Lace up your skates and glide around the capital's frosty selection of indoor and outdoor ice rinks
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, you 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 – everyone's welcome, and gear rental is available at most of these places as well.
Some venues currently have reduced hours due to the Covid-19 pandemic, so be sure to check for the latest updates before heading out.
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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.
Advance reservation required, for more details see here (in Japanese only).
At 60m by 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.
Note that this ice skating rink is currently closed to the public due to the coronavirus pandemic.
This competition-standard rink operates year-round, and is always open to the public. Catch a glimpse of aspiring professional skaters during training sessions.
Note that this ice skating rink is currently closed to the public due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Formerly known as the Higashi-Fushimi Ice Arena, this sizable rink is capable of accommodating 3,500 visitors, and offers figure skating classes, Sunday skating classes and more.
Note that this ice skating rink is currently closed to the public due to the coronavirus pandemic.
This indoor rink is generally open to the public, and is also available for ice hockey (at specified times only). Everyone is welcome to play during the ice hockey hours, provided that you're wearing all the required protective gear.
Note that this ice skating rink is currently closed to the public due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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