LET'S ODEKAKEWinter Ice Skating Rinks in Tokyo

Winter is now fully upon us, and you may be tempted to huddle up inside to wait out the chilly season. But there is so much festive cheer at this time of year! Winter illuminations galore, Christmas markets, and New Year’s feasts. One highlight of winter in Tokyo are the seasonal ice-skating rinks. Whether you are going on a romantic date, or taking the kids out for a fun activity, these rinks are fun for everybody!

Here are the ice-skating rinks in Tokyo this winter.

Roppongi Midtown

This is one of the most popular winter ice skating locations for expats, being located outside Roppongi Midtown amongst their beautiful winter illuminations. It will be very busy, but you can't beat the golden lighting with a view of Tokyo Tower in the background. Gloves are mandatory, and you can take lessons for 700 yen on Tuesdays to Thursdays.

This ice rink also gives you the opportunity to pay to rent the entire rink privately!

Tokyo Skytree

Opening after the new year, this ice-skating rink at Skytree is particular impressive at nighttime when you can also see winter illuminations and the lit-up Skytree.

Skate rental is included in the 2000 yen ticket price, and gloves are compulsory.If you go there on January 4 at 11am, former world champion skater Miki Ando will perform.

Futako Tamagawa Rise Skate Garden

Futako Tamagawa is a popular neighbourhood with all the shops you could need, as well as many western style restaurants. Inside one of the shopping centres called RISE Futako Tamagawa is a winter ice-skating rink!

They limit the number of people allowed inside so it will not be too crowded, but you may need to wait in line to use this 390sqm rink. It costs 2200 yen and includes the rental skates.

Granberry Mall

This rink is a little outside of central Tokyo, in Machida, but this may be good in terms of crowds. The rink is Snoopy themed and the walls are decorated with the Peanuts gang. There is a Snoopy Museum nearby if you really want to make a day of it.

You can rent skates for an additional cost or bring your own. They also offer 10-minute lessons for 1000 yen.

You should go early and get a numbered ticket which will have your starting time.

Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse

This one isn't actually in Tokyo, but it's so beautiful that I had to include it on this list. The ice rink is directly outside the old-fashioned red brick warehouses near the harbour in Yokohama and you can see a brightly lit traditional Christmas tree in the background.

There are lots of winter illuminations set up along with many food and drink and craft stalls. Until December 25th there will be a Christmas market set up as well.

The cost is only 1200 yen and it includes skates, so this is one of the cheaper options.

Paramount Bed Seaside at Urban Dock Lalaport Toyosu

Another ice-skating rink that will be open this year is the outdoor rink at Mitsui Shopping Park Urban Dock LaLaport Toyosu. The mall is built upon the shipbuilding docks near the Tokyo Bay and has a nice outdoor area where you can sit outside and eat.

This rink only allows people aged 4 and over and you must wear gloves. Kids under 12 also have to wear a helmet. On peak days there is a 45 minute time limit. The rink is about 360sqm.

Akasaka Sacas

Known as "White Sacas Toyotown Ice Garden", this is a great rink to try out while on a night out with your partner as there are many excellent dining options nearby. There are also food stalls and some winter illuminations scattered around the area.

The cost is 1200 yen plus 500 yen for skates, but after 6pm the skates are free.

Ginza Six

Ginza Six has brought back their Rooftop Star Skating Rink to their rooftop area. It's not actually made of ice, but of resin, but you can still skate just as well. They play Christmas music and have Christmas tree decorations surrounding the rink.

You must bring gloves, and under 6ers need to wear a helmet.

These are the main ice skating rinks around Tokyo this year. Happy skating!