When Is the Best Time to Ski in Japan 2025/2026? Tips for Every Month

The ski season in Japan typically extends from December to the end of March. Among these months, January and February are the best times to ski in Japan due to heavy snowfall and high-quality powder snow. You could expect smaller crowds and cheaper costs in the other months.

In this article, we've provided more details to make it easier for you to choose the best time to ski in Japan.

When Is Japan's Ski Season?

Japan's ski season usually lasts from December to the end of March. Ski resorts in Hokkaido open earliest, sometimes as early as late November.

Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost region, boasts a ski season from late November to April. It's the first place in Japan to see snow, usually starting in late November. Popular ski resorts like Niseko and Furano are often the first to open. Even in March and April, you could enjoy skiing as Hokkaido continues to receive several heavy snowfalls.

On the other hand, in ski regions like Nagano and northeast Japan, the ski season runs from December to the end of March.

Best Times to Ski in Japan: January and February

• Pros: best-quality powder snow
• Cons: largest crowds and expensive
• Best places for skiing: Hokkaido, Nagano, and northeast Japan

Mid-January to February is the best time to ski in Japan. The powder snow is at its best quality in major ski areas, such as Hokkaido, Hakuba, and northeast Japan. Fresh, fluffy snow falls almost every day, creating deep and stable conditions for skiing. Moreover, you could enjoy snow/ice sculptures at the Sapporo Snow Festival in February.

However, this is also the busiest time of the year, with large crowds and high costs, and it is hard to book hotels. Ski resorts are especially packed during Chinese New Year (late January to early February). It's best to book 8–12 months in advance, especially for popular resorts like Niseko. Now, it's the perfect time to reserve your ski trip this year!

If you're looking for a quieter and more budget-friendly option, Nagano's ski resort is recommended. It is less crowded than Hokkaido and more affordable. Of course, Hokkaido also has some ski resorts with fewer crowds, reasonable prices, and top-notch powder snow, such as Furano Ski Resort.

Ski in Japan in Late November and Mid-December

• Pros: fewer crowds and cheaper costs
• Cons: unsteady snow conditions
• Recommended ski location: Hokkaido
• Top ski resorts: Niseko, Rusutsu, and Furano Ski Resort

This is the start of Japan's ski season, with ski resorts gradually beginning to open by the end of November. From late November to just before Christmas, there are fewer skiers in Japan, allowing you to enjoy the slopes all to yourself and at cheaper prices.

However, it often means unpredictable snow conditions. Temperatures are variable and snowfall is inconsistent, leading to thinner snow cover. Some ski resorts may open later than planned, and certain lifts or cable cars might not be operational.

During this period, we suggest skiing in Hokkaido as it has more consistent snow conditions compared to other regions. To ensure the ski resorts are open, early December is ideal as most are operational by then. The snow quality tends to be steady after mid-December.

Skiing During Christmas and the New Year: Two Popular Times

• Pros: steady snow quality and a festive atmosphere
• Cons: more crowds and higher costs
• Best ski locations: Hokkaido and Nagano

Christmas and New Year mark the beginning of Japan's peak ski season. The three major ski regions — Hokkaido, Nagano, and northeast Japan — experience heavier snowfall and more stable snow quality compared to the early season before mid-December. For example, Niseko receives an average of 20 cm (8 in) of snow per day during this period.

Most ski resorts in Japan host Christmas celebration activities during the holiday season. For instance, Niseko offers a Christmas lighting ceremony, fireworks displays, and a Christmas market. Similarly, Rusutsu, Furano Ski Resort, and Hakuba organize Christmas parties and festive dinners.

But skiing during this period also means larger crowds and higher costs. Most families choose to ski in Japan and spend Christmas there, meaning it could be a challenge to book hotels due to the high demand. We suggest you book hotels 6–8 months in advance if you decide to travel during this time.

Ski in March and April: the End of the Ski Season

• Pros: fewer crowds and lower costs
• Cons: snow conditions could be unpredictable
• Recommended ski location: Hokkaido

You could still catch the last chance to ski in Japan in March and April. With fewer crowds and more affordable prices, it's an ideal time to hit the slopes. Plus, you might even catch the cherry blossoms in full bloom.

However, snowfall tends to decrease and snow quality could be unstable. Hokkaido is recommended if you plan to ski during this time. Some ski resorts in Hokkaido have a longer ski season due to their high-altitude locations, which get more snow than other areas. Moreover, the powder snow remains excellent and reliable.

For skiing in March and April, Niseko, Furano Ski Resort, and Kiroro are excellent options, staying open until early May.

How to Choose Your Best Time for Skiing in Japan

We know you're visiting Japan not just for skiing but also for exploring and experiencing all it has to offer. Based on the seasonal highlights, here are some travel tips to help you make the most of your journey.

For lovers of powder snow, opt for late December to February when the powder snow is at its best quality.

For skiing with fewer crowds and cheaper costs, late November to mid-December, March, and April are great times.

For a unique experience that combines skiing and cherry blossoms, travel from late March to early April when the cherry blossoms are in bloom across much of the country. For skiing, Nagano is a better choice than Hokkaido as Hokkaido's cherry blossoms typically bloom later, usually in late April or early May.

For skiing that's combined with autumn foliage, late November to mid-December is when the leaves change colors in Japan.

Plan Your Ski Trip Now!

Have you decided when to go skiing in Japan? Our Japan travel advisors are here to help tailor your trip, combining skiing with other highlights across Japan based on your interests and preferences. We would take care of everything, ensuring you have a hassle-free journey.

Here are our three great Japan tours that include skiing:

• 8-Day Tokyo Highlights and Nagano Skiing Tour
• 12-Day Japan Classics and Hakuba Skiing Winter Tour
• 14-Day Japan Highlights and Skiing in Hokkaido