Right. It's June 6. Every single ski resort in Japan is shut. The lifts are stopped, the groomers are parked up, and the onsens are full of hikers instead of powder-drunk Australians. That's just how it is.
But this is exactly the time to get your ducks in a row for next season. Prices are lower, passes are on sale, and the resorts that are doing upgrades are announcing them now. So let's run through what's happening region by region.
Hokkaido - Niseko, Rusutsu, Furano and the Rest
Niseko United had another strong late season thanks to a solid March dump across Grand Hirafu and Hanazono. Annupuri was the quiet achiever this year, honestly. Less crowds, same snow, and the off-piste off the back was working well into April.
Furano is reportedly looking at extending its snowmaking coverage on the Kitanomine side for 2026-27. Nothing confirmed, but the local chatter is pointing that way. If you haven't skied Furano, it needs to be on your list. It's not Niseko-famous but the terrain is genuinely excellent and the town is a proper Japanese ski town, not an expat bubble.
Kiroro is one to watch for next season. The ownership situation has been settling down and the resort has been quietly improving infrastructure. It gets serious snowfall, often more than Niseko, and it's still under the radar for a lot of Australians.
Asahidake and Kurodake are both closed now obviously, but if you're planning a Hokkaido trip and you've done Niseko three times already, consider building a few days up in Daisetsuzan. The terrain is completely different and the snow quality up there is something else.
Tohoku - Zao, Appi, Hakkoda
Zao Onsen in Yamagata had a ripper juhyo season this year. The snow monsters were forming well into February and the resort held on with decent cover through mid-March. If you've never seen the juhyo, that alone is worth the trip. It's properly bizarre and brilliant.
Hakkoda is worth a mention because it's still a bit of a hidden gem for Australians. No lifts, just snowcat skiing and touring, but the powder up there is genuinely world-class and the setting is wild. Something to research for next season if you're after something different.
Appi Kogen is solid, well-run, and great for families. Not the most exciting terrain but the facilities are excellent and it's easy to get to from Tokyo via Shinkansen to Morioka.
Nagano - Hakuba, Nozawa, Shiga Kogen
Hakuba is always the big one for Australians and for good reason. Happo-One is the flagship but honestly, Cortina is where you want to be in a big snow year. The tree skiing there is as good as anything in Hokkaido when it's going off.
Nozawa Onsen had a strong season this year. The village is still one of the best ski towns in Japan, full stop. The free onsens, the narrow streets, the locals who actually seem happy you're there. I'd pick Nozawa over Hakuba for a first-time Japan trip any day.
Shiga Kogen is massive and underrated. 21 linked areas. Most Aussies skip it because it's not as Instagrammable as Hakuba but the sheer size of the skiable terrain is hard to argue with. Worth at least a few days.
Madarao and Tangram are both worth knowing about if you want to escape the Hakuba crowds. Madarao in particular gets excellent snowfall and the tree runs are fantastic.
Niigata - Naeba, Kagura, Myoko
Kagura is the standout for late season in Niigata. It regularly skis into May thanks to its elevation and north-facing aspect. This year was no different. If you ever want to squeeze a late April or early May ski trip into Japan, Kagura is your answer.
Myoko Kogen is a great base for a longer trip. The Akakura Onsen village has real character, the snow is heavy and deep, and Lotte Arai Resort next door has been investing heavily in facilities and now has some of the best accommodation in the region.
Naeba is big, busy, and efficient. The Dragondola linking it to Kagura is a proper experience. It's not my favourite resort to actually ski but the infrastructure is hard to fault.
Central Honshu and Kanto - Worth Knowing
Dynaland and Takasu Snow Park in Gifu are solid options if you're basing yourself in Nagoya or Osaka and want a day trip. Nothing to blow your mind but they do the job.
Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma is genuinely one of the best ski-onsen combinations in Japan. The onsen town itself is famous across Japan and the skiing is decent enough. Worth a night or two if you're doing a Kanto loop.
What to Actually Do Right Now
A few practical things worth doing in June before everyone else wakes up to next season.
- Hakuba Goryu and Happo-One season passes typically go on early bird pricing around now. Check the official sites.
- Niseko United's multi-resort pass deals are usually available from around July. Set a reminder.
- Accommodation in Nozawa and Myoko books out fast for peak January weeks. If you're targeting New Year or the January 10-25 window, start looking now.
- Flights from Melbourne and Sydney to Sapporo (New Chitose) are worth watching. The Jetstar and ANA routes fill up early for the peak powder window.
Nothing to report on the snow front obviously. But the planning season is well and truly open. Get into it.
