Top 6 pop-up ice rinks in Tokyo 東京のスケートリンク
A very trendy city activity
If for some winter in Japan is synonymous with hot tea and kotatsu , for others it means the return of seasonal activities! Among them, ice skating, which attracts more and more Japanese every year. In order to take full advantage of the joys of sliding in an urban environment, here is a selection of six outdoor skating rinks that you can find in Tokyo this winter.
1.Tokyo Midtown (Roppongi)
Nestled in the heart of Roppongi , this 840m² ice rink is very interesting. If by day, the surrounding buildings contrast wonderfully with the whiteness of the ice, it is in the evening that the Tokyo Midtown ice rink offers its most beautiful view. Open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., it gives you the opportunity to skate under a nice play of light once the sun has set. And if you're lucky, you might even see the Tokyo Tower !
Open : January 5 - March 3, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Admission + equipment rental : adult 1,500 yen (about €12), child 1,000 yen (about €8)
2. Toshimaen (Nerima)
This ice rink will allow you to kill two birds with one stone since it is part of the Toshimaen water park . You will be able to (re)discover the joys of ice skating in the open air, while giving yourself a few breaks to enjoy the surrounding attractions . Note that the skating rink also lights up with a thousand lights at the start of the evening.
Opening : December 12, 2017 – February 28, 2018, 10am-6pm weekdays, 10am-7.30pm weekends
Admission ( ice rink + park) + equipment rental : adult 2,100 yen (around €15), child 1,600 yen (around €12)
3.Tokyo Skystree (Oshiage)
Offering breathtaking views of the steel tower, Tokyo Skytree Ice Skating Park is one of Tokyo's most popular pop-up parks. With its ice rink for adults, its children's area, and its playground, the park is a must for winter family outings . This warm atmosphere is also found in the services offered by the park, since lessons are given free of charge by the staff to all those who do not feel very comfortable on the skates.
Open : January 4-March 11, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. weekdays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. weekends
Admission + equipment rental : adult 1,600 yen (about €12), child 900 yen (about €8)
Read : Tokyo SkyTree, the tallest tower in Japan
4. White Sacas (Asakusa)
White Sacase is definitely one of Tokyo's most popular pop-up rinks. Located at the foot of the Sacas d'Asakusa shopping center, it is very popular with couples who love winter illuminations . Although it is not one of the cheapest ice rinks in the capital (skate rental is not included in the price of entry), it has several interesting offers in place such as free courses for beginners, subscriptions for the season , group rates, or ''Lady Day'' on Wednesdays where entry is only 1,000 yen (8€) for women. Also note that all entries are valid for 24 hours. So you'll have plenty of time to do a bit of shopping between two triple axels.
Open : November 23, 2017 - February 25, 2018, 12 p.m. - 9 p.m. weekdays, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. weekends
Admission : adult 1,200 yen, child 600 yen, Lady Day 1,000 yen, adult membership 15,000 yen, child membership 8,000 yen
Equipment rental : skates 500 yen, gloves 300 yen
5. Okachimachi (Ueno)
With its 300m² surface area, the Okachimachi ice rink is certainly one of the smallest ice rinks in Tokyo, but also one of the cutest. Indeed, it is entirely dedicated to the famous pandas of Ueno ! From gloves to helmets, all the equipment is then in the effigy of the adorable black and white animal. And for just 1,200 yen , you'll even have the rare opportunity to skate in front of a huge stuffed panda!
Open : February 1-February 28, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Admission + equipment rental : adult 1,200 yen, child 600 yen
Read also : The Ueno district
6. Yebisu Garden (Ebisu)
Located in front of the Yebisu Garden , an urban complex made up of offices, restaurants and shops, this ice rink is perfect for those on a budget . For 1,200 yen, you can then enjoy a lovely winter-themed light show as well as a breathtaking view of the western architecture of Yebisu Garden .
Open : December 1 - February 23, 11 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Admission + equipment rental : adult 1,200 yen, child 800 yen