Right, it's Sunday 26 April 2026 and the honest truth is: most of Japan's ski season is done. The carpark is emptying, the onsen towns are quiet, and the lift operators are counting down shifts. But "most" isn't "all", and if you're still chasing turns, there are a few places worth knowing about.
Hokkaido - The Last Ones Standing
Niseko United wrapped its main season a couple of weeks back. Hanazono and Annupuri are closed. Grand Hirafu held on the longest but it's done now too. If you're in Hokkaido right now and desperate for turns, Asahidake is your best bet - it runs into May most years and sits at elevation. Snow depth up top is still reasonable, probably 2 to 3 metres of consolidated pack. It's not Japow powder days, it's spring skiing, but the views of the crater are genuinely something else.
Kurodake is another one to watch. Ropeway-accessed, no grooming, and conditions will be variable - some icy morning crust, soft slush by midday. Go early or don't bother.
Furano and Rusutsu are both closed. Kiroro too. Tomamu's ski area is done. If you're heading to Hokkaido right now, be honest with yourself: it's a food and onsen trip with maybe a bonus ski day at Asahidake.
Tohoku - Gassan Is the One
This is where things get interesting. Gassan in Yamagata is the standout for late-season skiing in all of Japan. It doesn't even open until April in most years, and it runs into late May or even June. The snow depth up there is still enormous - we're talking 4 to 6 metres of base in a good year, and 2026 has been a solid season across Tohoku.
Zao Onsen closed its main runs a couple of weeks ago, but Gassan is the one to bookmark right now. The terrain is limited - it's basically one big open bowl accessed by a rope tow and a short hike - but the snow quality in late April can be genuinely good, especially on a cold morning. Worth the detour if you're in Yamagata.
Hakkoda in Aomori is likely done or on its last legs. Appi Kogen closed mid-April. Tohoku's season is Gassan now, full stop.
Nagano - Hakuba Holding On Barely
Happo-One in Hakuba closed its main lifts. Goryu and Hakuba 47 are done. Cortina, which usually goes deep into spring, is likely closed or on its final weekend. Tsugaike held on a bit later than the others this year.
Shiga Kogen - some of the higher lifts may still be spinning on weekends, but don't drive up from Tokyo expecting a full day. Check the individual resort websites before you go. Yokoteyama-Shibutoge is usually one of the last to close up there.
Nozawa Onsen wrapped up a couple of weeks ago. The town is still lovely though - if you've never been to Nozawa in spring, the onsen and the food scene are worth it even without snow.
Niigata - Kagura Is Your Best Bet in the Region
Kagura and Mitsumata are the late-season heroes of Niigata. Kagura in particular sits high enough to hold snow well into May. The Tashiro side is probably closed, but Kagura's upper mountain via the gondola can still have decent cover. Spring corn snow, not powder, but still skiable and honestly fun on a sunny day.
Gala Yuzawa is done. Naeba is done. Joetsu Kokusai, Ishiuchi Maruyama - all wrapped up. Kagura is your one remaining option in this region and it's a good one if conditions cooperate.
Kanto, Central Honshu and the Rest - Wrap It Up
Everything in Kanto is closed. Hunter Mountain Shiobara, Kawaba, Tambara - done and dusted. Kusatsu Onsen usually hangs on a bit but it's the end of April, so don't count on it.
Central Honshu resorts like Dynaland and Takasu Snow Park in Gifu are closed. Ski Jam Katsuyama in Fukui usually runs a bit later than the others in that region but check before you go - it may have closed in the last week or two.
Western Honshu and Shikoku - closed. All of it. Daisen in Tottori had a decent season but it's over.
What to Actually Do Right Now
Here's my honest take: if you're already in Japan and want to ski, go to Gassan in Yamagata or Asahidake in Hokkaido. Those are your two genuine options with real snow and open lifts. Kagura in Niigata is a distant third.
If you're planning from Australia and thinking about a late-April Japan trip for skiing, I'd tell you to wait until December. The value isn't there right now unless you're combining it with a broader Japan trip and treating the skiing as a bonus.
One side note: with the Iran war pushing up construction costs and supply chain headaches across Japan, a few resort upgrade projects that were announced for the 2026-27 season may face delays. Nothing confirmed yet, but worth keeping an eye on. I'll update when there's something concrete to report.
Season's nearly done, mate. Start thinking about where you're booking for December.
