The 390sqm skate rink at Futako-Tamagawa's Rise shopping centre isn't the most spacious and tends to get very crowded at night when the illumination turns it into a romantic playground for couples.
However, the rink is very popular for its variety of lessons. Beginners can opt for a 30-minute private lesson (¥4,000) or a ten-minute crash course (¥1,000). On top of that, children can attend ice and figure skating lessons conducted by Emi Watanabe, a former Japanese competitive figure skater and national champion. The 90-minute ice skating lessons (¥5,000 per child) take place on December 4; January 8, 15 and 29; February 12, 19 and 23 and March 5 from 9.15am to 10.45am.
Watanabe also provides intensive three-day programmes. You can choose from December 24 to 26, December 28 to 30 or January 2 to 4. It’s ¥12,000 for three days. Those with ice skating experience can participate in figure skating lessons from 7.15pm to 9pm on December 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30; January 6, 13 and 27; February 3, 10, 17 and 24 as well as on March 3. It’s ¥5,000 per person. Reservations for Watanabe’s lessons have to be made in advance online.
Make sure to bring a pair of gloves in order to skate here as they’re not available for purchase at the Skate Garden. Advance reservations have to be made online for visits on weekends, holidays and between December 26 and January 6.
Note that ice skating sessions are limited to 90 minutes.
The rink is open from 1pm to 7pm on weekdays and from 11am to 7pm on weekends, holidays and between December 26 and January 6. Note that the rinks is closed on January 1.