Right, it's Saturday 16 May 2026. Grab a coffee. Most of Japan's ski resorts closed weeks ago, and the ones still clinging on are basically running on fumes and stubbornness. But that doesn't mean there's nothing to talk about.
This is the time of year I actually enjoy thinking about Japan skiing, because the hype has died down and you can look at things clearly. So let's do a proper region-by-region check on where things stand and what to keep in mind for next season.
Hokkaido: That United Airlines Route Deserves Your Attention
Niseko, Rusutsu, Kiroro, Furano - all closed. The Hokkaido season is done. But the big news out of Hokkaido right now is the United Airlines direct route to Sapporo (New Chitose Airport) from the US. For Aussies this doesn't change your routing directly, but here's why it matters: more Americans booking Hokkaido means more demand, which means more investment in resorts, more English-friendly infrastructure, and yes, probably higher prices at Niseko. So, swings and roundabouts.
The more interesting angle is that direct international access to New Chitose is expanding generally. Worth watching whether any carriers add or increase Australia to Sapporo capacity before next season. Right now you're still routing through Tokyo or connecting via a third city, which is annoying.
One thing I'd flag for next season: Asahidake. It's a ropeway-accessed volcanic mountain near Asahikawa, and it typically opens earliest in Hokkaido (sometimes late October) and closes latest. If you're planning a shoulder season trip, it's worth a look. No lifts beyond the ropeway, but the terrain is wild and the snow is genuinely different to resort skiing.
Tohoku: Gassan Is Still Going (Probably)
Tohoku is the one region that keeps delivering into late spring. Gassan on the Yamagata and Niigata border is famous for staying open until late May or even June, running on a snowpack that just refuses to quit. If you're reading this and you're actually in Japan right now, it's worth checking Gassan's current status. They run a spring season with a smaller lift operation but the snow depth up top is usually still measured in metres at this time of year.
Also in Yamagata, there's a cracking Japan Times piece this week about a chef in a Yamagata hot spring town doing Italian food with local northern ingredients. If you're ever doing Zao Onsen in winter, that's the kind of food tip you tuck away. Zao is one of my favourite resorts in Tohoku - the juhyo (ice monsters) are ridiculous, the onsen town is proper, and it's not overrun with Australians.
Nagano: Happo-One Wraps Up, Planning Season Begins
Hakuba is closed. Happo-One, Goryu, Hakuba 47, Cortina - all done. Nozawa Onsen is closed. Shiga Kogen is closed. This is normal for mid-May.
Now is actually the best time to start planning a Nagano trip for next season, before the good accommodation gets snapped up. A few things worth thinking about:
- Cortina has a cult following for deep snow and tree skiing. Book early if that's your thing.
- Nozawa Onsen is a proper Japanese village. It's not as convenient as Hakuba but the vibe is completely different and I'd pick it over Hakuba for a slower trip.
- Madarao and Tangram Ski Circus are genuinely underrated. Less English signage, fewer tourists, good snow. Worth considering if you've already done the Hakuba circuit.
No major resort upgrade announcements out of Nagano this week, but keep an eye on Hakuba's ongoing gondola and snowmaking investments heading into next season.
Niigata: Kagura Might Still Have a Pulse
Kagura, Mitsumata and Tashiro are the Niigata resorts most likely to still be operating in some form in mid-May. Kagura in particular sits high enough that spring skiing is a real thing there. The Kagura main gondola area can hold snow well into May. Worth checking their website if you're in Japan and looking for a last run of the season.
Naeba, Gala Yuzawa, Joetsu Kokusai - all wrapped up. Gala Yuzawa is interesting because it's literally accessible by Shinkansen from Tokyo, which makes it a great day trip option early in the season when it opens in December. File that one away.
Central Honshu and Kanto: Pack It Up
Dynaland, Takasu Snow Park, Ski Jam Katsuyama in Central Honshu - closed. The Kanto resorts like Hunter Mountain Shiobara and Kawaba are done too. These resorts are great for a quick hit from Tokyo mid-season but they're not the ones you're thinking about in May.
One minor resort worth knowing for next season in this region: Tambara in Gunma. It's a small but reliable resort with decent snowfall for its location, and it's popular with Tokyo-based skiers for a reason. Not a destination trip, but useful context if you're combining skiing with time in Tokyo.
Western Honshu and the Rest
Daisen in Tottori is closed. Biwako Valley near Kyoto is closed. These are the resorts you'd visit if you're doing a Kyoto or Hiroshima trip and want to squeeze in a ski day. Low expectations, manageable snowfall, but they do the job. Nothing newsworthy this week.
The One Thing Worth Doing Right Now
If you're serious about Japan next season, lock in your accommodation before August. Niseko especially. The good places at a fair price disappear faster every year. I'd rather be planning a Furano trip right now than a Niseko one, honestly - similar snow quality, half the crowds, and you're not paying Whistler prices for a bowl of ramen.
More updates as resort opening announcements start dropping closer to October. Until then, she'll be right.
