05/07/2026
Big week for Japan ski news. The yen has dropped to its lowest level in 40 years, which is reason enough on its own, but there's a lot more happening for the 2026/27 season.
The short version: we're moving from La Niña into an El Niño pattern, which means slightly less snow at valley level but more clear windows for exploring the upper mountain in Hakuba and Myoko. Niseko stays the reliable powder bet in Hokkaido, as always.
A few other things worth knowing about:
✈️ United Airlines is launching a direct flight from San Francisco to Sapporo, so you can skip the Tokyo transfer altogether
🏔️ Both Niseko Village and Happo-One in Hakuba are getting major new lift systems
🏡 Club Togari in Nagano has just opened as Japan's first private ski resort, 22 villas and exclusive mountain access
🎿 Seven new resorts have joined the Ikon Pass, including Furano and Zao Onsen, if you're after something quieter
We've written up the full picture, snowfall comparisons, flight options and new places to stay, over on the blog.
Link below 👇
thesnowconcierge.com/japan-travel-blog/japan-snow-season-2026-2027
Tag someone who needs to see this before ski season fills up ❄️
A weak yen, El Niño snow patterns, and a wave of new direct flights are reshaping Japan's 2026/27 ski season. Get the full breakdown on Niseko, Hakuba, and Myoko snowfall forecasts, Club Togari's private resort launch, and new Ikon Pass resorts.