Right. It's the 12th of May and we're firmly in off-season territory. The lifts are quiet, the powder chasers have gone home, and most resorts are already in summer mode. But a handful of spots are still hanging on, and there's actually a fair bit worth knowing for next season. Let's do a quick lap around the country.
Hokkaido: Season's Done, Bears Are Not
Every major resort on the island is closed. Niseko United, Rusutsu, Kiroro, Furano - all done for 2025/26. Tomamu wrapped up in early April. Sahoro and Kamui Ski Links were gone even before that.
The two exceptions, as always, are Asahidake and Kurodake up in the Daisetsuzan range. Asahidake runs a single ropeway and you can still skin or ride limited terrain into May if the snowpack holds. It's not resort skiing - it's more like backcountry-lite with a gondola assist. If you're reading this and you're actually in Hokkaido right now with skis, good on ya. That's a niche crew.
One thing worth flagging: black bear sightings across Japan more than doubled in 2025 and bear attack deaths hit a record 13 in fiscal 2025. If you're heading into the Daisetsuzan backcountry, carry a bear bell and don't be a hero. She's not a joke up there.
For next season planning: Hokkaido's early-season window (late November to mid-December) is increasingly the smart play before the crowds hit. Furano and Kiroro in particular tend to open quietly and ski beautifully before the Christmas rush.
Tohoku: Gassan Is the Last Man Standing
Most of Tohoku is done. Appi Kogen, Zao Onsen, Hakkoda - all closed. But Gassan in Yamagata is a different beast entirely. It typically runs from late April through July, and right now in mid-May it should be in full swing. It's a spring skiing destination, not a powder one. Think corn snow, bright sunshine, and skiers in t-shirts. The access road opens in late April and the skiing is genuinely good for the time of year.
If you're in the Tohoku region and want to get one last run in before next winter, Gassan is your only realistic option right now. Worth the detour if you're passing through Yamagata.
Hakkoda is also worth watching for next season. It's one of the most underrated resorts in Japan for tree skiing and it flies under the radar compared to Niseko. Single gondola, massive terrain, and the Aomori city access is easy.
Nagano: Hakuba Quiet, Tateyama Waking Up
Hakuba is closed across the board. Happo-One, Goryu, Cortina, Tsugaike, Iwatake - all done. Nozawa Onsen and Shiga Kogen are the same. The valley looks green now and the hiking season is starting to ramp up.
The interesting one near this region is Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, which technically sits in Toyama prefecture but is most often accessed via Nagano. The route opens in mid-April and the famous snow corridor - the Oyuki Kabe - can have walls 10 to 15 metres high in peak years. It's not skiing, but if you're a snow obsessive who finds themselves in Japan in May, it's worth the trip just to stand next to a wall of snow taller than your house.
For next season: Cortina at Hakuba remains my pick for deep powder days. It's smaller, it fills up fast, and the tree skiing off the top is genuinely world-class when it snows. Book accommodation early if you want to be there on a storm day.
Niigata: Kagura Might Still Be Running
Kagura / Mitsumata / Tashiro is Niigata's late-season hero. It sits at elevation and consistently runs into May, sometimes into early June on the upper Kagura area. Worth checking their website directly if you're keen - they've been known to keep the Kagura gondola running for spring skiing when everything else around them is done.
Gala Yuzawa, Naeba, Joetsu Kokusai - all wrapped up. The Yuzawa town itself is already pivoting to hot spring tourists and day-trippers from Tokyo.
One thing to think about for next season: the Niigata corridor (Yuzawa, Myoko, Naeba) is massively undervalued by Australians compared to Hakuba and Niseko. The shinkansen from Tokyo to Echigo-Yuzawa takes 77 minutes. You can be skiing at Gala literally 80 minutes after leaving Tokyo Station. If you're combining a Japan trip with a city stay, this is the easiest ski fix you'll ever do.
Central Honshu and the Rest: Nothing to See Here
Gifu, Fukui, Toyama - all closed. Dynaland, Takasu Snow Park, Ski Jam Katsuyama - done weeks ago. Same story for the Kanto resorts like Hunter Mountain Shiobara, Tambara, and Kawaba.
Daisen in Tottori (Western Honshu) is also long gone. It had a decent season this year but the low elevation catches up with it by March every time.
What to Actually Do Right Now If You Love Japan Skiing
Honestly? Use this time well. Here's what I'd be doing this week:
- Sort your Ikon or Epic pass if you're planning on Niseko, Rusutsu, or Hakuba next season. Early bird pricing is usually on through May or June.
- Book Niseko accommodation early. Seriously. The good places in Hirafu and Annupuri fill up for January and February by August. Not kidding.
- Look at Furano as a Niseko alternative. Fewer crowds, better tree skiing, and the town is genuinely lovely. It's getting more popular but it's still not Niseko-busy.
- Consider Tohoku. Appi Kogen and Zao Onsen are both brilliant and wildly undervisited by Australians. Cheaper, quieter, and the snow at Zao is something else.
Season's over, mate. But next winter is only six months away. Start planning now and you'll be the one with the good accommodation while everyone else is scrambling in October.
