By Rhiannon James
in
Snow News
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Apr 23, 2026
Weekly Snow News for Asia, updated 23 April 2026: Spring conditions persist in Japan with temperatures from –3°C to +12°C and limited fresh snow on highest slopes.
Goryu, Japan.
Spring conditions continue across Japan’s remaining ski areasTemperatures fluctuate from -3°C to +12°C across regions Limited fresh snowfall confined to highest elevations Hakuba maintains top-to-bottom skiing despite seasonal decline Earthquake near Hakuba causes precautionary early closuresJapan Snow Report
Spring conditions persist across Japan, with mountain temperatures ranging from –3°C to +8°C. The past week has brought a typical mix of cloudy spells and brighter breaks, with mostly dry weather overall.
There have been occasional light snow, sleet or rain showers on higher slopes during colder nights. Honshu remains warmer and more variable than Hokkaido, with temperatures between +2°C and +12°C at elevation.
Furano, Japan: 18th April 2026.
Weather patterns have alternated between sunshine, cloud cover and rain, particularly in Nagano and Niigata. Fresh snowfall has been limited, mainly restricted to the highest ridges where brief wet-snow flurries remain possible. A few of the larger ski areas remain open. Hakuba 47 reports that it still offers top-to-bottom skiing, although most resorts are now limited to upper slopes only. There was a category 5 earthquake late last week, with the epicentre just outside Hakuba. Resorts reported no damage, although some closed early as a precaution.
Japan Snow Forecast
More unsettled conditions are expected. Hokkaido will turn colder, with highs around 0–6°C, frequent cloud cover and periods of rain, sleet or wet snow on higher slopes as weather fronts move through. Brighter spells will develop between showers. Honshu remains milder, generally 8–14°C, but will see widespread cloud and rain, with occasional heavier bursts, especially in Nagano and Niigata. Snowfall will mostly be confined to the highest terrain, where brief wet-snow flurries remain possible. Conditions should gradually stabilise early next week with drier, cooler air.
Japan snow forecast for the next 3-6 days.
AloJapan.com