Hokkaido
Alright, so most of Hokkaido has shut up shop for the season. Niseko United wrapped operations a couple of weeks back, Rusutsu is done, and Kiroro has closed. But here's the thing: Asahidake is still going. It's a volcano, it's high, and it holds snow longer than anywhere else in Japan. No groomed runs, no lift lines, just natural terrain and whatever the mountain decides to throw at you. Worth keeping an eye on if you're the type who doesn't mind earning your turns. Furano also ran a late-season operation but has now closed for 2025-26. Start planning for next winter now if Hokkaido is on your radar, because peak-week accommodation books out fast.
On a side note, the ongoing Iran conflict has pushed up flight costs and is keeping some European visitors home. Fewer Europeans at Niseko next season might actually mean slightly less pressure on accommodation, but it's too early to call that one.
Tohoku
Gassan is the headline act here. It's always the last resort standing in Tohoku and it doesn't even open until late April, so right now it's basically gearing up for its actual season. If you've never skied Gassan, it's a strange and brilliant place. High, exposed, often foggy, and the snowpack can be genuinely deep well into May. Worth a detour if you're in Japan in the next few weeks. Zao Onsen in Yamagata has likely shut by now, but the town is still a cracker in spring. The juhyo snow monsters are gone, but the onsen are very much not.
Appi Kogen and Hakkoda have both closed for the season. Hakkoda in particular had a strong finish this year with solid late-season powder. Something to factor in for next winter.
Nagano
Hakuba is done. Happo-One, Goryu, Cortina, all of them. The valley is transitioning into hiking and cycling mode and the lifts are quiet. If you missed it this season, mark May 2027 in your calendar now because Hakuba's spring skiing in a good year is genuinely underrated.
Shiga Kogen has also wrapped up. It's one of those places that benefits from being a linked resort system because it can redistribute skiers across 21 areas during the season, but when it goes, it goes all at once. Worth noting that Shiga has been investing in snowmaking infrastructure, so next season's early-December opening should be more reliable.
Nozawa Onsen closed a couple of weeks back. Had a solid season overall. The town will do just fine on spring visitors and onsen tourists until the snow comes back.
Niigata
A few Niigata resorts have hung on into April. Kagura and Mitsumata are probably the last ones running in the region, using their altitude and north-facing terrain to squeeze out a few more weekends. If you're in Tokyo and desperate for one last run this season, Kagura is your best bet for something resembling real skiing. The shinkansen to Echigo-Yuzawa takes about 75 minutes from Tokyo Station, which makes it a surprisingly easy day trip.
Gala Yuzawa, which connects directly to Echigo-Yuzawa station and is basically the most convenient ski resort on earth for Tokyo day-trippers, will have closed or be about to close any day now. It had a decent season, particularly through January and February.
Naeba is done. Lotte Arai had a strong season and will be one to watch next year as it continues to develop its backcountry and heli-ski offerings.
Central Honshu
Dynaland and Takasu Snow Park in Gifu have both closed. These resorts tend to shut earlier than the high-altitude spots because they're lower and more exposed to warming spring temperatures. If you're in the Nagoya area, the season is well and truly over. Ski Jam Katsuyama in Fukui, which is one of the longest ski areas in the Kansai-Chubu region, has also wrapped up for 2025-26.
Worth knowing: Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route opens for the season this month and while it's not a ski resort, it's one of the great snow experiences in Japan. The snow walls along the road can hit 15 to 20 metres high. Absolutely worth doing if you're still in Japan and want to feel like you're surrounded by snow without actually skiing.
Kanto
Tambara and Kawaba in Gunma have both shut. Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort called it a few weeks back. The Kanto ski season is fully over. But Kusatsu the town is still brilliant in spring, and the onsen there are some of the most acidic and therapeutic in Japan. A non-skiing reason to visit that region.
Looking Ahead
Mid-April is a natural moment to take stock of the season and start thinking about next winter. A few things worth flagging: the Iran war is pushing up airfares from Europe and even indirectly affecting connections through Middle Eastern hubs that many Australians use. Keep an eye on your routing and book early if you're planning a January or February trip. Japan's tourism board is watching inbound numbers carefully, and it's possible some resorts ease up on pricing to attract visitors if European numbers stay soft. That's speculative, but worth tracking.
For Aussies planning a Hokkaido trip next season, the sweet spot remains late January through mid-February for snow quality. Book your Niseko or Furano accommodation before the end of June if you want decent options at a non-ridiculous price. The market has been tight for the past few seasons and there's no sign of that changing.