Japan Ski Season Dates 2026/27: Opening and Closing Dates by Resort

Last updated: October 2026 | By Nick Suturin

Quick answer: The Japan ski season runs from late November to early May. Hokkaido resorts open first, with Niseko United leading on 28 November 2026. The longest seasons belong to Niseko, Furano, Kiroro, Shiga Kogen and Appi Kogen, which run through Golden Week into early May 2027. Most Honshu resorts wrap up between late March, April and very early May. For the deepest powder, January and February are the peak months.

If you’re seeking a unique and exciting spot for your next skiing destination, look no further than Japan. With its fabled dry powder, stunning scenery, amazing culture and varied terrain, hitting the slopes in Japan is a remarkable experience.

Ski resorts in Japan can get over 12 metres of snow a year, providing visitors almost guaranteed powder runs at some point during their holiday. This is one of the reasons it’s a popular spot for riders looking to enjoy deep snow. Alongside the snow, Japan offers skiers and snowboarders delicious food, stunning vistas, and a cultural experience that’s hard to beat.

Japan has ski resorts scattered across Hokkaido and Honshu, and you’ll be able to find one that suits you best.

Season dates at a glance

Hokkaido ski season dates

Hokkaido is Japan’s northernmost island, and is well known for its beautiful onsens and highly favourable skiing conditions, where the slopes have a reputation for being “deep”.

Niseko United

Opens: 28 November 2026 (confirmed)
Closes: 5 May 2027 (estimated)

Niseko United is four interconnected resorts on one lift pass, and it’s the most internationally known ski destination in Japan. The snow falls all winter and the facilities are top-notch. It’s one of the few resorts in Japan with a real nightlife, and night skiing runs from 12 December 2026 to 22 March 2027, letting you enjoy the epic Japanese powder for even longer.

The four areas close on different dates:

• Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area: 28 November 2026 to 5 May 2027
• Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU: 28 November 2026 to 5 May 2027
• Niseko Hanazono Resort: 28 November 2026 to 11 April 2027
• Niseko Village Ski Resort: 28 November 2026 to 4 April 2027

If you’re travelling in late April or early May, you’ll be skiing Grand Hirafu and Annupuri.

Furano

Opens: 28 November 2026 (estimated)
Closes: Early May 2027 (estimated)

Furano Ski Resort has an authentic Japanese village combined with an good-sized ski resort that boasts some great powder runs, providing the perfect balance for your skiing holiday. It’s split into two zones, and only the Furano Zone runs the full season, with the Kitanomine Zone opening later and closing in late March. Furano closed on 6 May in each of the last two seasons, so expect something similar.

Rusutsu

Opens: 28 November 2026 (confirmed)
Closes: 30 March 2027 (estimated)

With up to 14 metres of snow falling each year, Rusutsu will give you a taste of some of the best powder snow in the world. The terrain is ideal for all levels.

Tomamu

Opens: 01 December 2026 (confirmed)
Closes: 04 April 2027 (estimated)

Tomamu is a modern and incredible looking resort, with all the bells and whistles you could hope for. The skiing itself offers a wide variety of runs, with great dry powder runs off-piste, which are allowed here.

Sahoro

Opens: 01 December 2026 (confirmed)
Closes: 06 April 2027 (estimated)

Sahoro is a small resort, offering great snow and accommodation alike. Beginners will love this resort, with a decent range of options for those just starting out on the slopes, and it’s an easy spot for first timers to tackle. Sahoro is very family friendly too, with options such as kids clubs and lessons for children.

Kiroro

Opens: 05 December 2026 (confirmed)
Closes: 05 May 2027 (estimated)

Kiroro is Hokkaido’s powder secret, a mid-sized resort spread across two mountains near Otaru, consistently delivering some of the deepest, driest snow in all of Japan. It averages around 15 metres a season. With uncrowded slopes, excellent terrain for every ability and world-class facilities, it’s the kind of place our team loves sending Kiwis. Less hype than the big resorts, more powder than you’d believe.

Honshu ski season dates

Honshu is Japan’s largest and most populous island. The resorts here tend to open a little later than those in Hokkaido due to the more temperate climate.

Hakuba, Happo One

Opens: Early December 2026 (estimated)
Closes: Early May 2027 (estimated)

Hakuba holds several ski resorts in the heart of the Japanese Alps and boasts some of the best snow in the world. Happo One is great for all ages, yet can still give the experts the time of their life. Hakuba Valley is also where the 1998 Winter Olympic Games were held, so if you need a day off the slopes there’s a lot of history to explore.

Other resorts in the Hakuba area include Cortina, Hakuba 47 and Goryu. Exact 2026/27 dates for these are yet to be announced.

Myoko Kogen, Akakura Onsen

Opens: Mid December 2026 (estimated)
Closes: Late March 2027 (estimated)

One of Japan’s oldest ski areas, Myoko Kogen gets a massive amount of snow per year, which is always music to a skier’s ears. Combine this powder with the resort’s authentic Japanese town, history and onsens, and visitors to Myoko Kogen are treated to an unforgettable skiing experience.

Nozawa Onsen

Opens: 28 November 2026 (estimated)
Closes: 06 May 2027 (estimated)

Nozawa is a historic destination to head to for your skiing holiday. Japanese culture floods the streets, and their famous hot springs provide sweet relief after a long day of skiing or boarding. The resort also stays open into May, allowing visitors to take in some late season runs, though late-season skiing is concentrated in the north-facing Yamabiko area up top. Nozawa has opened early for three seasons running, with lifts turning from 29 November last year.

Shiga Kogen

Opens: 05 December 2026 (estimated)
Closes: 06 May 2027 (estimated)

Shiga Kogen is one of the largest ski areas in Japan, and because of its altitude, sees a huge amount of snowfall in its winter seasons. The terrain is welcoming to all levels of riders, and the resort offers great accommodation options. It’s 18 interconnected ski areas on one pass, and they open and close in stages, so early December and late April mean reduced terrain. Shiga Kogen is on the Ikon Pass for 2026/27.

Appi Kogen

Opens: 06 December 2026 (confirmed)
Closes: 06 May 2027 (estimated)

Renowned as one of the best quality ski resorts and featuring superior hotels, facilities and services, Appi Kogen boasts 700 acres of ski terrain with the longest run covering 5.5km. Groomed runs are the resort’s forte but it also offers fantastic powder riding. The resort offers all the bells and whistles and really does cater to the discerning skiers and boarders who are looking for that high-quality experience. Appi won Japan’s Best Ski Resort at the World Ski Awards in 2022 and 2023, and is on the Ikon Pass.

Naeba

Opens: 12 December 2026 (estimated)
Closes: 04 April 2027 (estimated)

Naeba Ski Resort is interlinked with the slopes of Kagura Ski Resort by Japan’s longest gondola, the Dragondola. The entire area is called Mt Naeba and consists of four ski areas, over 40 trails, and Kagura boasts the longest run at 6km. Both ski areas offer terrain perfect for all abilities. It’s also is one of the easiest of these resorts to reach from Tokyo, at around 2.5 hours by train or car.

Which Japan resort is right for you?

Best for families: Appi Kogen, Tomamu and Naeba, kids clubs, lessons and ski-in/ski-out hotels.
Best for powder chasers: Niseko, Myoko Kogen, Kiroro and Rusutsu, with Kiroro the quieter pick.
Best for first-timers: Tomamu, Niseko and Hakuba, with strong English-speaking ski schools.
Best for lateish-season skiing: Niseko (Grand Hirafu and Annupuri), Furano, Kiroro, Appi Kogen and Shiga Kogen, all running into late season.
Best for culture and onsen: Nozawa Onsen and Myoko Kogen, both authentic Japanese towns rather than purpose-built resorts.
Best for easy access from Tokyo: Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen, Myoko Kogen

Frequently asked questions

When does the Japan ski season start and finish?
The Japan ski season runs from late November to early May, but be careful with late-season skiing here. Hokkaido resorts open first, usually in the last week of November, while Honshu resorts typically open in early to mid December. Most resorts close between late March and early May, depending on altitude and snow conditions.

When is the best time to ski Japan for powder?
January and February deliver the deepest, most consistent snow. December can be excellent but terrain is often limited early in the month, and from late March conditions shift towards spring snow.

Hokkaido or Honshu for a first trip from New Zealand?
Hokkaido is the pick for powder, with lighter, drier snow and gentler terrain. Honshu suits travellers who want to combine skiing with Tokyo, Kyoto or cultural travel, and its resorts are easier to reach by train.

When should Kiwis book a Japan ski trip?
The earlier the better. Japan has gained popularity quickly and availability is becoming very scarce. We’d highly encourage you to book as early as possible. Better still, connect with us through our Mountain Club and we’ll make sure you are first in line.

How much snow does Japan get?
Japanese resorts regularly receive over 12 metres of snow a season. Kiroro averages around 15 metres, Nozawa Onsen around 10 metres, and Rusutsu up to 14 metres.

Do you book flights from New Zealand as well?
Absolutely. We make sure every aspect of your trip is organised perfectly: flights, train transfers, taxis, luggage transfers, car rentals, accommodation, lift tickets and more. It all comes with 24/7 support, so you can focus on the snow and not the boring planning stuff.

Plan your Japan ski holiday

Our Snow Holiday Experts have exclusive deals, resort information and prices at their fingertips. They’ll help you find the best accommodation and experiences to suit your needs and budget on your next snow holiday in Japan. Get in touch on NZ Toll-Free: 0800 555 035 or click here for our latest offers. We can’t wait to chat about your perfect skiing or boarding experience.

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Ski resort opening and closing dates are subject to change and depend on snow conditions. Dates marked “confirmed” come from resort announcements as of October 2026. We update this guide as new dates are released.