Outdoor Skating

     After a few days of feasting and relaxing, we thought it would do us some good to exercise a little.  On January 1st, we gathered our skates and hit the Akasaka Sacas Outdoor Skating Rink.  The rink is conveniently located at Akasaka Station, just up the stairs and amid beautiful illuminations.   The rink has apparently increased in size this year and is now the largest outdoor skating rink in the city.

     The last time we went ice skating outdoors in Tokyo was way back when we were just a couple...  This time, we never even got to hold hands, as we needed to check the kids, make sure they didn't hit rough spots; they know how to skate, but they haven't yet mastered the art of stopping!  When we first started skating the rink was full of snow so part of the fun was throwing snowballs at each other.  But then, the "Zamboni" came on and cleaned the ice leaving it perfectly shiny.  What a joy to skate on freshly-cleaned ice!

     With the kids, we've been to every other rink in and around the city, from Citizen in Takadanobaba, to Meiji Jingu in Sendagaya and even the Higashi-Fushimi Arena (ダイドードリンコアイスアリーナ) close to our home.  We also went to Toshimaen Skating Rink, which used to be amazing - huge rink, great music,wonderful scenery - but has downgraded so much over the years that we feel it isn't worth the trip anymore.

     Anyway, no matter what size the rink, Nighttime Outdoor Skating is definitely the best!  Hours and times vary at Akasaka Sacas, so it's wise to check their website before heading on there.  If you have your own skates, the price is ¥1,000 for adults and ¥500 for students.  Skate rental is an extra ¥500. Bring gloves or you may have to buy them!  This year, the rink will be open until February 14, 2011.  

And by the way, if you're looking to fuel up before sliding, Akasaka Biz Tower has loads of great restaurants.  We went to Dragon Deli, which was one of the few diners open on New year's Day.  It was just delicious!  What a great First Day of the Year!