Ice Skating Spots: Tokyo’s Top 5
Winter season marks the time of the year for family time, cozy dinners and a cherished winter activity: ice skating! Even in urban Tokyo, where natural ice lakes are uncommon, there are many spots to enjoy this pastime. GoConnect has curated this list of the top five skating rinks in Tokyo—ranging from eco-friendly resin rinks to professional arenas—that are sure to make this winter a magical one.
Eco-Friendly Rooftop Star Skating Rink, Ginza
Best for: Families with young children and eco-conscious shoppers.
Ginza Six brings back its popular rooftop garden rink, a perfect choice for children for its special resin surface. This means if kids fall, their clothes won’t get wet, making for a stress-free family outing. The rink is also notable for being eco-friendly as it requires no electricity to maintain. You can bring your own gloves or buy a pair on-site (¥400 for large, ¥300 for small). Please note that helmets are free and mandatory for children under 10.
- Opening times: Dec 20-Jan 31, 2pm-9pm on weekdays and 11am-9pm on weekends. 11am-6pm on Dec 31 and closed on Jan 1
- Price: Tickets include skate rental. Adults ¥2,000 / Junior High School Students and Children ¥1,500
Meiji Jingu Ice Skating Rink, Kasumigaoka
Best for: Serious enthusiasts and aspiring figure skaters.
If you are looking for a professional-grade experience, this year-round indoor rink is the top spot in the heart of Tokyo. It is a favorite for both casual skaters and enthusiasts. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of aspiring professional figure skaters honing their skills during training sessions. While tickets include rental skates, bringing your own pair will net you a ¥600 discount. Reservations are recommended on weekends and holidays.
- Opening times: 1pm-6pm on weekdays, 10am-6pm on weekends and holidays
- Price: Adults ¥1,600 (¥1,800 on weekends) / Junior High and younger ¥1,000 (¥1,200 on weekends) + ¥600 for shoe rental + ¥100 for locker rental
Winter Wonder Park, Yokohama
Best for: Festive day-trip escape with food and events.
For those willing to travel a little further for a complete festival atmosphere, the “Brilliant Winter” event at Yokohama’s Winter Wonder Park is the ultimate destination. Organized by three historic districts, this community event features a light-filled skating rink surrounded by seasonal food trucks, warm drinks, DJ events and music. The park itself is free to enter, allowing you to pay for food and skating individually as you enjoy the city’s winter charm.
- Opening times: Dec 6 to Mar 1
- Price: Free entry. Skating is ¥1,200 for Adults and ¥1,000 for younger skaters
Midtown Ice Rink, Roppongi
Best for: Romantic dates and evening skylines.
The seasonal Yunth Midtown Ice Rink transforms the Grass Square into one of central Tokyo’s largest outdoor rinks, offering a distinctly romantic vibe. While you can skate under the Roppongi skyline during the day, the location truly shines at night when it is bathed in festive lights, making it perfect for an evening date or a fun outing with friends. You don’t need to own gear to enjoy the ice; rentals are available for around ¥500 and helmets are provided for safety.
- Opening times: Nov 21-Feb 23, 11am-9pm (last entry 8pm)
- Price: Adults ¥2,000 (¥2,300 peak season) and children ¥1,400 (¥1,700 peak season), plus skate rental ¥500 and non-skating companion fee ¥300
Tokyo Skytree Town Ice Skating Park, Sumida
Best for: Sightseeing and memorable family photos.
For a winter experience that combines skating with iconic sightseeing, this open-air rink at the Sky Arena offers an unbeatable backdrop of the Skytree tower. It is a relaxed, family-friendly spot that features seasonal décor and music, making it an easy addition to a day of shopping. The dramatic view of the tower overhead also makes it a memorable choice for couples seeking a unique winter date location without leaving central Tokyo.
- Opening times: TBA
- Price: Adults ¥2,200; Children ¥1,200 (includes skate rental; gloves required)
FAQ
Why is figure skating so popular in Japan?
Figure skating is popular in Japan because of its successful champions and media coverage. The sport combines artistry and athleticism, which resonates with Japanese culture. Dedicated fans help make it a widely followed national pastime.
What are the best ice-skating day-trip destinations near Tokyo?
For those willing to travel slightly outside the city, Yokohama’s Winter Wonder Park is one of the top winter day-trip spots. It offers a photogenic skating rink, music, seasonal food trucks, DJ events and holiday-themed activities: all within easy train access from central Tokyo.
Are there any family-friendly ice-skating spots in Tokyo suitable for young children?
Yes, The Rooftop Star Skating Rink in Ginza is especially child-friendly thanks to its resin surface, which keeps kids’ clothes dry when they fall. Skytree Park is another great option, offering gentle open-air skating, seasonal decorations, and easy access to family facilities within Tokyo Skytree Town.
Wrapping Up
Whether you’re seeking a festive outing, a fun date, or a family-friendly adventure, Tokyo and its surrounding areas offer plenty of ice-skating options this winter. From rooftop rinks in Ginza to scenic outdoor arenas at Midtown and the Skytree, and even a magical day trip to Yokohama, there’s something for every skater.
Bundle up, grab your skates, and enjoy the season with lights, music and the unique charm of winter in and around Tokyo. To stay updated on the best winter activities, festival guides and exclusive local tips, be sure to subscribe to the GoConnect newsletter. It’s the best way to ensure you never miss out on the magic happening in and around Tokyo this season.
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