Ultimate Guide to Ice Skating in Tokyo
By Kristine Apolinar | December 27, 2021
From enjoying a cup of hot cocoa to soaking in a well-deserved onsen, there are plenty of things to look forward to during the winter months in Tokyo. Although the average temperature doesn’t drop as low as in other places in Japan like Hokkaido, one activity that is shared and loved by many during winter is ice skating!
In Japan, ice skating is popular not only for competition but also for leisure. While some might think you would need to travel to neighboring areas to enjoy ice skating, there are ice skating spots all over Tokyo where you can save your train and bus money. Interestingly, ice skating is not only common in prefectures with cold winters because many ice skating rinks are indoors! For seasoned veterans in Tokyo, this is probably the best news you have heard. For beginners or people who are hesitant but want to ice skate, we got your back on the things you need when going ice skating in Tokyo.
Here is our ultimate guide to ice skating in Tokyo. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned veteran, we have compiled all the information you need to enjoy ice skating in Tokyo. For those who just want to try their hand at ice skating–from knowing what to bring as a beginner to finding the best ice skating spots, we got you covered!
This article is a part of our extensive series on Learning About Japan.
Things you need to know before you hit the ice!
You're going to fall down
This one's a given. You could let that fear paralyze you (and get in the way of you learning balance) OR... You can ~literally~ hit the ice a couple of times until you realize laughing from your belly hurts more than your butt hitting the ice. Then again, you might Mozart it and kill it from day one. Either way, accept it and lace up your skates!
It's all about balance
For those who have never skated their entire lives, ice skating is everything but safe. Some parents might worry when they bring their kids ice skating for safety reasons, and who can blame them? You’re lucky if you can balance perfectly the first time! You can expect to fall a couple of times but don’t let that stop you. There are two tricks to ice skating. The first is to bend your knees slightly as you ice skate. This way, it’ll help you maintain your center of gravity, and second, is to have confidence! Remember that fear is what’s stopping you from learning quickly!
It's never too late to start
But you might want to be careful if you've had hip replacement surgery. Nevertheless, don’t get discouraged! Many professionals start young, but there are people who even start in their late 20s! Although, you might want to have realistic expectations. Learning spins and jumps will take time and dedication.
Ice skating...burns...calories?
You heard it, folks! No more early morning jogs on a winter day or a quick session at the gym just to do some cardio because ice skating is a cardio exercise! Aside from it being great for cardiovascular health, it also tones your muscles. And to make it even better, you won’t even remember you’re working out when you go ice skating!
What gear do I need to go Ice Skating in Tokyo?
Ice skates
Surprise! The most unobvious thing you would need is ice skates. Now there’s no need to be telling you what kind of ice skates work the best as that judgment would be left in the hands of seasoned veterans. But for beginners and people who just want to enjoy ice skating, many ice skating places in Tokyo offer ice skates for you to rent at an additional cost (typically between ¥300 and ¥530).
Helmet (& other protective gear)
You won’t see a lot of people wearing helmets, but don’t underestimate it! It’s especially helpful and essential when you bring children to ice skate. This includes other protective gear such as knee pads and elbow pads for added protection.
Gloves
It goes without saying that you will need gloves. Ice skating rinks are very cold, and this is also helpful in cases where you do fall! While some ice skating spots offer gloves for you to rent, there might be other places that don’t and sadly would have to send you away. Better safe than sorry!
Cash & Credit
This might not be a gear you need to ice skate but if you forget this, then forget about ice skating altogether! Although Japan is slowly accepting the widespread use of credit cards, it’s always a good idea to keep cash with you just in case.
Dos and Don'ts of Ice Skating in Tokyo
Dos
Dress comfortably (and safely!)
Especially when this is your first time going ice-skating, make sure to dress right for it. This means having enough layers to allow you to adjust in case you feel too cold or too warm.
Wearing HEATTECH innerwear from Uniqlo will help keep you warm. For those who insist on wearing long skirts, wearing HEATTECH leggings under it would be good for added warmth and protection. Also, avoid jeans! This will definitely restrict your movements. While we’re at it, it’s also best to avoid thick socks because it can hinder balance. This also means to bring gloves! Not the thick mitten gloves, but just thick enough to protect you because in cases where you do fall, the first thing that comes in contact with the ice are your hands!
Many ice skating places have you pay an additional charge for gloves, and some might not even offer gloves, so it’s best to come prepared!
Warm up!
Ice skating is still an activity—a cardio exercise—so just like how any other exercises are done, it’s best to warm up. It might feel a little embarrassing but you’re not doing anything over the top. Simple stretches for your muscles and legs go a long way.
Follow the ice skating rules of the rink
Some ice skating rinks might have more rules than some, and others may have less but some prohibited actions that are common with all ice skating rinks in Tokyo include bringing food and drinks, gliding with earphones, being drunk while ice skating, and even playing tag! Just like everywhere else, there are rules to follow when ice skating in Tokyo so make sure to observe how everyone is acting in the rink, or better yet, check the rinks’ websites for a more detailed list!
Don'ts
Be too noisy!
When with friends or family, you might think you’re speaking or laughing at a normal volume, but some people might find it too loud. Remember that in Japan, being quiet is basic manners that show you’re polite and considerate of others. Of course, this doesn’t mean completely suppressing your laughter but simply toning it down for those who want to enjoy a peaceful and quiet glide on the ice.
Take off your mask
All ice-skating rinks would require you to always wear a mask. To prevent the further spread of COVID-19, precautionary measures such as this have been continuously mandated and it’s only right for you to follow them.
Hog all the space in the rink
This goes without saying that you shouldn’t be hogging all the space in the rink. If you’re a pro who wants to practice your spins and jumps, then remember that the ice skating rink remains a public place for everyone and that should be respected. Many outdoor ice skating rinks have intentionally banned professional actions especially when the rinks are slightly congested. So when you do want to practice professionally, check the available times on the ice skating rink.
Best Ice Skating Places for Beginners in Tokyo
INDOOR RINKS
This is an indoor ice-skating rink that is open all year round. There are also competitions for figure skating and hockey that are held here since the rink is of international standards. Many pros come here to practice so don’t be intimidated when you see someone doing flawless jumps and spins!
At the same time, plenty of beginners come here to practice. For those who are still learning the basics or generally can’t muster up the courage to ice skate without holding the rail, skating aid is available. It acts as a support for beginners, especially children, to be able to freely skate with confidence while learning balance. There is also a specific skating aid, which is called ラビット (rabbit) that can also be used to support parents or guardians by having the kid sit on the skating aid while the parent or guardian pushes them! However, the rental of a skating aid is currently suspended.
Moreover, general admission is restricted to a limited number of people due to COVID-19. Ice skating classes are available from children over 5 years old to adults. However, they are only group lessons, and you must sign up for a monthly membership (¥7,400- Adults / 4 lessons & ¥6,900- children 5 yrs. old-middle schooler / 4 lessons).
- Dates: All year-round
- Dec. 27-31, 2021 (Ice Hockey Tournament)
CLOSED FOR GENERAL ADMISSION
- Ice Skating Hours:
- Mon/ Wed/ Fri- 14:30-18:00
- Admission Fee:
- Adult: ¥1330
- Child (Junior High students & below): ¥700
Note: tickets must be reserved in advance via the website
- English support: No
- Equipment rental: Yes
- Shoes:
- Adult: ¥510
- Child: ¥310
- Shoes:
- Address: 3 Chome-1-25 Higashifushimi, Nishitokyo, Tokyo
- Distance from the nearest station: Higashi-Fushimi Station (2-minute walk)
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OUTDOOR RINKS
Urban Dock Lalaport Toyosu offers an outside ice-skating rink made of real ice. Ice skating here brings you a wonderful view of the rainbow bridge, which lights up at night! Since it is an outdoor rink, skating hours might vary depending on weather conditions.
When ice skating, there is a ¥300 discount if you bring your own skating shoes. Children are also required to wear helmets and protectors, and this can be availed free of charge. You can also get a ¥500 mall coupon for an additional ¥300 per ticket starting from Dec. 20, 2021- Jan. 10, 2022.
There is another campaign where you can use the ice-skating rink for private use for up to 2 hours (Jan. 11, 2022- February 11, 2022) by advance reservation using their landline number (see below). More specific details are found on their website but it’s only in Japanese. There are no ice-skating lessons available.
- Dates:
- Nov. 26, 2021- Feb. 28, 2022
- Ice Skating Hours:
- Weekdays- 14:00-21:00 (No time limit)
- Weekends & Holidays
(Including 12/20-24,12/27-30, 1/3-7) - 11:00-21:00
Note: Max gliding time is 45 minutes
- Admission Fee:
- Adult (Junior High Students and above) - ¥1500
- Child (4 yrs. old- elementary students) - ¥1100
- Pair (Adult + child) - ¥2400
- English support: No
- Landline: 03-3475-3100.
- Equipment rental: Yes
- Skating aid- ¥500/ 45mins (no extension)
- Address: 2 Chome-4 Toyosu, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0061
- Distance from the nearest station: Toyosu Station (5-minute walk)
This is an outdoor skating rink made of real ice at Tokyo Midtown. This is a good choice for people who just want to enjoy skating. Speed skating and hockey are prohibited. Generally, jumps and spins should be refrained from when the rink is crowded. At night, you can see vivid light colors displayed on the ice rink as you skate. They offer One-Coin Skating Lessons for ¥500 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 15:00-15:30, 16:00-16:30, and 17:00-17:30 (Except from Dec. 18, 2021- Jan. 3, 2022). There are up to 6 people who can participate in each lesson for 30 minutes.
- Dates:
- Nov. 18, 2021- Feb. 27, 2022
- Jan. 01, 2022 (CLOSED)
- Ice Skating Hours:
- 11:00- 21:00
- Admission Fee:
- Weekdays:
- Adult (High school students and above): ¥2000
- Child (Junior high school students & below): ¥1500
- Weekends & Holidays:
- Adult (High school students and above): ¥2500
- Child (Junior high school students & below): ¥2000
- Weekdays:
Note: Tickets are all-inclusive of skates rental & cafe and gourmet tickets for use at Tokyo Midtown
- Other Fees:
- Accompanying person’s fee: ¥200
- English support: Yes
- Equipment rental: Yes
- Helmets: Free charge
- Sled rentals ¥500 for 20 minutes
- Gloves: ¥300 (Purchase only, not rental)
- Locker charge: From ¥100
- Address: 2 Chome-4 Toyosu, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0061
- Distance from the nearest station: Nogizaka Station (3-minute walk from Exit 3)
Have a heart-thumping ice-skating experience in an outdoor skating rink located outside Ario Mall in Katsushika, Tokyo. This ice skating rink, Wakuwaku, which literally means excitement, is a seasonal event of the mall and best for beginners, especially children and families who want to enjoy the winter season outside after a trip to the Ario Mall. Unfortunately, there are no ice skating lessons offered. If your kids want to enjoy a little longer, then the good news is you can extend the time for ¥200 for 10 minutes. And, there’s a ¥300 discount if you bring your own skating shoes!
- Dates:
- Dec. 12, 2021- Feb. 23, 2022
- Ice Skating Hours:
- Weekdays: 14:00-20:00 (for 120 minutes)
- Weekends & Holidays (Including 12/25/21- 01/10/22): 11:00-20:00
Note: Max gliding time is 60 minutes
- Admission Fee:
- Adult (Junior High students and above): ¥1200
- Child (4 yrs. old- elementary students): ¥1000
- Pair (Adult + child): ¥2000
- English support: No
- Equipment rental: Yes
- Shoes- included in the admission fee
- Gloves: ¥200
- Knit hat: ¥200
- Address: 3-49-3 Kameari, Katsushika-Ku, Tokyo 125-0061
- Distance from the nearest station: Kameari Station (6-minute walk)
This is an outside rink located at Sky Arena, 4F of Tokyo Skytree Town. This is great for beginners, families, and couples especially with the special light-up tower as the view. There are no lessons available. Skating hours might change depending on weather conditions.
-
- Dates:
- Dec. 01, 2021- Mar. 06, 2022
- Ice Skating Hours:
- Mon- Thurs: 11:00- 20:00
- Fri/ Weekends/ Public holidays: 11:00- 21:00
- Admission Fee:
- Adults: ¥1800
- Child (Junior high students and below): ¥1000
- Dates:
- Note: Price includes ice skating shoes rental
- English support: Yes
- Equipment rental: Yes
- Distance from the nearest station: Oshiage Station (8-minute walk)
This is a seasonal outdoor ice-skating rink. This is best for beginner-level ice skating as people who ice skate here are mostly doing it for leisure. There are also lights on the rink, for an added holiday feel. The good thing about skating here is getting ice skates for free after 6 PM.
- Dates:
- Nov. 23, 2021- Feb. 27, 2022
- Ice Skating Hours:
- Weekdays: 12:00- 21:00
- Weekends/ Holidays: 11:00- 21:00
- Admission Fee:
- Adult: ¥1200
- English support: No
- Equipment rental: Yes
- Shoe rental: ¥500
- Address:5 Chome-3-6 Akasaka, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0052
- Distance from the nearest station: Akasaka Station (4-minute walk)
This is Tokyo’s smallest outdoor seasonal ice-skating rink located at the back of the Ralph Lauren store in Ginza. It’s definitely for those who want a luxurious feel when ice skating and a good option for those who want to get the hang of ice skating in a very small area. Advance reservations are required to use the skating rink using the QR code provided on the website. Skating lessons for kids are also available using the same QR code for reservations. Although the reservation form is all in Japanese, you can easily translate it using google lens. The slots are limited so secure your spot!
- Dates:
- Dec. 07, 2021- Jan. 31, 2022
- Ice Skating Hours:
- 11:00- 19:00
Note: 45 minutes max gliding time
- Admission Fee:
- Adult (Junior high students & above): ¥2000
- Child (5 yrs. old to elementary school students): ¥1000
Note: Children under 6 years old must be accompanied by one guardian
- English support: Yes
- Equipment rental: Yes
Note: All rental shoes, gloves, and Ralph Lauren’s coffee drink fee included in the admission fee
- Address: 2-6-3 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061
- Distance from the nearest station: Hibiya Station (8-minute walk)
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INDOOR RINKS
Best Ice Skating Places for Pros in Tokyo
This is an indoor ice-skating rink open all year round. International competitions are often held here so many serious skaters practice here. It tends to get very crowded and currently, the 3 ice skating courses they offer until January 2022 aren’t accepting new applications.
- Dates:
- All year-round
- Dec. 27, 2021- Jan. 7, 2022- 13:00-18:00
- Ice Skating Hours:
- Weekdays: 13:00-18:00
- Weekends & Holidays: 10:00-18:00
- Admission Fee:
- Adult: ¥1950 w/ shoes - ¥1400 w/out shoes
- Child: ¥1500 w/ shoes - ¥950 w/out shoes
Note: tickets must be reserved in advance via website
- English support: No
- Equipment rental: Yes
- Address: 11-1 Kasumigaokamachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Distance from the nearest station: Sendagaya Station (5-minute walk)
This is an indoor skating rink with a 60m x 30m rink. This is best for professionals, as this rink is full of people who want to practice their sport. But many beginners still come here for the lessons. Take note of the opening hours as there are specific hours open to the public.
This ice rink supports hockey, figure skating, and speed skating (short track). It also hosts competitions so be sure to check the website for announcements of competition practices!
Due to COVID-19, free 30 minute lessons for beginners have been canceled for the time being, but they hold classroom lessons 4 times on Tuesdays and Thursdays which you need to apply in advance. The skating class ranges from beginner to advanced level courses. Check their website for more details. They also hold events for figure skating, speed skating, and hockey.
- Dates:
- Oct. 01, 2021- May 31, 2022
- Ice Skating Hours:
- Mon/Wed/Fri: 9:00-18:00
- Tues/Thurs: 9:00-20:00
(Half of the rink is used for the classroom lessons) - Sat/Sun/Holidays: 10:00- 18:00
Note: Up to 2 hours of use in the rink
- Admission Fee:
- Adult: ¥520
- Elementary & Junior High students: ¥210
- Infant: Free
- English support: Yes
- Equipment rental: Yes
- Address: Edogawa Sportsland, 1 Chome-8-1 Higashishinozaki, Edogawa City, Tokyo 133-0063
- Distance from the nearest station: Mizue Eki (then 10-minute bus ride)
OUTDOOR RINKS
This is a 390 sq.m outdoor ice skating rink at Futako Tamagawa Rise shopping mall. Lessons are available for beginners and those who want to improve on the day for ¥4000 (individual lessons) and ¥1000 for a quick beginner’s run-through. Children over 4 years old can take the opportunity to participate in ice skating lessons taught by Emi Watanabe, an eight-time Japanese national champion in figure skating (¥5000/ 90 minutes + skate rental included). For those with experience, she also offers figure skating lessons (¥4000/ 60 minutes + skate rental included). So, there’s no need to fret because classes are divided by experience! Reservations are first-come-first-serve basis online. For more details, check the website.
- Dates:
- Dec. 11, 2021- Mar. 06, 2022
- Ice Skating Hours:
- 13:00- 19:00
- Admission Fee:
- Adult (High school students and above): ¥2000
- Students (Junior high, Senior high, College): ¥1800
*student ID required - Children: ¥1500
- English support: No
- Equipment rental: Yes
- Address: 2-21-1, Tamagawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-009
- Distance from the nearest station: Futako-Tamagawa Station (4-minute walk)
5 Useful Japanese Phrases When Ice Skating in Tokyo
Don’t worry if you speak little to no Japanese! Here are some useful phrases to remember when ice skating in Tokyo.
靴 / 靴下を借りたいです
(kutsu / kutsushita wo karitai desu)
I want to rent shoes / socks
When you don’t have your own ice skating shoes and forget socks, use this phrase when asking the staff to rent them. 靴 （kutsu）means shoes and 靴下（kutsu shita）means socks.
靴が入らないのでもっと大きな / 小さなサイズがありますか
(kutsu ga hairanai node motto ookina/chiisana saizu ga arimasu ka?)
The shoes won’t fit. Can I get a bigger/smaller size?
Japan runs small in sizes. So when the rented ice skating shoes don’t fit, use this phrase to ask for a different size. Usually, the sizes are S, M, and L. 大きな (ookina）means bigger and 小さな (chiisana) means smaller.
ちょっと怪我したので、絆創膏がありますか
(chotto kega shita node, bansoukou arimasuka)
Is there a band-aid available because I kind of got myself injured?
In cases where you hurt yourself when ice skating, use this phrase to ask for a band-aid. 絆創膏 (bansoukou) means band-aid. If ever you want to ask for ice instead to treat bruises from falling, you can replace 絆創膏 (bansoukou) with アイス (aisu) for ice. So, it would be ちょっと怪我したので、アイスがありますか (chotto kega shita node, aisu ga arimasuka) which ultimately means is there ice available because I kind of got myself injured?
スケートヘルパーがありますか
(suketo herupa ga arimasu ka?)
Is there a skating aid available?
When you’re a complete beginner or want your kids to get the hang of skating to boost their confidence, use this phrase to ask if they have a skating aid. スケートヘルパー (suketo herupa) means skating aid. You can also use the word スケート補助具 (suketo hojo-gu) which still means skating aid. You can also swap a skating aid for a playset pushchair or 貸し遊具手押しイス(Yūgu teoshi isu), where the kid sits on a chair while the parent or guardian pushes it while ice skating. This is available in DyDo Ice Rink but currently temporarily suspends renting it.
子供用の別のリンクがありますか
(kodomo you no betsu no rinku ga arimasu ka?)
Is there a separate rink for the children?
When you prefer your kids to ice skate at a kids-only space, you can use this phrase. 別のリンク(betsu no rinku) which means separate rink and 子供用 (kodomoyou) means for children. This might not be common but it’s worth asking. However, this is guaranteed to be at the SkyTree Town Rink.
Want to know more useful Japanese phrases to help you around Tokyo? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Japanese Phrases
BONUS: Special Events
Christmas Markets
One thing to look forward to when ice skating is knowing there are Christmas markets near the rinks! Many ice-skating rinks, especially seasonal ones, have Christmas markets near them. Many beginner-friendly rinks are actually located outside malls or sightseeing spots so there is still a lot more to look forward to after you ice skate! Due to COVID-19, many markets have been canceled this year in places like Tokyo Midtown. However, there are still Christmassy shops around, where you can buy ornaments, seasonal sweets, and gift items.
Illumination
Winter illuminations are one of the most popular things people would want to see. Light-up displays, animated light shows, and literally anything involving bright lights on a winter night is such a sight to behold. This is definitely another thing to look forward to when ice skating! Aside from many illumination events happening near the ice-skating spots, there are ice rinks designed with lights on the ice itself, which light up as you glide. Now, it can’t get more fascinating than that! You can enjoy this in ice skating places like Tokyo Midtown and TokyoSkytree Town.
Want to know more about Christmas in Japan? Also check out our ultimate guides:
Activities in Japan in Winter
Japanese Christmas
Conclusion
Ice-skating in Tokyo (or anywhere really) can be nerve-racking at first. It may take some time to adjust, but for some, it might be something they know they’ll love for a long time. Either way, ice skating is a must-try winter activity! You have read everything, and I bet you know where you’ll be spending your free time this winter season…aside from sleeping in, of course!
