakone, away from the urban bustle.

While there may be limited flashy entertainment facilities, I'll introduce you to Hakone's unique nighttime attractions, including seasonal evening events, bar-hopping in the Yumoto area, and nighttime views of Lake Ashi and the cherry blossom-lined streets of Miyagino.

While many tourists enjoy Hakone only during the day and leave, staying until night will let you discover deeper charms of Hakone. In this guide, as a Hakone expert, I'll introduce ways to spend the evening that I want foreign travelers to know about.

Table of Contents
・Is There Little to Do at Night in Hakone?
・Enjoying Hakone Nights at Hot Springs
・Food and Drinks in Hakone at Night
・Entertainment Options for Hakone Nights
・Seasonal Night Events in Hakone
・Frequently Asked Questions About Hakone Nights

Is There Little to Do at Night in Hakone?

When I first visited Hakone, I was also unsure about how to spend the evenings. While it's an easily accessible tourist destination about 1.5 hours from Tokyo, there are indeed fewer nighttime tourist spots and entertainment facilities compared to Tokyo.

However, after 10 years of visits, I've realized that this quietness is the ultimate luxury. While Hakone bustles with magnificent natural scenery and cultural facilities during the day, it shows a different face at night. My favorite activity is exploring the back alleys of the hot spring town. The stone-paved streets illuminated by street lamps and the atmospheric wooden ryokan buildings create a scene that seems frozen in time.

The seasonal events are also not to be missed. From spring cherry blossom illuminations to summer fireworks festivals, there are many nighttime attractions. These events also provide opportunities to interact with locals and experience deeper aspects of Hakone's charm.

Enjoying Hakone Nights at Hot Springs

What I love most about Hakone nights is the hot spring bathing experience. Particularly memorable is soaking in an open-air bath under a starry winter sky. The luxury of immersing in warm waters while gazing at stars that shine brighter in the cold is an incomparable experience.

The Yumoto area is my favorite, where you can enjoy hot springs with various mineral compositions. Some day-trip hot spring facilities are open until 10:00 PM, offering a relaxing bathing time after dinner.

Private open-air baths are also special. When I guided my foreign friends and their families, they were delighted to experience Japanese hot spring culture in a private space.

Food and Drinks in Hakone at Night

I've spent most of my time over the past 10 years in the Yumoto area. This area has the highest concentration of bars and izakayas compared to other areas in Hakone, making it perfect for enjoying dinner and drinks at night.

If you want to enjoy bar-hopping, the Hakone Yumoto area is ideal. I recommend staying in this area for a fulfilling nightlife experience.

Entertainment Options for Hakone Nights

One question I often get from foreign tourists visiting Hakone is about karaoke locations. Actually, Hakone doesn't have typical karaoke box establishments. However, this isn't a significant issue for enjoying Hakone nights.

Many bars have traditional karaoke equipment installed, which actually provides a precious opportunity to experience traditional Japanese karaoke culture. I have fond memories of singing and interacting with locals myself.

For those seeking more options, I recommend traveling to Odawara Station. Just 15 minutes from Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway, the area around Odawara Station has various entertainment facilities including karaoke boxes and game centers. However, pay close attention to the last train times. I've had several experiences of enjoying myself while keeping an eye on the last train schedule.

Seasonal Night Events in Hakone

The seasonal events that color Hakone's nights have been one of the experiences I've most looked forward to over these 10 years. You can enjoy different charms in each season, from spring cherry blossoms to summer fireworks and winter illuminations.

Spring: Cherry Blossom Illumination at Miyagino Hayakawa Embankment

At Miyagino Hayakawa Embankment, Hakone's most impressive cherry blossom spot, about 120 Somei Yoshino cherry trees bloom magnificently. What particularly moves me is the nighttime illumination of the 600-meter cherry tree-lined riverbank.

This illumination, held from March 25th to mid-April from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM annually, creates a completely different, fantastical atmosphere from daytime. The pale pink cherry blossoms floating in the darkness are as beautiful as a Japanese ukiyo-e print.

Summer: Fireworks at Lake Ashi

What I look forward to most in Hakone's summer is the fireworks display at Lake Ashi. Fireworks are launched every night from July 31st's "Lake Ashi Festival" to August 5th's "Torii Burning Festival."

The magical sight of fireworks reflecting on the lake's surface creates the most spectacular moment of Hakone nights. Every year, I enjoy this moving spectacle with friends from prime lakeside viewing spots.

Winter: Glass Forest Museum Illumination

My favorite place in Hakone during winter is the Glass Forest Museum. The crystal glass tree display shows completely different faces during day and night. Especially during the Christmas season, countless candles are displayed, creating a magical space combined with the sparkle of glass. Every year, I'm enchanted by this fantastical world of light and visit multiple times.

Website: https://www.hakone-garasunomori.jp/en/

Frequently Asked Questions About Hakone Nights

Based on my 10 years of experience in Hakone, I've compiled common questions from foreign tourists and their answers.

Is Hakone Safe at Night?

One reason I've continued visiting Hakone for many years is its high level of safety. Like other tourist destinations in Japan, Hakone is a very safe place.

Even late at night, street lights are properly installed, and there are hardly any dangerous areas in major residential areas. My foreign friends have also praised the sense of security even during night walks. From my 10 years of experience, there have been almost no reports of crimes against tourists.

Is There Transportation at Night?

While I initially worried about nighttime transportation in Hakone, there are actually sufficient options. Taxi services are available 24 hours, and I often use them for late-night travel.

It's also reassuring that many hotels provide their own shuttle services. For public transportation, the last trains run until around 11:00 PM. Especially in the Yumoto area, restaurants are concentrated within walking distance, so you won't have trouble moving around at night.

Does English Work?

Regarding English support, it varies by location.

From my experience, major hotels always have English-speaking staff. However, while local restaurants may have English menus, conversation might be a bit difficult. Therefore, having a translation app ready is essential.

When I guided foreign friends, we enjoyed conversations using smartphone translation apps.

From my experience of visiting Hakone for over 10 years, while Hakone may not have the flashy nightlife entertainment of Tokyo, its true charm lies in the atmospheric hot spring town ambiance, seasonal events full of character, and above all, the quietness and tranquility that can't be experienced in the city.

From encountering local flavors at restaurants centered in the Yumoto area to experiencing open-air baths under a starry sky, and seasonal festivals and events, Hakone nights have their own unique ways to enjoy. Additionally, thorough safety measures and comprehensive transportation options allow you to enjoy Hakone nights with peace of mind.

Please don't just enjoy daytime sightseeing - stay until night to discover another face of Hakone!