Best places to go ice-skating in Tokyo and Yokohama

This large ice skating rink in Tokyo Midtown’s garden area is surrounded by greenery, but if you go skating between 5pm and 9pm, you'll also get the added scenery of pretty illuminations and the lit-up Tokyo Tower in the distance. Wearing gloves is mandatory, so if you want to avoid paying extra for a pair (¥300) sold on site, make sure to bring your own. Good news for beginners: Midtown Ice Rink provides 30-minute ice skating lessons on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3pm, 4pm and 5pm for a mere ¥500.

The admission ticket includes skate rental, plus a coupon that you can redeem at one of Tokyo Midtown’s many restaurants and cafés for a hot drink or snack. The ice rink will close if temperatures are too warm, so make sure to check the official website before heading over.

The large-scale amusement park Fuji-Q Highland is closer to Mt Fuji than it is to Tokyo, but its easy accessibility from the capital makes it a great day trip destination. During winter, the park opens its expansive ice skating rink, covering a total of 3,800 square metres. Glide over the ice while taking in the great views of Mt Fuji, and at night, you can look forward to sparkling illuminations. Note that you’ll have to wear gloves while ice skating.

The 390sqm skate rink at Futako-Tamagawa's Rise shopping centre isn't exactly spacious to begin with, and tends to get very crowded – especially at night, when the illumination turns it into a romantic playground for couples. Beginners can opt for a private lesson (¥4,000 per 30 minutes) or join a 10-minute basic lesson for ¥1,000.

However, if you prefer to get trained by a pro, participate in the ice skating class conducted by Emi Watanabe, an eight-time Japanese national champion in figure skating. Each lesson is 90 minutes and costs ¥5,000 (skate rental included). She also provides lessons focusing on figure skating, but only for those with ice skating experience (¥4,000 per 60 minutes; skate rental included). Reservations can be made directly at the venue or via phone (080 1337 9575). 

Note that it’s obligatory to wear gloves when ice skating here. Plus, on weekends, holidays and between December 28 and January 8, you’ll have to pick up a numbered ticket at the rink from 10.30am in order to get in.

From this 360sqm ice skating rink at LaLaport Toyosu, you’ll have splendid views of Tokyo’s skyline and Rainbow Bridge, both of which light up beautifully come evening. Skate rental is included in the admission fee and gloves, which are a necessity to use the rink, can easily be purchased on site (¥200 per pair). If you bring your own skates, you’ll even get a ¥300 discount and helmets and protective gear for kids can be borrowed for free.

Located at the Red Brick Warehouse’s event plaza, this popular and spacious ice skating rink is back for its 16th run this year. The theme this season is ‘Slow Dance 1, 2, 3’, with the surroundings designed by Japanese graphic designer Tomomi Nishikawa, who has created a colourful, energetic atmosphere featuring adorable animal characters such as turtles and monkeys. Skate rental is ¥500.

This sports complex offers facilities for a variety of purposes, including an international standard-sized skating rink, which is open for skating year-round. The centre is also used as a venue for ice hockey and figure skating, and offers spectator seating for up to 2,500 people.

Advance reservation required, for more details see here (in Japanese only).

At 60m by 30m, this is a full-scale, international competition-sized rink that can accommodate ice hockey and other sports. Situated inside the Citizen Plaza entertainment complex in Takadanobaba, the rink is open to the public except for early morning and evening hours.

Note that this ice skating rink is currently closed to the public due to the coronavirus pandemic.

This competition-standard rink operates year-round, and is always open to the public. Catch a glimpse of aspiring professional skaters during training sessions.

Note that this ice skating rink is currently closed to the public due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Formerly known as the Higashi-Fushimi Ice Arena, this sizable rink is capable of accommodating 3,500 visitors, and offers figure skating classes, Sunday skating classes and more.

Note that this ice skating rink is currently closed to the public due to the coronavirus pandemic.

This indoor rink is generally open to the public, and is also available for ice hockey (at specified times only). Everyone is welcome to play during the ice hockey hours, provided that you're wearing all the required protective gear.

Note that this ice skating rink is currently closed to the public due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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