Slush flies and blades flash as some show-off slices by on the rink. Onlookers grip cocoa in mittened hands and precocious be-sequined divas do twirls in the center. There are plenty of cheapo-friendly Tokyo ice-skating spots, both permanent and seasonal, where you too can have some fun. Don’t forget your earmuffs!
1. Meiji Jingu Gaien Ice Rink
Year round1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Fri, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends and holidays
¥1,600 for adults, ¥1,000 for children. ¥200 more during peak times.
Official website
This rink has a picturesque location, but hours are limited and it’s not super cheap. Entry is ¥1,600 for adults, and skate rental is an additional ¥600. Entry is ¥200 more during weekends and holidays between December and March.
While expensive, the rink conforms to international competition standards, so it’s a good place for serious skaters. The rink is also very close to several tourist spots in Harajuku, making it easily accesible for anyone in Tokyo.
2. KOSÉ Midtown Ice Rink
Nov. 22 to Feb. 24. Closed on Jan. 111 a.m. to 9 p.m.
¥1,800 for adults, ¥1,200 for children. ¥200 more during peak times.
Official website
In the middle of Roppongi, with the city lights and skyscrapers all around, this rink is great for romantics, especially at night. However, the romantic view comes with a cost, as entry will set you back ¥1,800. Skate rental is an additional ¥500, although helmets are included. You’ll also need to pay an extra ¥200 on weekends and holidays.
You can stay on the ice for most of the day, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. That makes it perfect for an afternoon glide before settling in to see the gorgeous illuminations around Roppongi, so come here for a day of wintry magic. The skates are quite heavily used at this popular spot, so don’t be afraid to ask for a new pair if you’re slipping around.
3. Rooftop Star Skating Rink
Nov. 16 to Jan. 262 p.m. to 9 p.m. Mon-Fri. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekends and holidays.
¥2,000 for adults, ¥1,500 for children.
Official website
An area known for high-end boutiques and classy cafés, Ginza’s ice-rink offering is just as stylish. Found on the roof of the famous Ginza Six building, this petite rink is a work of art. A great spot for kids, you can shuffle or glide your way around the ice under the watchful gaze of the giant cat statue that sits in the middle.
However, the rink also comes with Ginza’s price tag. A day on the ice will set adults back ¥2,000, and children ¥1,500, although skates are included. But for a quiet and photogenic spot in the middle of Tokyo, the Rooftop Star Skating Rink is hard to beat.
4. Edogawa Sportsland Ice Rink
Year round9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon, Wed, Fri. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends and holidays. Closed on Tue and Thurs except during winter and spring school holidays.
¥520 for adults, ¥210 for children.
Official website
This municipal ice-skating rink is your cheapo winner. It’s competition sized, and isn’t too tough on the wallet. Entry will set adults back ¥520, and little ones only ¥210. Skate rental is also only a few hundred yen more, and the rink is kept beautifully maintained. The catch: it’s not too close to the station, so you’ll need to take a bus or be up for a walk.
The rink is open year round, but is closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays outside of school holidays. While weekends are the same price as weekdays, visitors are asked to only stay on the ice for 2 hours. One final plus — the rink hosts short lessons on a regular basis, so it’s the perfect place for newbies.
5. Art Rink at the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
Nov. 30 to Feb. 161 p.m. to 9 p.m. Mon-Fri, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekends. Rink closes an hour earlier from Jan.
¥1,500 for adults, ¥1,000 for children. Adult fee is ¥1,800 from Dec. 20 to Dec. 30.
Official website
This rink gets our pick for most atmospheric; the old Red Brick Warehouse sits on Yokohama Bay with all the delights of gorgeous harbor-view Yokohama. Entry is a little pricy at ¥1,500 for adults, but the unique ice shows make it worth the cost.
Throughout winter, the Art Rink puts on synchronised skate shows, mini performances, and more. The rink itself is also designed and decorated by graphic designer Ikki Kobayashi, with cool Japanese cultural motifs. If you’re looking for a day in a winter wonderland, the Yokohama Art Rink is the place for you.
For more winter fun, check out the best Tokyo illuminations, and Tokyo Christmas markets.
This article was first published in December 2014. Last update: January 2025, by Shyam Bhardwa.
