Right, it's Monday 27 April 2026 and let's be honest with each other. The season is basically done. Most resorts across Japan have pulled the pin or are days away from doing so. But there's still a bit of life left if you know where to look, and now is exactly the right time to start thinking about next season before the good passes sell out.
Hokkaido: Furano Holding On, Everything Else Gone Dark
Niseko United closed out weeks ago. Rusutsu, Kiroro, Tomamu, all done. The party is over on the main Hokkaido circuit.
Furano is the last one standing with any credibility. It's been running a reduced operation on the Kitanomine side and typically holds on into early May in a good year. Snow depth up top is probably sitting around 80 to 100cm at this point, which is thin but skiable. Don't expect powder. Expect spring slush in the afternoon and firm groomers in the morning if you're up early enough.
Asahidake is worth a mention too. Being a volcanic mountain with serious elevation, it sometimes runs into May on natural snow. No lifts, but if you're into ski touring it's genuinely one of the more special places in Japan in spring. Cold, quiet, and a bit wild.
Practical tip: if you're still in Hokkaido this week, hit Furano first thing in the morning, ski until midday, and then get off the hill. Afternoon skiing in late April up there is just wet socks and regret.
Tohoku: Gassan Is the Star Now
Most of the Tohoku resorts are done. Appi Kogen, Zao Onsen, Hakkoda, all closed or closing this week.
But Gassan is a different story. This minor resort in Yamagata Prefecture is famous for its late season and often runs until late May or even June. It's a spring skiing institution. Deep snowpack from a monster winter, high elevation, and a short but rewarding lift-served area. It's not a full resort experience, but it's legitimate skiing when basically nowhere else in Japan is open.
If you're planning a late April or May Japan trip specifically for skiing, Gassan is your answer. Full stop.
Nagano: Hakuba Is Wrapping Up, Shiga Kogen Already Gone
Shiga Kogen has closed up shop. Nozawa Onsen, same story. Madarao, done.
In Hakuba, a couple of areas are still clinging on. Happo-One typically runs into late April on its upper lifts and Cortina sometimes squeezes out a final weekend. But honestly, conditions are spring slush territory now. The village is quiet, some accommodation is already in off-season mode, and the energy is gone.
That said, Hakuba in late April has a charm to it if you're not chasing powder. The mountains are still snow-capped, the izakayas are open, and there are no lift queues. Some people love it. I get it.
Now is actually a great time to think about Hakuba Valley passes for next season. The Hakuba Valley Ticket tends to go on sale in the northern summer and early buyers sometimes get better deals. Worth bookmarking.
Niigata: Kagura Is Your Last Real Option
Naeba is done. Gala Yuzawa is wrapping up. Most of the Yuzawa area resorts have closed.
Kagura, specifically the Kagura and Mitsumata zones, is the one to watch. It sits at higher elevation than most Niigata resorts and regularly runs into May. The snowpack there has been solid this season and there's a decent chance the upper lifts are still spinning this week. Worth checking their website before you book anything.
Muikamachi Hakkaisan is another one that sometimes surprises in late April. Smaller, less talked about, but worth a look if you're in the area.
Central Honshu and Kanto: Mostly Wrapped
Dynaland, Takasu Snow Park, Ski Jam Katsuyama in Fukui, most of these closed out in late March or early April. Same goes for the Gunma and Tochigi resorts like Kawaba and Tambara. The lower elevation and warmer temps just don't support late season skiing in these areas.
Tateyama in Toyama is worth flagging though. It's not a ski resort in the traditional sense, but the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route opens in mid-April and you can ski the famous snow walls area in late April and May. It's more of a bucket list experience than a ski day, but it's genuinely spectacular and very Japanese.
What the Earthquake News Means for Travellers
Japan lifted its advisory following last week's magnitude 7.7 quake, which is good news. The Cabinet Office did note that aftershock risk hasn't disappeared, so it's worth staying across JMA alerts if you're travelling in affected prefectures. Most ski regions were not directly impacted, but it's always smart to check your travel insurance covers earthquake-related disruptions. She'll be right in most cases, but be informed.
The Real Move Right Now: Plan for 2026-27
Here's the honest take. If you're not already in Japan, there's not much point flying over specifically to ski this week unless Gassan or Kagura is your specific target.
The smarter play right now is to lock in 2026-27 plans. Flights from Australia to Sapporo or Osaka for January and February book out earlier every year. Niseko accommodation for peak weeks in February is already getting snapped up. The Ikon Pass and various Japan resort passes tend to go on sale in the coming months with early bird pricing.
Start the spreadsheet now. Your future self will thank you.
