Where to stop between Kyoto and Tokyo

I'm leaving Kyoto on a Saturday September 21 and have a business appointment in Tokyo on Sunday evening.
What would be a nice one-night inbetween stop?

I thought about Fujinomiya, enjoy the views and some hiking. But it doesn't seem too popular.

Hakone seems very nice too, but a bit out of the way.

I'm solo traveling and will be spending a week in Tokyo afterwards. Open to anything really, but something outside of a city is preferred.

Thank you for your advice!