Living Tokyo

Winter Wonderland: Ice skating in Town

Winter Wonderland: Ice skating in Town

Santa spotted at the Yokohama Red Brick Art Rink
Santa spotted at the Yokohama Red Brick Art Rink

By Richenda Elledge
This winter has gotten cold fast. And with the festive season upon us, ice skating is an ideal pastime for this time of the year. In addition, there is nothing better than to ice skate outdoors in Tokyo. With that in mind, some outdoor ice skating rinks crop up in super convenient locations in town every year during wintertime. Anyone is welcome at these rinks, whether it???s families or couples, beginners or pros. Also, most rent out skates, which offer flexibility to coordinate a day out with ice skating as one activity on a full itinerary. Here’s a summary of some of the best venues in town, including both winter-only outdoor rinks and year-round, indoor facilities. This list is by no means inclusive but lists some of the venues that are close to the center of town. Please note that gloves are required at most venues.

Seasonal Outdoor Rinks

Akasaka Sacas

Ice Skating at Akasaka Sacas
Skating at Akasaka Sacas

Now until Mar 6, 2015
Every year, Akasaka Sacas hosts one of the largest outdoor rinks in Tokyo and is one of the best lit places for nighttime skating. Every winter, The Rink at Akasaka Sacas features skating classes, shows, festivals, and other skating events. Entrance is 1200 yen for adults and 600 yen for elementary school age children . Skate shoes rental fee is 500 yen. For more information: http://sacas.net/index.html?pSctoyo

Illuminated night skating at Midtown
Night skating at Midtown

Tokyo Midtown
From Jan 7 to Mar 8, 2015
Sponsored by Diners Club International, Tokyo Midtown hosts a large-scale outdoor ice skating rink in the Midtown Garden area. The venue can accommodate about 200 skaters. Entrance is 1,500 yen for adults and 1,000 yen for children. For more information: http://www.icerink-tokyo.com/index.php

Toshimaen Skate Rink

Amusement Park skating at Toshimaen
Toshimaen

Now until Mar 1, 2015
A bit further out than Roppongi, this venue is in Nerima Ward. The ice skating rink is right next to the Toshimaen Amusement Park. Re-entry is allowed for the day ticket, which offers flexibility for families out for the day and wish to combine the excursion with a trip to the amusement park or dining out in the neighborhood. Entrance is 2,100 yen for adults and 1,600 yen for children, which includes entry to the park, skate rink fee and rental skates. For more information: http://www.toshimaen.co.jp/event_iceskate/index.html

Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse

Narrative is this year's theme at Art Rink
Narrative is this year's theme at Art Rink

Now until Feb 22, 2015
Located at the Red Brick Warehouse’s event plaza, an outdoor skating arena called ???Art Rink??? offers patrons the opportunity to ice skate while enjoying the scenery of the Minato Mirai area. What???s really interesting about this venue is that it fuses this festive outdoor activity with art appreciation. Every year, a selected artist collaborates with the Red Brick Warehouse and uses this ice skating rink as a personal canvas. This year???s Art Rink theme is ???Narrative??? by renowned artist, Shunpei Minakawa. Entrance is 500 yen for adults, 400 yen for elementary and junior high schoolers, and 300 yen for kids over the age of 3. Skate rentals are standard at 500 yen. For more information: http://www.yokohama-akarenga.jp/artrink2014/

Year-round rinks

Meiji Jingu Ice Skating Rink

Meiji Jingu Gaien Ice Skating Rink
Meiji Jingu Gaien Ice Skating Rink

This indoor ice skating rink is open to all, from beginners to professionals, and is open all year round. It is conveniently located in the Aoyama and Sendagaya area. Ice skating classes are offered all year round. Entrance is 1340 yen for adults and 930 yen for children. Skate rentals are 510 yen. There is a discount price for after 3pm entry. For more information: http://www.meijijingugaien.jp/english/ice-skating.html

Practicing at Citizen Plaza
Practicing at Citizen Plaza

Citizen Plaza Ice Skating Rink

Within the Citizen Plaza entertainment complex in Takadanobaba, this is a full-scale, international competition-sized rink that can accommodate also ice hockey and other sports. The rink is open to the public except for early morning and evening hours. Entrance is 1340 yen for adults and 820 yen for children. The complex also houses a bowling alley, tennis courts and an indoor golf range. For more information: http://www.citizen-plaza.co.jp/service/skate/