Taking to the ice

Though ice skating might not be the first thing you think of when you consider the phrase ‘Tokyo in winter’, in reality you don’t have to go that far to hit the ice and enjoy one of winter’s most exhilarating activities.

With Tokyo being on the forefront of what’s new and innovative, the drive towards using technologies that emit less carbon dioxide and consume less electricity has led to the development of new technologies such as environmentally friendly cooling equipment and alternative skating rink materials that don’t require ice. These new technologies have not only brought on a rise in the number of places to go skating in the city, but have also been attracting their fare share of media attention.

Venues are hosting ever more flamboyant and brilliant skating performances, using better lighting installations and playing a wider variety of music including a mix of different themes— even those based on dance clubs and New York’s Rockefeller Centre.

Japanese figure skaters Mao Asada and Miki Ando are each expected to take home a medal in the 21st Winter Olympics, opening this February 12th in Vancouver, Canada. To add to the media frenzy surrounding skating, Japanese television channels are predicting particularly favourable viewing figures for the women’s annual figure skating competition set to be broadcast live on February 23rd and 25th.

All this excitement may not necessarily result in the creation of an army of young, inspired figure skaters, but it’s definitely going to bring a spike in the number of people taking to the ice for some good old-fashioned fun with some new twists. Take advantage of this new trend by grabbing some skates and checking out our selection of Tokyo’s most enjoyable skating rinks.

New for winter 2010 (Volkswagen Skate Rink in Tokyo Midtown)

First opening on Tokyo Midtown’s great lawn, this grand-scale outdoor ice skating rink is large enough to accommodate 200 people. Open until 10pm and beautifully lit up with light displays around its perimeter, it’s an ideal spot for night-time skating.

In addition to a sheltered viewing area along its side, there are also other conveniences such as a heated area where you can take a break without taking off your skates— making this an ideal skating spot for couples or families.

Money collected by the venue, along with a proportion of ticket sale proceeds, will be donated by Volkswagen Group Japan to the charitable organization, Polar Bears International, to help support polar bears and their protect their natural environments.

Address: 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo
Telephone: (0570)001 537 (enquiries)
Open: Until Sun Feb 28
Hours: 11am–10pm, last entrance 9pm, closed during inclement weather
Admission: Adults (high school students and older) ¥1,500
　　　　　 Children (Junior high school students and younger) ¥1,000.
　　　　　 Admission includes skate rental.
Website: www.imgjapan.com/rink/

Great for beginners (The Rink at Akasaka Sacas)

Akasaka Sacas is not only home to a slew of shops and TBS broadcasting collaborative events, but also, currently, an ice skating rink. Here, you’ll find staff happy to teach even complete beginners how to successfully slide around on the ice. Elbow, knee protectors and helmets are available for use— perfect for children and first timers alike. More advanced lessons for anybody with an interest in figure skating are also offered.

A regular adult day ticket is ¥1,000, however, discount tickets are often available in collaboration with adjacent facilities such as Biz Tower, ACT Theatre, and BLITZ. For further information, and for specific opening times, check the website.

Address: 5 Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo
Open: Until Sun Feb 28
Hours: Times and days vary, check the website for further details
Admission: Adults ¥1,000
　　　　　 Children (elementary school students and younger) ¥500
Website: sacas.net/fuyu09/

‘Night Time Skating Class at Akasaka Sacas’
Website: www.tv-jp.com/skating.html#akasaka_night

‘Beginners Ice Skating Class’ presented by Smile and Dream
Website: www.smile-dream.co.jp/skate/schedule/100123/

Perfect for families and couples (Toshimaen Outdoor Ice Skating Rink)

Toshimaen Outdoor Ice Skating Rink, adjacent to both Toshimaen Amusement Park and its neighbouring cinema complex, is an old-fashioned skating rink where the ice is still built up gradually from thin layers of frozen water. Regular adult admission, which includes skate rental, is ¥2,000. However, after 3pm, or on days when the amusement park is closed, admission is only ¥1,200. Re-entry is free for the same day, should you wish to combine your skating experience with a quick trip to the amusement park or grab a bite to eat at a neighbouring restaurant.

Address: 3-25-1 Mukoyama, Nerima, Tokyo
Telephone: (03)3990 8800 (information)
Open: Until Sun Feb 28
Hours: Mon-Fri 10am–6pm, Sat-Sun and nat. holidays 10am–7pm
Admission:
　Junior high school students and older ¥2,000
　Children from 3 years of age to elementary school students ¥1,500
Website: www.toshimaen.co.jp/event/skate2009.html

For serious skaters (Meijijingu Gaien Ice Skating Rink)

This large-scale ice skating rink measures 30m by 60m and conforms to international ice skating tournament regulations. When it’s not being lent out for regional ice-skating training sessions or competitions, or to private skating groups, it’s generally open to the public all year round. Skaters aiming at going pro are a regular fixture here.

Address: 11-1 Kasumiga-akamachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Telephone: (03)3403 3458
Open: Mon-Fri 12noon–6pm, last entrance 5pm
　　　Sat-Sun and nat. holidays 10am–6pm, last entrance 5pm
Admission:
　Day pass–Adults ¥1,300, junior high school students and younger ¥900
　Admission after 3pm–Adults ¥1,000, junior high school students and
　younger ¥700
Website: www.meijijingugaien.jp/english/ice-skating.html

To hone your skating skills (Citizen Plaza Ice Skating Rink)

Citizen Plaza, a sports entertainment complex, offers a range of sports and activities including bowling, tennis, and even indoor golf. It’s also home to a 30m by 60m international standard ice skating rink. During the early morning and evening, the rink is reserved for private use; however, in between these times it’s open to the public all year round. A variety of lessons are available for all levels from junior to senior.

Address: 4-29-27 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Telephone: (03)3371 0910
Open: Mon-Sat 12noon–7:45pm, Sun and nat. holidays 10am–6:30pm
Admission: Adult (1 day) ¥1,300
　　　　　 Junior high school students and younger ¥800
Website: www.citizen-plaza.co.jp/service/skate/

Cheap, friendly and always popular (Edogawa-ku Sports Land)

Of the 23 wards that make up Tokyo, only Edogawa ward operates a municipal ice rink. There are lessons on offer here and because it’s run by the ward, admission for this international scale skating rink is a steal— something much appreciated by local residents who like to get on the ice often.

Address: 1-8-1 Higashishinozaki, Edogawa, Tokyo
Telephone: (03)3677 1711
Open: Until Mon May 31
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am–6pm, Sat-Sun and nat. holidays 10am–6pm
　　　 Closed Tue, Thurs
Admission:
　High school students and older ¥500 (skate rental ¥300)
　Elementary and junior high school students ¥200 (skate rental ¥200)
　Infants–Free (skate rental ¥200)
Website: www15.ocn.ne.jp/%7Eesportsl/

For hockey players (Big Box Higashiyamato Sports Centre)

This ice rink, located inside the Big Box Higashiyamato Sports Centre complex, is not only open for regular skating, but also ice hockey sessions— sessions where those with the necessary gear and participate. Be advised, this is a bring-your-own-gear rink when it comes to hockey. Make sure to call ahead to get the latest opening times for skating and hockey sessions.

Address: 1-1330-19 Sakuragaoka, Higashiyamato, Tokyo
Telephone: (042)566 6411
Open: Mon-Fri 2pm–6pm, Sat 1pm–6pm
　　　Sun and nat. holidays 12noon–6pm
Admission: 15 years and above ¥1,200
　　　　　 Junior high school students and younger ¥700
Website: www.seibu-group.co.jp/rec/bigbox/yamato/skating/