Japan's Best Ski Snow in a Decade Draws Global Visitors

After a sluggish start, Japan's ski resorts are celebrating their snowiest season in more than 10 years, with fresh powder falling daily and visitors flooding back to the slopes.

Some areas are seeing historic conditions. One city in Aomori Prefecture recorded its deepest snow in 40 years, while Niseko in Hokkaido came close to breaking January snowfall records.

The timing couldn't be better for international ski enthusiasts. Many North American resorts have struggled with low snow this winter, prompting travelers to look across the Pacific for their powder fix.

"We've seen an unusually high number of last-minute bookings this season, with people pivoting from U.S. and Canadian resorts due to a lack of snow," said Marnie McLaren of The Snow Concierge, an Australia-based travel agency. Her company has seen inquiries about Japan double compared to last year, driven largely by North American clients.

The surge is transforming resort towns. Niseko's accommodations are nearly full, with noticeably more American visitors than in previous seasons. Hakuba in Nagano Prefecture is experiencing similar crowds as word spreads about the exceptional conditions.

Travel agencies report that skiers are finding what they came for. "We've constantly seen some fresh powder every day," said Soji Kato, marketing manager for SkiJapan.com, which offers vacation packages to the country's top resort areas.

The Ripple Effect

The banner season is breathing new life into Japan's ski tourism industry. Customer interest for next winter is already up 27% compared to this time last year, suggesting the momentum will continue.

The enthusiasm is building connections between cultures too. Resort towns are buzzing with international visitors sharing slopes, swapping stories, and creating memories in some of the world's best snow conditions.

Looking ahead, forecasters predict more significant snowfall this weekend as another cold front approaches, promising to extend the exceptional season even longer for lucky visitors and locals alike.