Right, it's Monday 11 May 2026 and there's not a single lift spinning anywhere in Japan right now. That's just the reality of mid-May. The season is cooked. But if you're already thinking about next winter (and if you're reading this, you probably are), there's actually a fair bit worth knowing right now.
Let's do a quick lap around the regions.
Hokkaido: Season's Wrapped, But Niseko's Off-Season Machine Is Already Moving
Niseko United, Rusutsu and Kiroro all closed up in late April. Furano hung on a bit longer as it usually does, but that's done now too. Asahidake, being a volcano and all, can technically hold snow deep into spring, but don't count on skiing it at this point.
What's worth watching: Niseko's infrastructure spending has been relentless. Hanazono's new gondola project has been the talk of the traps, and if that's on track for 26/27, it changes the upper mountain access game significantly. Worth keeping an eye on announcements over the next couple of months.
Kiroro is quietly becoming one of the better value options in Hokkaido if you're not locked into the Niseko hype. Deep snow, fewer crowds, and the village setup has improved. I'd genuinely consider basing there over Grand Hirafu for a week if you're going mid-January and want to actually ski without queuing.
One minor resort worth a mention: Shimamaki Catski, over on the west coast of Hokkaido. Small operation, serious powder, and almost nobody talks about it. Something to research if you're planning a longer trip next season.
Tohoku: The Region That Deserves More Respect
Zao Onsen in Yamagata is probably the pick of Tohoku for most Aussies, and honestly it punches above its weight. The juhyo, those snow monster trees, are a genuine spectacle and the onsen town is brilliant after a day on the hill. Season there typically runs through to late March or early April.
Hakkoda is the one for serious backcountry types. No lifts, just a ropeway and a whole lot of open terrain. It's not for everyone but if you know what you're doing, it's extraordinary.
Appi Kogen is the family-friendly option with a nice resort setup, but the snow quality doesn't match Hokkaido or even Niigata in a typical season. Fine for a domestic trip, maybe not worth the flight from Melbourne specifically.
Nothing major to report out of Tohoku on the news front right now. The region just quietly does its thing.
Nagano: Hakuba Is Planning, Nozawa Is Nozawa
Hakuba valley is in full off-season mode. The town itself is busy with hiking and cycling tourism, which is actually a smart move by the operators to keep the place alive year-round. Happo-One and Goryu are the anchors, but Cortina is the one that gets the powder obsessives going because of how it funnels the Siberian moisture off the Sea of Japan.
Nozawa Onsen remains one of my favourite places in Japan, full stop. The village is genuinely old, the locals actually care about the place, and the skiing on a good day is as good as anywhere. The onsen at the bottom of the main run is free and open to everyone. That alone is worth the trip.
Madarao and Tangram are worth knowing about if Hakuba is full or you want something a bit quieter. Madarao in particular gets overlooked and has solid tree skiing.
For 26/27, keep an eye on lift pass pricing across the Hakuba valley. Prices have been creeping up in line with the weak yen reversing and resort investment costs. Budget accordingly.
Niigata: The Powder Highway Is Resting
Kagura and Naeba are the big names here, and Kagura in particular has a cult following for late-season skiing because the snowpack is genuinely massive. It's not unusual for Kagura to be skiing into May in a big year. This year it's done, but it's a good reminder of why Niigata's snowfall totals are no joke.
Lotte Arai Resort has been positioning itself at the premium end of the market and it's a genuinely impressive setup. If you haven't looked at it as a base, do. The terrain is interesting and the accommodation quality is solid.
Myoko Kogen, specifically Akakura Onsen, is the kind of place that rewards repeat visitors. It's not flashy but the snow is consistent and the town has real character. Seki Onsen next door is even smaller and even better if you want to get away from the crowds entirely.
Central Honshu and Beyond: Worth a Look If You're Extending a Trip
Gifu's resorts like Dynaland and Takasu Snow Park are solid options if you're combining skiing with a broader Japan trip through Takayama or the Shirakawa-go area. The snow isn't Hokkaido, but the setting is beautiful and the access from Nagoya is easy.
Western Honshu and Shikoku skiing is novelty territory, honestly. Daisen in Tottori is the pick if you're in that part of the country, but I wouldn't fly to Japan for it.
The One Thing To Do Right Now
If you're serious about 26/27, sort your accommodation in Niseko, Hakuba or Nozawa before September. The good places go fast, prices jump, and you don't want to be stuck in a dodgy apartment 20 minutes from the lifts because you left it too late. Especially Niseko, where demand is not slowing down regardless of what the yen does.
That's the Monday read. Nothing urgent, everything useful. Check back as we get into the northern hemisphere autumn and the pre-season forecasts start flowing.
