Right, it's the 5th of June. The snow is gone from everywhere except Asahidake's upper bowl and maybe a stubborn patch on Gassan. No point pretending otherwise. But this is actually the best time to get your head around what's changing for next season, sort your passes, and watch the yen situation closely before you book flights.
Speaking of which, Mitsubishi UFJ is flagging a possible jumbo rate hike from the Bank of Japan. If that actually happens, the yen could strengthen noticeably. For us Aussies booking Japan trips in AUD, that matters. Keep an eye on it before you lock in your accommodation.
Hokkaido: Asahidake Still Has Snow. Barely.
Asahidake's ropeway runs through to late June most years, and 2026 looks like no exception. There's still a skiable patch up top around the 1,600m mark, but it's spring corn at best and you're hiking to get to the good bits. Worth it if you're already in Hokkaido and desperate. Not worth flying up for.
The bigger news in Hokkaido right now is bears. The Japanese government's white paper flagged them as a serious safety threat, and that's directly relevant to backcountry skiers who access terrain around Niseko, Kiroro, and Asahidake in the early and late shoulder seasons. The hunter workforce is ageing out fast. If you're planning any sidecountry laps at Hanazono or hiking around Kurodake next season, take the bear bell situation more seriously than you probably have been.
Niseko United hasn't announced anything dramatic for next season yet, but Hanazono's ongoing lift infrastructure work should be worth watching. Rusutsu and Kiroro are both solid bets for early December if the La Nina signals we saw last autumn hold into winter.
Tohoku: Gassan Is the Last Man Standing
Gassan on the Yamagata-Niigata border is Japan's unofficial spring skiing capital. The main course closes around late May or early June depending on the year, but the top section near the shrine sometimes holds snow into July. Check their site directly before making any plans, it varies a lot.
Zao Onsen in Yamagata is fully off for the season. The juhyo (snow monsters) are long gone. But Zao is one of those resorts where booking your accommodation early for January and February genuinely pays off. The onsen town fills up fast once the monster season hits.
Hakkoda near Aomori is worth a mention. It's a bit underrated by Aussies who default to Hokkaido, but the powder there is legitimately world-class in January. One quad lift, massive terrain, and you can combine it with a night or two in Aomori city. I'd put it on your list if you haven't been.
Nagano: Hakuba Planning Season Starts Now
Nothing is open. But Hakuba is where most Aussies are planning, so here's what matters right now.
Hakuba Valley's 10-resort pass is your go-to if you're staying more than five days. Happo-One is still the benchmark for groomers and the Kurobishi bumps. Cortina is where you go when it's dumping and you want trees. Hakuba 47 and Goryu are good for families or when you want a cruisy afternoon.
Madarao Kogen is flying a bit under the radar but consistently gets deep snow and has way shorter lift queues than anything in Hakuba. If you're open to a short drive from Nozawa Onsen, it's worth a day or two.
Nozawa Onsen itself is still one of my favourite places in Japan full stop. The village, the free onsens, the Skyline run at the top. Book your accommodation in Nozawa proper, not down in Togari.
Niigata: Kagura Might Be Worth an Early Look
Kagura runs the longest season in Niigata, sometimes into May. It's done now, but it's the first resort in the region worth checking in October when early season snow reports start coming in.
Naeba is the big-ticket resort here. Wide, well-groomed, easy access from Tokyo by shinkansen to Echigo-Yuzawa. It's not going to blow your mind with powder but it's a genuinely fun resort and the infrastructure is excellent. Good for a long weekend from Tokyo.
Lotte Arai Resort has been quietly building its reputation since it reopened. It's pricey but the snow quality in the trees is legit. Worth it for a splurge day.
Central Honshu and Kanto: Not the Priority, But Don't Write Them Off
Dynaland and Takasu Snow Park in Gifu are easy day trips from Nagoya. If you're spending time in central Japan and want a ski day without the Hakuba journey, they're fine. Not powder country, but decent groomers.
Over in Gunma, Kusatsu Onsen is one of those places that surprises people. The skiing is modest but the onsen town is incredible. Combine it with a night at the ryokan and it's a proper Japan experience, not just a ski trip.
The Yen and What It Means for Your Booking
Seriously, watch this one. If the Bank of Japan does hike rates aggressively, the yen could move from the current mid-140s toward 130 or better against the AUD. That's a meaningful difference on a two-week trip. I'm not booking accommodation just yet. I'm watching the July BOJ meeting first.
Passes, though. If you're committed to Niseko, the early bird Niseko United Multi-Resort Pass pricing usually drops before August. That one I'd lock in regardless of the exchange rate.
More updates as the pre-season intel starts rolling in. First snowfall reports from Asahidake usually hit in late September. That's when it gets fun again.
