Ice skating in Tokyo and Yokohama

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 complete 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 March 2, 2014 Where: Akasaka Sacas
One the largest outdoor rinks in Tokyo, this facility is popular with couples due to the pretty lights installed around the skating area. Classes for beginners are available, and occasional special events take place here as well. Read more

Edogawa-ku Sports Land Skate Rink

Until June 1, 2014
Where: Edogawa-ku Sports Land
Edogawa's Sports Land hosts the only publicly run rink in Tokyo. The facility features a standard-sized rink, suitable for hockey, figure skating, speed skating, and curling, and is open to the public every Sunday. Beginners can take free 30-minute classes to get a grasp of the basics of ice skating, so this is the place to go for a safe atmosphere in which to make your skating debut. Read more

Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Art Rink

Until February 23, 2014
Where: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
This rink is located at the Red Brick Warehouse's event plaza, and hosts performers and artists who will entertain visitors with music and more. The organisers' goal is to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere at the venue, thus providing a place for people to make new friends. Read more

Sora Niwa Ice Park

Until March 3, 2014 Where: Matsuya
Perched on the rooftop of Ginza's Matsuya department store, this rink is certainly not your average skate spot. Surrounded by white-coloured trees and LED illuminations, the venue even has an artificial 'snow show'. Read more

Toshimaen Skate Rink

Until March 2, 2014 Where: Toshimaen
The Toshimaen amusement park's rink has become something of a Tokyo tradition. Buy a single ticket and re-enter the illuminated rink as often as you like - a great chance to explore the rest of the park as well. Read more

Diner's Club Ice Rink

January 8 - March 9, 2014
Where: Tokyo Midtown
Tokyo Midtown's Midtown Garden hosts this large outdoor rink, which can accommodate up to 210 skaters. Equally suitable for young couples and families with children, the area also features a heated 'rest area' for escaping the chilly weather. The rink is lit up beautifully from 5pm every day, and stays open until 10pm. Read more

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