G'day snow chasers. It's Thursday 9 April 2026 and yes, we're deep into the shoulder season now. Most of Japan's resorts have shut the lifts for the year, but that doesn't mean there's nothing to talk about. There's still some riding to be had if you know where to look, some genuinely interesting resort news doing the rounds, and plenty to get excited about for the 2026–27 season. Grab a coffee — let's get into it.
Hokkaido
Hokkaido's big guns have mostly called it for the season. Niseko United, Rusutsu, and Kiroro wrapped up their official operations in late March, with Furano following suit shortly after. If you're still in Hokkaido and desperate for turns, Asahidake — the highest point on the island — remains your best bet. Being a ropeway-accessed alpine area rather than a traditional resort, it runs later than almost everywhere else and should still have reasonable snowpack up top. Kurodake in Daisetsuzan is similar — worth checking the Hokkaido Ropeway website before you make the trip, but April riding up there is genuinely special when it works out. The crowds are gone, the light is stunning, and the snow is often surprisingly good in the sheltered tree sections. Just don't expect any groomed runs or open restaurants — pack your own snacks and go prepared.
Tohoku
Tohoku is where things get interesting in April. Gassan, the legendary late-season resort in Yamagata, is the one to watch — it typically opens for spring skiing in late April and runs all the way through July, making it the longest natural snow season in Japan. It's not open just yet, but keep an eye on their site because bookings fill up fast once they announce the opening date. Worth getting on the radar now.
Speaking of Tohoku hidden gems, Ski Asia published a cracker of a piece this week on Namari Onsen in Hanamaki, Iwate Prefecture. It's a tiny, old-school ski resort that genuinely feels like Japan from another era — think rustic ryokan vibes, a handful of runs, and about zero international tourists. If you're the type who gets more excited by atmosphere than vert, this one's worth a read. It's the kind of place that reminds you why Japan skiing is about so much more than chasing big mountain stats.
Also getting some love this week is Shizukuishi near Morioka — another Ski Asia feature described it as a mid-sized resort known for great groomed snow and exceptional tree skiing. It's closed for the season now, but file it away for next winter. Iwate Prefecture is seriously underrated by Aussie skiers and this one looks like a genuine alternative to the usual Niseko conveyor belt.
Nagano
Nagano is closed for the most part. Happo-One, Goryu, Hakuba 47 — all done. Nozawa Onsen shut its gates in late March. The one resort worth mentioning in this region this time of year is Kagura just over the border in Niigata — it sometimes pushes into April thanks to its elevation. Check conditions before heading up, but mid-mountain snowpack was still sitting reasonably well as of last week.
For next season planning though, Nagano is absolutely where your attention should be. Hakuba continues to attract serious investment — Ski Asia noted this week that ski lodges and hotels in Hakuba, Niseko, and Furano are actively on the market, with eight properties listed right now through Uchi Real Estate. Whether you're dreaming of owning a little slice of the dream or just curious how the market is tracking, it's a fascinating read. Hakuba in particular is seeing strong demand and prices reflect that.
One important note for Nagano that's still worth flagging even weeks later: the full-depth avalanche at Madarao back on 28 February caught five riders on the Powder Line Course, injuring four including a 14-year-old. Video of the incident has been circulating and it's a sobering reminder about backcountry and sidecountry awareness. As we head into planning for next season, it's worth brushing up on your avalanche safety — do a course, carry a beacon, and always check conditions before dropping into unpatrolled terrain. Stay safe out there.
Niigata
Niigata's resorts are effectively done. Naeba, GALA Yuzawa, Kagura, Joetsu Kokusai — all wrapped up. If you caught the season at Myoko Kogen this year, you know how good it was — Suginohara and Akakura Onsen both had excellent late-season coverage. Myoko remains one of the best underrated destinations for Aussies who want deep snow without the Niseko price tag. Lock it in for 2026–27.
Central Honshu & Western Honshu
Closed across the board. Dynaland and Takasu Snow Park in Gifu wrapped up weeks ago. Ski Jam Katsuyama in Fukui ran a respectable season but is done. Down in Western Honshu, Daisen in Tottori had another solid season for a low-elevation resort — impressive really, given where it sits geographically.
Planning for 2026–27
This is the time of year to lock in your plans. Japan ski passes for next season typically go on sale through the northern hemisphere summer, and early bird deals on accommodation in Niseko and Hakuba go fast — like, genuinely fast. If you're targeting peak January powder weeks, don't wait until October to start looking. Also worth watching the yen — right now the exchange rate is still reasonably favourable for Aussie travellers, and booking accommodation now while locking in current rates could save you a meaningful chunk. Japan skiing isn't cheap anymore, but it remains absolutely world-class. Plan smart and it's still the best snow trip on the planet. See you on the hill next season. 🎿