Japan Weekly Snow Roundup #291

Japan Snow Report and Ski Conditions 2025/26

• Japan’s 25-26 ski season officially begins.
• Major Honshu and Hokkaido resorts open with limited terrain.
• Fresh snowfall is reported in both regions this week.
• Hokkaido sees deeper early accumulations than Honshu.
• More resorts set to open at the weekend.

JAPAN REPORT | The season officially began in Japan over the weekend, with the opening of several of the country's major resorts, including Nozawa Onsen (0/50cm / 0/20”) and Shigakogen, for their 25-26 seasons. Both reported limited terrain open initially.

Up in Hokkaido, Furano (15/45cm / 6/18”) was among the first of the larger resorts to open. Currently, all three areas are reporting only 5–10% of their terrain as open. Japan’s ski resorts have experienced a mixed start this week, with light snowfall in Honshu and heavier falls in northern regions such as Hokkaido.

Fresh snow has been reported at multiple resorts over the past few days, including Niseko, Furano, and Kiroro, with 2–5 cm (1–2”) in Hokkaido and up to 10 cm (4”) in parts of Honshu. Temperatures are still cold enough to maintain the snow cover, although coastal areas have seen wetter snow. Many more Japanese resorts are expected to open this coming weekend.

Japan Weather and Snow Forecast

JAPAN FORECAST

It’s typical early-season conditions across Japan this week, with Northern Honshu and Hokkaido experiencing persistent snow showers, with heavier falls on Thursday into Friday, building the renowned powder bases. Temperatures are expected to remain well below freezing, ensuring lasting coverage. At the same time, lighter winds and clearer spells by Saturday suggest the potential for an ideal blue–sky powder day for many areas’ opening weekend.