Japan's Ski Resorts Open with Fresh Snow

Dec 17, 2025 | News On Japan

Dec 17, 2025 (News On Japan) - Ski areas across Japan are gradually opening for the winter season as fresh snow settles along mountain regions, with JR SKISKI releasing its weekly outlook that highlights changing weather patterns and early-season conditions. Snow was already falling in mountainous areas at the start of the week, and while the weather is expected to shift periodically in the days ahead, many resorts are reporting enough new snow for visitors to enjoy their first runs of the season.

However, temperatures are forecast to rise toward the end of the week, creating conditions that may cause the snow quality to change quickly. Travelers are encouraged to check the latest snowfall updates frequently in order to time their trip to the slopes for the best possible conditions.

Current ski resort opening schedules show a gradual rollout across various regions, although JR SKISKI notes that planned openings may change at short notice depending on weather and snow levels. The company advises skiers and snowboarders to confirm the latest information on each resort’s official website before heading out.

Live camera footage from G-ka Ski Resort in the Hakuba area of Nagano Prefecture, which opened only recently, shows a fully white landscape despite operations being limited to certain runs for now. Preparations continue across many resorts aiming to open soon, and the early snow is already prompting winter-sports enthusiasts to look forward to the season’s first proper descents.

Source: ウェザーニュース

Typhoon Forecast to Approach Okinawa During Silver Week

A tropical depression far south of Japan is expected to develop into a typhoon as early as the night of September 15, potentially approaching Okinawa during the Silver Week holiday period before changing course and bringing heavy rain to other parts of the country.

Global Hawk Reconnaissance Drone Missing Off Tottori

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force Global Hawk unmanned reconnaissance aircraft went missing over international waters about 50 kilometers north of Tottori Prefecture on September 15, with floating debris and oil later found in the area where communications were lost.

Japan Aims to Launch First Fully Driverless Taxis in 2027

GO, Waymo and Nihon Kotsu said they aim to launch Japan's first commercial fully driverless taxi service in Tokyo during 2027, using Level 4 autonomous vehicles that can operate without a driver on board under specified conditions.

KAJIMA TREE Unveiled Six Months Before International Horticultural Expo

Kajima Corp. has unveiled the construction site of KAJIMA TREE, a roughly 60-meter wooden tower being built for the International Horticultural Expo that will open in March 2027.

Helicopter Rescues on Mt. Fuji to Incur Fee

Climbers who get into trouble on Mount Fuji during the official closed season could be charged for rescue by disaster-prevention helicopters under new safety measures being considered by Yamanashi Prefecture.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge Tour Climbs 300 Meters Above Sea Level

Visitors can climb to the top of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, about 300 meters above the sea, for sweeping 360-degree views of the Akashi Strait, Kobe, Awaji Island and, in clear weather, as far as Osaka.

Mobile Battery Catches Fire on Tobu Isesaki Line Train

A mobile battery caught fire inside a Tobu Isesaki Line train in Saitama Prefecture on September 14, leaving a high school student with minor burns before another passenger extinguished the flames.

KAJIMA TREE Unveiled Six Months Before International Horticultural Expo

Kajima Corp. has unveiled the construction site of KAJIMA TREE, a roughly 60-meter wooden tower being built for the International Horticultural Expo that will open in March 2027.

First Helicopter Service Links Kansai Airport and Kyoto in 25 Minutes

A new helicopter service linking Kansai International Airport with central Kyoto in about 25 minutes each way will begin operations on September 15, offering travelers a faster alternative to rail and bus connections that take at least 75 minutes.

Helicopter Rescues on Mt. Fuji to Incur Fee

Japan's Longest Pedestrian Suspension Bridge Opens Over Lake Biwa

A 220-meter suspension bridge billed as the longest of its type in Japan opened at Biwako Valley in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, on September 14, offering visitors panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Biwa.

Akasaka Hikawa Festival Reaches Climax

Historic floats and a shrine mikoshi paraded through Tokyo's Akasaka district as the centuries-old Akasaka Hikawa Festival reached its climax with its traditional Shinkosai procession.

Fukuroda Falls Roars After Heavy Rain

Prolonged rain has dramatically transformed Fukuroda Falls in Ibaraki Prefecture, sending far more water than usual over the famous cascade and drawing growing numbers of tourists eager to see the unusually powerful spectacle.

< 2 3 4 5 >