Limited-time “Umeda Ice Rink” in Osaka lets you enjoy winter skating in the city center

▲ Want to get an early taste of winter skating? Osaka’s limited-time Umeda Ice Rink lets you skate to your heart’s content. (Photo / fromCafé de OSAKA fan page)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Although autumn foliage season has just begun in Osaka, the city is already buzzing with a winter atmosphere. The highly popular limited-time “Umeda Ice Rink” from last year is back this year at the North Umeda Plaza of Grand Front Osaka. From now until February next year, visitors can enjoy outdoor skating here.

Unlike other ice rinks, in order to promote environmental sustainability, the “Umeda Ice Rink” uses no actual ice or water. Instead, it is made up of special resin panels, so even if you fall while skating, you don’t have to worry about getting your clothes wet. Organizers remind visitors that skate rentals are included in the ticket price, so there's no need to bring your own skates. However, gloves are mandatory during skating, and the use of phones, mobile devices, and cameras is not allowed.

The “Umeda Ice Rink” will be open until February 15th of next year. Tickets are 1,500 yen (about NT$400) per session. In the evening, visitors can also enjoy beautiful illuminations decorating the surrounding buildings and trees, creating a romantic atmosphere and making it the most beautiful urban spectacle of the winter season.

▲ %济诽锪锉?∈褂锰厥馐髦?迤坛桑?坏?换崤??挛铮?搅艘雇砘鼓苄郎椭鼙呃寺?剖蚊谰啊（Photo / from Café de OSAKA fan page)

“Umeda Ice Rink”

Location: North Umeda Plaza of Grand Front Osaka
Dates: Now until February 15, 2015
Operating Hours: 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Ticket Prices: 1,500 yen (approx. NT$400) for adults; 1,000 yen (approx. NT$265) for children below elementary school age