The “MIDTOWN ICE RINK,” a winter staple at Tokyo Midtown, is a popular spot where you can enjoy authentic outdoor skating in an open space that feels surprisingly secluded despite being in the heart of the city. With its spacious rink, consistent ice quality, and beginner-friendly support equipment, it’s a safe and enjoyable experience even for families with children.
At night, illuminations light up the area, creating a perfect atmosphere for family photos. This article provides everything first-time visitors need to know—from highlights for enjoying the rink with kids to pricing, access information, and tips for avoiding crowds—all organized in an easy-to-understand format for smooth planning.
Table of Contents
What is “MIDTOWN ICE RINK”?
With rental skate services that allow visitors to show up empty-handed and safety measures designed for beginners, even families with children can participate with confidence. This makes it a highly popular winter destination.
Basic Venue Information (Location, Season, Features)
- Name: Yunth MIDTOWN ICE RINK
- Period: November 21, 2025 (Fri) – February 23, 2026 (Mon/Holiday) *Closed on January 1, 2026 (Thu/Holiday) due to facility closure
- Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Last entry at 8:00 PM)
- Location: Tokyo Midtown Lawn Plaza (9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
- Parking: Tokyo Midtown parking and bicycle parking are available for a fee.
- Official Website: https://www.tokyo-midtown.com/jp/event/7659/
- Admission Fees: Please refer to the attached information below.
MIDTOWN ICE RINK is one of Tokyo’s largest outdoor ice rinks, set up on the lawn plaza at Tokyo Midtown. The season typically runs from late November through February, offering both daytime and evening hours, making it easy for families to visit according to their schedules and routines.
This year, it runs from November 21, 2025 to February 23, 2026. The rink has authentic dimensions and is designed to allow relatively comfortable skating even during crowded times.
Skate and helmet rentals are plentiful, making it accessible for beginners and children. The surrounding area has many restaurants and rest areas, allowing visitors to take breaks even on cold days. Despite being in the city center, the open atmosphere where you can feel the changing seasons is a unique feature of this rink.
The Appeal of City Illumination × Outdoor Rink (Night Views, Special Effects, Photo Opportunities)
One of the rink’s major attractions is its magical atmosphere that transforms at night. Surrounding trees and buildings are decorated with illuminations, and the ice surface reflects the lights, creating a glittering scene that captures the glamour unique to the city center. The completely different atmosphere from daytime makes it a memorable experience that families will want to see again.
The excellent photo opportunities are another major highlight. Photo-friendly spaces are set up around the rink, making it perfect for capturing winter memories. From family photos to shots of children skating for the first time or scenes against the night view backdrop, there are countless moments worth capturing. Combined with nearby lighting events, it’s popular as a “winter city outing course” featuring skating plus illumination strolling.
Why It’s Suitable for Families with Children (Safety Management, Facilities, Flow)
One reason it’s easy to visit with children is the solid safety management. Gloves are mandatory, and helmets are available for free rental, allowing children experiencing skating for the first time to try with confidence. Staff are always present on the rink and respond quickly even during peak hours when falls and crowding are more likely, creating an environment where parents can supervise comfortably.
Additionally, the venue has lockers and rest areas, making it easy to manage cold-weather gear even when bringing extra items. The flow is clear and straightforward—reception → skate rental → rink → rest—allowing smooth progression even when children get tired. Excellent access and proximity to the station are also major attractions for families, making it a safe and enjoyable spot for special winter outings.
Operating Schedule and Pricing Basics
To make the most of your visit to MIDTOWN ICE RINK, it’s important to understand the operating period, hours, and pricing structure in advance. Winter vacation and weekends/holidays tend to be especially crowded, and you won’t be admitted after the final entry time, so calculating time based on your family outing plans is essential.
Besides skating and rental fees, gloves may need to be purchased, so knowing the cost estimate provides peace of mind. Some years offer discount campaigns or package tickets, which can be useful money-saving points for family visits.
Operating Period, Hours, and Final Entry Guidelines
MIDTOWN ICE RINK’s operating hours are broadly set from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, which families appreciate since it allows after-school or after-work visits. Final entry is at 8:00 PM (one hour before closing), so arriving with time to spare is especially important on holidays. The operating period typically runs from mid-November through late February, but please note that January 1st (New Year’s Day) is closed.
【Period】
November 21, 2025 (Fri) – February 23, 2026 (Mon/Holiday)
*Closed on January 1, 2026 (Thu/Holiday) due to facility closure
Crowding varies by season and day of the week, but if you want to avoid peak times, weekdays during the day (morning to around 3:00 PM) tend to be relatively relaxed and suitable for families wanting to get accustomed to the rink. Weekday evenings and holidays are often crowded, so adjusting your visit time according to your family’s schedule is advisable. Also, operations may be temporarily suspended or canceled on rainy, stormy, or unseasonably warm days, so checking official information before your outing is recommended.
Skating Fees, Rental Fees, and Additional Options (Gloves, Helmets)
Basic fees consist of “skating fee” and “skate rental fee,” with separate pricing for children and adults.
Skating fees are:
- Adults (high school and above): 2,000 yen, Children (junior high and below): 1,400 yen
- Holiday period (December 13 – January 4): 300 yen higher each. Adults (high school and above): 2,300 yen, Children (junior high and below): 1,700 yen
- Additionally, skate rental costs 500 yen. If you bring your own skates, the rental fee is not required.
Helmets are available for free rental (sizes XS-S-M-L), allowing children trying skating for the first time to use them with confidence. Knee and elbow pads are also available for free rental, providing comprehensive protective gear. Meanwhile, gloves are mandatory for safety and must be brought or purchased at the venue. Gloves are sold for 300 yen (three sizes: S-M-L), so they can be purchased on-site if forgotten.
- Helmet: Free
- Spectator admission: 300 yen
- Sled rental (Penguin, Snowman): 500 yen/20 minutes
- Gloves/Socks: 300 yen each
- Lockers: From 100 yen
During crowded times, entry restrictions are implemented and numbered tickets are distributed at reception, which may result in wait times. Families wanting to skate longer should consider weekday daytime or early hours, or avoid crowded days for more strategic planning.
Are There Discounts, Advance Sales, Package Tickets, or Campaigns?
MIDTOWN ICE RINK tickets are sold only on-site at vending machines on the day of visit, with no online advance ticket sales or reservations (as of the 2024-2025 season). Therefore, there are no priority entry tickets even during crowded times, and entry follows reception order.
While skating fees and skate rental fees (500 yen) are separate, skating fees increase by 300 yen during the holiday period (year-end/New Year’s). Previously offered “cafe & gourmet ticket” packages, student discounts, and parent-child discounts have not been confirmed in recent seasons.
However, seasonal sponsor companies (e.g., Yunth) may offer visitor benefits (sample giveaways, etc.), so checking the official website’s latest news and announcements before your outing is recommended. Especially during winter vacation and the Christmas season, entry restrictions due to crowding are possible, so confirming official information while making flexible plans with time to spare is important.
Access & Parking/Bicycle Parking
MIDTOWN ICE RINK is located within Tokyo Midtown and is highly rated by families with children for its easy access by train, car, or foot. Particularly, there are routes from the subway that allow access without getting wet in the rain, which provides reassurance for managing body temperature during winter outings.
Additionally, parking and bicycle parking facilities are well-equipped, making movement easy even on days with strollers or lots of luggage. To avoid crowds, adjusting your timing can provide smoother access to the rink.
Getting There from the Nearest Station (Underground Route/Ground Route)
The underground passage from Toei Oedo Line Exit 8 is directly connected and convenient, but there are multiple stairs and escalators from the underground station to ground level, taking about 5-10 minutes. Meanwhile, the underground passage from Hibiya Line has stairs along the way, so for those using strollers, approaching from ground level via Hibiya Line Exit 4b or using the Toei Oedo Line is recommended.
In good weather or when time allows, the ground-level route is smoother. Exit from Nogizaka Station Exit 3, walk straight along the main street in front of Midtown, and you’ll reach the lawn plaza in about 3 minutes. Stroller users can use this route without worrying about steps.
After 5:00 PM in the evening, Tokyo Midtown’s illuminations light up (typically 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM), creating a gorgeous atmosphere. The path to the rink becomes beautiful, making evening visits popular.
Tips for Car Users (Parking Fees, Benefits, Peak Hours)
When visiting by car, you can use Tokyo Midtown’s underground parking garage. While ample parking space is available, weekends and evenings tend to be crowded, so setting an early arrival time allows smooth entry. Parking fees are time-based, but discount services based on dining and shopping within the facility may apply, so utilizing them according to your day’s plans can reduce costs.
Additionally, during the Christmas season and winter vacation, crowding is particularly concentrated, so considering the relationship between rink reservation times and final entry, allowing extra time in your schedule is necessary. Exit congestion can also occur, so on days when children are tired, leaving early and maintaining flexible plans is helpful. For families with lots of luggage, the reassurance of car use is significant, and the availability of safe boarding and unloading space is also an attractive feature.
Stroller Routes and Placement Guidelines
Visiting with a stroller is no problem—the routes inside Tokyo Midtown have few steps and are equipped with ramps, allowing smooth movement to the rink. Multiple elevators are installed, and you can access via indoor routes even on cold days, making movement manageable even with babies.
Space for consolidating strollers is often provided around the rink, and it’s common for families to park them there while skating. However, during crowded times, parking space may be limited, so confirming guidance from staff provides reassurance. Using bag hooks and cold-weather covers makes waiting time more comfortable. Strollers serve not only as transportation but also as a resting place during breaks, making them a reliable item for families with children.
Crowd Avoidance and Tips for Comfortable Skating
To enjoy MIDTOWN ICE RINK comfortably, it’s important to understand “peak hours” and “points for smooth entry.” The rink’s atmosphere changes dramatically between daytime, evening, and night, so choosing your timing while considering children’s energy levels and cold-weather measures provides reassurance. Additionally, knowing the flow from reception to skating in advance reduces waiting time on the day and allows the whole family to move calmly. Understanding basic etiquette on the rink is also an important point for safe skating.
Trends for Less Crowded Days and Times (Daytime/Evening/Night)
Targeting less crowded times creates an environment where beginners and children can skate freely. Weekdays are generally calm, and especially from morning through early afternoon offers a relaxed atmosphere suitable for families wanting to get used to the rink. On weekends, around midday tends to be crowded, so arriving early ensures smoother experience.
In the evening, as sunset approaches and lighting begins, visitors increase due to excellent photo opportunities. However, before the peak crowd arrives, skating may still be comfortable, so adjusting according to energy and schedule works well. Nights feature the most gorgeous atmosphere but become quite cold, making them suitable for families wanting short visits. Prioritizing children’s age and physical condition while choosing reasonable times leads to comfort.
Ticket Purchase Process and Flow from Reception to Entry
On the day, the typical flow is: reception → ticket purchase → skate rental → rink entry. On days expecting crowds, lines may form before reception, so if reservations or advance tickets are available, pre-purchasing is convenient. Also, since gloves are mandatory, if you don’t bring them, factoring in time to purchase at reception ensures smoothness.
In the skate rental area, size selection can take time, and carefully confirming proper fit for children’s feet is necessary. To begin skating immediately, handling sock changes and cold-gear adjustments beforehand saves time. After entry, following staff guidance and entering the rink while observing crowd conditions ensures safety. Simply understanding the flow significantly reduces the day’s rush.
Rink Etiquette (Direction of Travel, Speed, Breaks)
Understanding basic etiquette for safety is essential on the rink. Most skating rinks have a designated direction of travel, and skating against traffic can lead to collisions, requiring caution. Additionally, excessive speed increases the risk of falls and contact with other users, so having adults monitor and adjust children’s skating speed provides reassurance.
Sitting in the center area of the rink when tired is dangerous, so breaks must always be taken outside the rink. Small safety actions—wearing gloves, retightening laces, taking cold-weather measures when the body gets cold—accumulate to prevent trouble. Sharing promises like “no running,” “no pushing,” and “no sudden stops” with children allows more comfortable skating enjoyment.
Clothing & Items Checklist
To enjoy outdoor skating comfortably, it’s important to prepare clothing suited to the day’s temperature and wind strength, along with necessary items. Children especially lose body temperature easily and can get cold after sweating, so layered styles that allow adjustment provide reassurance.
Also, MIDTOWN ICE RINK requires glove wearing, and thick socks and spare socks help with fall prevention. Preparing anti-drop accessories for smartphones and valuables allows safe skating even while taking photos. Pre-checking is important for making winter outings safe and comfortable.
Cold-Weather Basics (Inner Layer, Middle Layer, Outer Layer)
The basic principle of cold-weather protection is “layering thin items to allow body temperature adjustment.” Inner layers ideally have moisture-wicking properties, preventing cold even when sweating. Since children experience large body temperature changes, light layering like underwear + long-sleeve T-shirt is comfortable and easy to move in. For the middle layer, choosing fleece-lined sweatshirts or fleece provides warmth without bulk even when moving.
Outerwear should have windproof properties, with jackets or down being suitable, and especially for evening use, temperatures drop significantly so thorough cold-weather protection is necessary. Adults suit lightweight down, while children benefit from easy-to-move lightweight outerwear. Combining hats and neck warmers allows comfortable time even in cold outside air. Since outdoor rinks are susceptible to wind, clothing that maintains body temperature significantly affects comfort.
Mandatory Gloves, Sock Thickness, and Spare Socks
Since glove wearing is mandatory at skating rinks, preparing them without forgetting is important. Many situations involve putting hands on ice when falling, and without gloves, injuries can occur or hands can become painfully cold, greatly impacting safety. For children, thick knit gloves or waterproof types are easy to use, and having a spare pair provides reassurance when they get wet.
If socks are too thick, skate sizes may not fit properly, so choosing moderately thick ones allows comfortable skating. Too-thin socks lead to cold, so socks slightly thicker than usual are appropriate. Considering sweating or snow entry causing cold, bringing spare socks makes a big difference in comfort. Especially since children easily get wet from sweat or snow, having spare socks alone allows safe play.
Fall Prevention and Smartphone Anti-Drop Accessories
While falls are part of skating, appropriate preparation can reduce injury risk. Helmet wearing is recommended for children, and since Midtown offers free rentals, actively using them provides reassurance. Additionally, bringing knee pads or wrist supports allows children skating for the first time to feel less scared and have more fun.
However, adults shouldn’t let their guard down either. Cases of dropping smartphones while taking photos or items falling from pockets during skating and breaking are common, so using straps or anti-drop rings ensures safety. Choosing outerwear with zippered pockets makes valuables management smooth. Preparing both fall prevention and small item management allows more confident enjoyment of time on the rink.
Summary
MIDTOWN ICE RINK is an ice rink popular with families for easily enjoying winter recreation in the city center. With excellent access, safety equipment, and thoughtful design for comfortable skating, it’s suitable even for first-time skating experiences.
Understanding points like crowd-avoidance times, ticket flow, and clothing/items makes the day’s experience much smoother. While prioritizing your family’s physical condition and pace, safely enjoy making winter memories unique to the season.
