It's the 21st of May and Japan's ski season is well and truly done. The lifts are stopped, the grooming machines are parked up, and the only people at Niseko right now are the ones running summer hiking tours. But that doesn't mean there's nothing to talk about. This is actually the best time to start thinking seriously about next winter, before flights and accommodation go mental.
Here's where things stand across each region.
Hokkaido: Still the King, But Book Early
Niseko United had a solid end to the 2025-26 season. Hanazono was the last area to close, holding on into late April thanks to a strong base. Furano ran well into May on its upper lifts, which is pretty typical. Rusutsu had a decent year too, though mid-season was a bit patchy compared to the big winters of the early 2020s.
For next season, the big thing to watch is accommodation pricing. Niseko's Hirafu village keeps climbing. If you haven't looked at staying in Annupuri village or even Kutchan, do it now. Same mountain access, a fraction of the cost.
Worth noting: Asahidake in Daisetsuzan National Park usually opens first in Japan, sometimes as early as late October. If you want to chase the earliest Japow of the season, that's your spot. It's a proper mountain, not a resort, and it's brilliant.
Kiroro is still a bit of a hidden gem for powder hunters who don't want the Niseko circus. Keep an eye on whether they push ahead with the planned base area development. That could change things.
Tohoku: Underrated and Worth Your Time
Zao Onsen in Yamagata is one of the most underrated ski towns in Japan, full stop. The juhyo, those snow-covered trees that look like frozen monsters, are the real deal and the onsen culture there is next level. Season usually runs December through late March.
Appi Kogen in Iwate is another one that deserves more Aussie attention. Good vertical, reliable snow, and it's far less crowded than anything in Nagano or Hokkaido. Flights to Sendai or Hanamaki aren't hard to work out either.
Hakkoda is one for the more adventurous. Ropeway-accessed backcountry, serious snowfall, and a town (Aomori city) that's genuinely interesting to spend time in. Not for beginners, but if you're comfortable in the trees, it's a ripper option.
Nagano: The Reliable Workhorse
Hakuba is always going to be the main draw for Australians in Nagano. Happo-One for the groomers and big vert, Cortina for the powder and trees, Hakuba 47 and Goryu for the variety. The Hakuba Valley lift pass that covers most areas is genuinely good value if you're staying a week or more.
Nozawa Onsen had a brilliant late season this year. The town itself is one of the best ski villages in Japan, honestly better than Hirafu for the full Japan experience. Smaller, more traditional, and the free onsens dotted around the village are a treat after a day on the hill.
Shiga Kogen is massive and often overlooked. 21 linked resorts on the one pass. If you want to ski somewhere different every day for two weeks without repeating yourself, that's your place.
Madarao Kogen is worth putting on your radar if you like tree skiing. Low crowds, good snow, and it's not far from Nozawa if you want to combine the two.
Niigata: Powder Without the Price Tag
Myoko Kogen is where I'd be pointing mates who want proper snow without Niseko prices. Akakura Onsen village is genuinely lovely, the skiing across Akakura Kanko and Suginohara is solid, and it's easy to get to on the shinkansen via Joetsu Myoko station.
Naeba and Kagura are the big names here. Kagura runs one of the longest seasons in Japan, sometimes into May on the upper mountain. Worth bookmarking for shoulder-season skiing next year.
Lotte Arai Resort has been investing heavily in the product. It's a bit more resort-y and polished than the rest of Myoko, but the snow is the same and the mountain is genuinely good.
Central Honshu: For the Drive-In Crowd
Dynaland and Takasu Snow Park in Gifu are popular with people based in Nagoya or Osaka who want a day trip or a quick weekend. Not destination skiing, but solid for what they are. Ski Jam Katsuyama in Fukui is the same deal, good for a local fix.
Kanto: Day Trips From Tokyo
Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma is the standout here. The onsen town is one of the best in Japan and the skiing is better than people give it credit for. Kawaba and Tambara are decent day options from Tokyo. None of these are destination resorts but they scratch the itch if you're based in the city.
What to Actually Do Right Now
Book your flights. Seriously. Melbourne to Sapporo or Tokyo for January and February 2027 will only get more expensive from here. Lock in accommodation in Niseko, Hakuba, or Myoko before the northern hemisphere crowd beats you to it. If you haven't looked at the Ikon Pass for Japan access, do that too. Niseko United and Rusutsu are both on it, which makes the maths work pretty nicely for a two-week trip.
The mountains are sleeping. But next season is already closer than it feels.
