Ice skating in Tokyo and Yokohama 2014-2015

Winter's no excuse to stay inside. In fact, when the cold starts to creep through the wafer-thin walls and shoddy window frames of Tokyo houses and apartments, rather than trying to hide under a mountain of blankets, one might actually be better off engaging in some healthy outdoor activities. Ice skating's obviously something best experienced out in the open, and quality rinks have been popping up all around the city in recent years. Here's our quick guide to the best skating spots out there, including both winter-only rinks and year-round, indoor facilities that are also great places for serious figure skating or ice hockey training. First-timer or seasoned veteran, family with kids or couple looking for a date spot – everyone's welcome, and gear rentals are available at most of these places as well.

Seasonal rinks

White Sacas Toyotown Ice Garden

Until Mar 6 2015 | Akasaka Sacas
This is one of the largest outdoor rinks in Tokyo and, thanks to the pretty lights that get strung around the skating area, it’s a popular spot for loved-up couples.
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Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Art Rink: Narrative

Until Feb 22 2015 | Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
Located at the Red Brick Warehouse's event plaza, this popular and performance-enhanced rink is back for its tenth run this year.
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Toshimaen Skate Rink

Dec 13 2014 - Mar 1 2015 | Toshimaen
An outdoor, old-school skating rink where the ice is still built up gradually from thin layers of frozen water. Re-entry is free for the same day.
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Diners Club Ice Rink in Tokyo Midtown

Jan 7-Mar 8 2015 | Tokyo Midtown
Tokyo Midtown hosts this grand-scale outdoor skating rink, which can accommodate about 200 skaters and gets lit up beautifully every evening.
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Fuji-Q Ice Skate Rink

Until Mar 29 2015 | Fuji-Q Highland
This sprawling amusement park hosts a total of three skate rinks, with the 'Crystal Lagoon' and its artificial islands perfect for beginners and families.
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Year-round rinks

Meiji Jingu Ice Skating Rink

This competition-standard rink is operated year-round, and is always open to the public. Catch a glimpse of aspiring professional skaters during training sessions.
Map and venue details

Citizen Plaza Ice Skating Rink

At 60m x 30m, this is a full-scale, international competition-sized rink that can accommodate ice hockey and other sports. Situated inside the Citizen Plaza entertainment complex in Takadanobaba, the rink is open to the public except for early morning and evening hours. Open for business your-round, the facility also provides a range of skating classes for everyone from children to senior citizens. The same building hosts a bowling alley, tennis courts and an indoor golf range.
Map and venue details

Big Box Higashiyamato Skate Centre

This indoor rink is generally open to the public and is also available for ice hockey (at specified times only). Anyone is welcome to play during the ice hockey hours, provided that they're wearing all the protective gear required. You'll have to bring your own pads though – there are no hockey gear rentals.
Map and venue details

DyDo Drinco Ice Arena

This sizable rink is capable of accommodating 3,500 visitors, and offers figure skating classes, Sunday skating classes and more. The rink is only open to the public at specified times, so make sure to check the schedule in advance.
Map and venue details

Shin-Yokohama Skate Centre

This sports complex offers facilities for a variety of purposes, including an international standard-sized skating rink, which is open for skating year-round. The centre is also used as a venue for ice hockey and figure skating, and offers spectator seating for up to 2,500 people. Make sure to check the official website before visiting, as the rink is occasionally unavailable to the public due to hockey games or other events.
Map and venue details