Futako-Tamagawa Rise

The 390sqm skate rink at Futako-Tamagawa's Rise shopping centre isn't the most spacious and tends to get very crowded at night when the illumination turns it into a romantic playground for couples. However, the rink is very popular for its variety of lessons. Beginners can opt for a 30-minute private lesson (¥4,000) or a ten-minute crash course (¥1,000). On top of that, children can attend ice and figure skating lessons conducted by Emi Watanabe, a former Japanese competitive figure skater and national champion. The 60-minute ice skating lessons (¥4,000 per child) take place on December 15; January 12, 19; and February 2, 9 from 9.15am to 10.45am.  Watanabe also provides intensive three-day programmes. You can choose from December 22 to 24, December 25 to 27 or January 2 to 4. It’s ¥15,000 for three days. Those with ice skating experience can participate in figure skating lessons from 7.15pm to 9pm on December 13, 20, 21, 27 and 28; January 10, 11, 17, 18 and 31; February 1, 7, 21 and 28. It’s ¥6,000 per person. Reservations for Watanabe’s lessons have to be made in advance online.  Gloves are required when skating here - bring your own or purchase a pair at the venue for ¥300. The rink is open from 1pm to 7pm on weekdays and from 11am to 7pm on weekends,  holidays and between December 23 and January 3. Note that the rink is closed on January 1.