Right, it's Monday 25 May 2026 and there is absolutely no skiing happening in Japan right now. Not a single groomed run. The lifts are off, the onsens are packed with hikers instead of skiers, and the only snow left is sitting on the tops of Asahidake and Tateyama for the hardcore spring corn crowd.
But honestly? This is the time to get your head straight for next season. Prices are lower, passes go on sale, and resorts start announcing what they're upgrading. So let's do a quick lap of the regions and flag what's worth watching.
Hokkaido: Still the Top Dog, But Watch the Shoulder Season
Niseko United wrapped its official season in early May. Hanazono and Annupuri went first, Hirafu hung on a bit longer like it always does. Word is Hoshino Resorts (who run Niseko Village and Tomamu) are pushing hard on their accommodation packages for 26-27, so if you're eyeing a Tomamu stay, lock it in early before the yen does something annoying.
Furano had a solid late season this year. Snow held well into April on the upper mountain. If you haven't skied Furano, it's still criminally underrated compared to Niseko. Fewer crowds, better tree skiing on a powder day, and Furano town is just a ripper place to eat ramen at 10pm after a big day.
Asahidake is technically still open for ski touring and some lift-accessed spring skiing on the volcano. It's Hokkaido's highest point at 2291m. If you're into that sort of thing, it's worth a look in June. Most people aren't, and that's fine.
Kiroro has been quietly building its reputation as the go-to for people who want Hokkaido powder without the Niseko circus. Keep an eye on their early-bird pass deals, usually they drop something in June or July.
Tohoku: The Dark Horse Region, Gassan Is Still Going
Gassan on the Yamagata-Niigata border is one of the few places in Japan where you can ski into July. Not joking. It runs a spring season on the upper snowfields and it's a proper cult thing. You hike a bit, you ski some steep wet snow, you feel like a hero. Worth knowing about if you're planning a May or June trip to Japan for non-ski reasons and want to sneak a run in.
Zao Onsen had a great season for its famous juhyo (snow monster) trees. The Yamagata side gets absolutely hammered with maritime snow and this winter was no exception. Already on my list for 26-27.
Appi Kogen in Iwate is worth a mention. It's a long way from anywhere but the resort itself is well-run, the snow quality is underrated, and it's almost entirely Japanese skiers. Very different vibe from the international crowd at Niseko.
Nagano: Hakuba Will Be Busy Planning Its Next Move
Hakuba is Hakuba. It's the biggest ski destination in Honshu and it knows it. Happo-One, Goryu, and Hakuba 47 all had decent seasons. Cortina, as always, was the powder hound's choice when it snowed hard. That place gets buried.
The Hakuba Valley pass is still the best value multi-resort ticket in Japan if you're based in the valley for a week or more. Keep an eye on when they release 26-27 pricing, usually around August.
Nozawa Onsen had a cracker of a late season. The village itself is one of my favourite places in Japan, full stop. The free public onsens (sotoyu), the narrow streets, the old blokes playing gateball. If you haven't done Nozawa, sort it out before you do another Niseko trip.
Shiga Kogen is 21 linked resorts. It's massive and most Australians ignore it. That's a mistake. It suits intermediate skiers who just want to explore all day without repeating runs.
Niigata: Kagura Hangs On Longest in This Region
Kagura on the Naeba side is famous for its late season. It often keeps a few lifts spinning into May on the upper mountain. This year was no different. If you want spring skiing in Niigata, Kagura is your answer.
Naeba itself is a big resort with a big reputation. The Dragondola connecting it to Kagura is worth the ride just for the views. Naeba suits people who want a full-service resort experience, hotels, restaurants, the whole thing.
Myoko Kogen, specifically Akakura Onsen and Suginohara, had solid mid-season snowfalls this year. Myoko is another one that punches above its weight and doesn't get enough love from the international crowd.
The Rest of Japan: Closed, Done, See You in December
Western Honshu resorts like Daisen in Tottori and Biwako Valley in Shiga wrapped up months ago. These are low-elevation resorts that depend on cold snaps to build their base. They're fun for a day trip if you're in Osaka or Kyoto but nobody's planning a ski trip around them.
Kanto resorts like Kawaba and Tambara in Gunma are done. Same story.
What to Actually Do Right Now
If you're serious about skiing Japan in 26-27, here's the honest to-do list for May and June:
- Set a Google Alert for Niseko United pass sales, they usually drop something in the next few months.
- Check Kiroro and Furano for early accommodation deals, both are cheaper than Niseko and genuinely excellent.
- If Tohoku is on your radar, start looking at JR Pass options now. Getting to Zao or Appi from Tokyo is easy but the rail costs add up.
- Nozawa Onsen accommodation books out early for peak weeks. January and February are the danger zones.
That's the lot for today. Nothing to ski, plenty to plan. Check back in October when the first snow forecasts start dropping and everyone loses their minds.
