What this is
One of six Grand Prix Series stops on the ISU figure skating calendar, the NHK Trophy is Japan's flagship international skating competition — and one of the few chances to watch Olympic-level athletes compete on home ice in Tokyo. Spread across three days at Keio Arena TOKYO (November 27–29, 2026), the event covers men's and women's singles, pairs, and ice dance across qualifying rounds and a closing exhibition gala where skaters perform outside the pressure of competition scoring.
Who should go
Figure skating fans who want to see Grand Prix-level competition in person, including Japan's top-ranked skaters facing international rivals. The three-day format suits dedicated fans who want the full arc from short programs to free skates and gala; casual visitors may prefer a single-session ticket for the exhibition.
Good to know
Tickets are typically sold through eplus.jp and pia.jp, both of which accept foreign credit cards; convenience store pickup at Lawson (combini) is the most reliable collection method for visitors without a Japanese delivery address. Keio Arena TOKYO is a mid-sized multipurpose indoor arena with seated viewing throughout — no standing sections for figure skating events. The arena can get very cold, so dress in warm layers even in late November. Arrive at least 30–45 minutes before each session as security and bag checks can cause queues; large bags may need to be checked. Photography is generally permitted during warm-ups and the exhibition gala but restricted during competitive programs — check the official event rules on the day.
This event was sourced and translated from Japanese by What's On Japan. Details may change — verify with the official source before attending.