Est. 2026 · Melbourne → Japan

Piquno

Snow reports, resort intel, and gear picks for skiing Japan, updated daily by an Aussie who can't stay away from Japow.

Latest Posts

How to Combine Tokyo with a Japan Ski Trip (Without Losing Your Mind or Your Powder Days)

Tokyo plus a Japan ski trip is one of the great travel combos. Here's exactly how to structure it so you don't waste either.

Japan Snow Report: June 6, 2026 - It's Over, Mate. Here's What to Do About It.

Every resort in Japan is closed for winter 2025-26. Here's what we know about upgrades, passes, and what's worth booking for next season.

Ski Rental vs Bringing Your Own Gear to Japan: The Honest Answer

Renting in Japan is genuinely world-class, but there are real reasons to haul your own gear. Here's how to decide without second-guessing yourself at the airport.

Off-Season Recon: What Every Japan Ski Region Is Cooking Up for 2026-27

It's June, the lifts are quiet, but there's plenty happening across Japan's ski regions. Here's your off-season intel for 2026-27.

Heli Skiing and Cat Skiing in Japan: The Honest Guide to Going Beyond the Lifts

Japan's powder is already legendary, but heli and cat skiing take it somewhere else entirely. Here's what's actually available and whether it's worth it.

June Already: What Japan's Ski Regions Are Cooking Up for 2026-27

It's early June and the lifts are quiet, but there's plenty worth paying attention to if you're already planning your Japow trip.

Niseko's Backcountry Gates: What They Are, How They Work, and Whether You're Ready

Niseko's backcountry gates are world-famous but badly misunderstood. Here's the honest guide to what's out there and who should actually use them.

Japan Ski Roundup: June 3, 2026 - Off-Season Already? Here's What to Watch For Next Winter

It's June and the lifts are quiet, but there's plenty to track before the 2026-27 season kicks off. Here's the regional rundown.

The Ultimate Hokkaido Road Trip Itinerary: Two Weeks, Five Resorts, Zero Regrets

Hokkaido has too many great ski resorts to pick just one. Here's how to string them all together into the trip of a lifetime.

June Already and Japan's Already Planning Next Winter - Here's What's Coming

It's June, the lifts are stopped, and the bears are out. But next season is already taking shape across every region.

Skiing Furano: The Honest Guide to Hokkaido's Most Underrated Resort

Furano gets overshadowed by Niseko every year. That's a mistake. Here's why this quiet Hokkaido town deserves a spot on your Japan ski list.

The Best Après-Ski in Japan: Where to Eat, Drink and Soak After a Day on the Powder

Japan's après-ski scene is wildly underrated. Here's where to find the best food, drinks and onsens after a big day on the mountain.

End of May 2026: Japan's Ski Season Is Done, But Here's What's Coming Next Winter

It's 31 May and every resort in Japan is closed. Here's the honest off-season rundown and what to watch for next season.

Japan Snow Report: May 30, 2026 - Everything's Closed and That's Actually Fine

It's late May and Japan's ski season is well and truly done. Here's what to know before you start planning for 2026-27.

Onsen Etiquette for Skiers: How to Not Make a Fool of Yourself at a Japanese Hot Spring

Soaking in an onsen after a big powder day is one of the best things about skiing Japan. Here's how to do it properly.

Japan Snow Daily: Late May 2026 - What's Still Open and What to Book for Next Season

It's late May, the lifts are mostly quiet, but there's still snow on the ground and a lot to plan for 26/27 season.

Getting Between Japan Ski Resorts Without a Car: The Honest Transport Guide

You don't need a hire car to ski multiple resorts in Japan. Here's exactly how to move between mountains without losing your mind.

May 28 Japan Snow Roundup: Season's Cooked But Next Winter Is Already Getting Interesting

It's late May and the lifts are quiet, but there's real news worth knowing before you lock in your 2026-27 Japan trip.

Kiroro vs Rusutsu: Which Hokkaido Resort Actually Suits You Better?

Both are seriously underrated next to Niseko, but Kiroro and Rusutsu are completely different mountains for completely different skiers.

Japan Snow Report: May 27, 2026 - Off-Season Already, But Next Winter Is Shaping Up Nicely

Resorts are shut, snow is melting, but there's plenty to plan for - United just added direct US flights and Japan's Olympic snowboard dominance has everyone pumped for 2026-27.

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