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 onsite, 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.

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.

Glide at the foot of Tokyo Skytree, where this rink opens up from December until early March. It’s particularly atmospheric after dark when the surrounding illuminations are switched on. There's even a small snow area for the little ones. Skate rental is included in the admission fee and if you forget your gloves, which are a necessity to use the rink, you can buy a pair on site (¥300 per pair).

Located at the Red Brick Warehouse’s event plaza, this popular and spacious ice skating rink is back for its 17th run this year. The theme this season is ‘Steps in Slippers’, with the area designed by Japanese illustrators Moeno Otsu and Unpis, who have created a colourful, energetic artworks featuring motifs of dancing people. Skate rental is ¥500.

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.

You're required to wear gloves when skating here. Plus, on weekends, holidays and between December 27 and January 7, you’ll have to make a reservation in advance on the official website (available from December 6), in person or over the phone.