Guide to teamLab Planets Tokyo: Highlights & Essential Tips

teamLab Planets Tokyo is a unique interactive art museum where exhibits are not static pieces but immersive experiences created through light, sound, water, and projection technology. These features make it one of Japan's must-visit theme parks, attracting visitors from around the world.

Due to its popularity, teamLab Planets Tokyo has extended its closing date to the end of 2027. If you're interested in this extraordinary museum, take the opportunity during your trip to Tokyo.

In the following sections, we will detail the highlights and essential tips of teamLab Planets Tokyo visiting to help you make the most of this unforgettable art journey.

What is teamLab Planets Tokyo?

One of Tokyo's most popular and highly rated attractions, teamLab Planets Tokyo, is an interactive art museum established by the renowned art collective teamLab in the Toyosu area in 2018. Initially set to close in 2020, the exhibition is now extended until the end of 2027.

Unlike traditional museums, teamLab Planets combines natural elements and digital art to create a fantastical and miraculous world. The interactive installations invite visitors to be participants rather than mere spectators.

Guests can walk barefoot through the exhibits, wander through fields of flowers, and interact with light and shadow for an unparalleled sensory journey.

What to See at teamLab Planets Tokyo?

Since this immersive art museum is so popular, what can you expect to see inside?

1. The Water Area: Immersive Aquatic Experience

teamLab Planets Tokyo is divided into three main indoor areas, with the first being the Water Area. Here, all the exhibits are water-related, requiring visitors to wade in barefoot. The Water Area creates a surreal experience through the reflection of light and shadows, featuring seven interactive exhibits:

• Waterfall of Light Particles: Walk up a slope and see light particles flow from the ceiling, inspired by the waterfalls of Japan's Shikoku mountains.
• Soft Black Hole: Navigate through a space filled with soft mounds, like walking on a giant cushion, making movement challenging.
• The Infinite Crystal Universe: Famous for its endless space of crystal lights, colors, and sounds, with mirrored walls and floors. Use the teamLab APP to add your favorite stars.
• Drawing on the Water Surface Created by the Dance of Koi and People: Wade in water reflects colorful koi fish that turn into flowers upon touch, changing with the seasons.
• Expanding Three-Dimensional Existence in Transforming Space: Interact with large, colorful balloons that change colors and emit sounds when touched.
• Floating in the Falling Universe of Flowers: A half-dome space where flowers bloom, wither, and renew with the seasons, integrating your body with the floral world.
• Ephemeral Solidified Light: See numerous light crystals floating in the air, which change colors interactively when touched.

As teamLab Planets Tokyo is very popular among tourists, its tickets tend to be in high demand during peak periods such as public holidays and weekends. So, it is advisable to book in advance. Tickets are typically released on the official website three months in advance.

2. The Garden Area: Interactive Botanical Artworks

The second major section of teamLab Planets Tokyo, established in 2021, is the Garden Area. It focuses on floral themes and merges real plants and flowers with digital art. This area features a magical atmosphere with flowers, moss, and 13,000 hanging orchids.

• Moss Garden of Resonating Microcosms: A moss garden filled with ovoids that change appearance with the sunset and sunrise. When touched, they emit sounds and light, with 61 color variations after sunset.
• Floating Flower Garden: A space filled with over 13,000 real orchids that move up and down as visitors walk beneath them, creating a feeling of being surrounded by flowers.

3. The Public Area: Dynamic Art Space

After exploring the main exhibits teamLab Planets Tokyo, if you still have time, take a stroll through the Public Area, which showcases various interactive art installations and tech art pieces.

• Universe of Fire Particles Falling from the Sky: Sit and admire this stunning art piece that simulates fire particles descending from the sky, creating a mesmerizing visual experience as if you are at the center of the universe.
• One Stroke Bench: This continuous curve bench serves multiple purposes: a seat, a dining table, or a lounge chair.
• Reversible Rotation - Non-Objective Space: The tables feature kaleidoscopic calligraphy patterns matching the ceiling, creating a 3D space where visitors can dine and immerse themselves in the art.

How to Get teamLab Planets Tokyo Tickets?

teamLab Planets Tokyo is open daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with the last entry one hour before closing. The museum is closed on August 7 and September 4. Ticket prices range from ￥4,200 for adults to ￥1,500 for children. Kids under three years old are free to visit.

There are several ways to purchase tickets for teamLab Planets Tokyo. Just choose the one that best suits your needs:

• Official Website: Buying tickets from the teamLab Planets Tokyo official website is the most convenient and reliable way, with detailed visit information and the latest ticket availability.
• Third-Party Ticket Platforms: Platforms like Klook, Voyagin, and GetYourGuide may offer promotional deals or discounts if you're looking for sales or special offers.
• Travel Agencies: Travel agencies will not only plan personal trips for you but also sell tickets and may offer discounts when included in multi-attraction packages.

How to Visit teamLab Planets Tokyo?

Due to its popularity, teamLab Planets Tokyo tends to be crowded every day. However, the spacious interior ensures it doesn't feel too cramped. Weekdays are less busy than weekends or holidays.

Therefore, the best times to visit teamlab Planet Tokyo are the first 1-2 hours after opening or the last hour before closing on weekdays.

The nearest station to teamLab Planets Tokyo is Shin-Toyosu Station on the Yurikamome Line, just a 1-minute walk from the venue.

You can also take Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line to Toyosu Station, and then take a 10-minute walk to teamLab Planets Tokyo.

Alternatively, from Tokyo Station or Ginza, you can take a shuttle bus directly to teamLab Planets Tokyo.

Essential Tips for a Perfect Experience

1. What's the Difference: teamLab Planets VS teamLab Borderless?

When searching for what to do in Tokyo, you'll likely come across two very similar names: teamLab Borderless and teamLab Planets. Both are popular digital art museums created by the teamLab collective, but they offer distinct experiences. Here are teamLab Planets VS teamLab Borderless.

teamLab Planets focuses on a "body immersive" experience. Visitors enter barefoot and interact with water and light installations, emphasizing sensory engagement with the environment. The exhibition spaces are large-scale installations that require walking, wading, and sometimes crawling.

In contrast, teamLab Borderless features a "borderless" experience, emphasizing exploration and discovery without guided paths or fixed viewing orders. Spaces are interconnected, allowing visitors to freely explore various interactive art installations. The maze-like layout offers new art pieces and experiences with each visit, as spaces change over time.

2. What to Wear upon Visting teamLab Planets Tokyo?

Since some exhibits at teamLab Planets Tokyo require visitors to enter the water barefoot, it's recommended to wear light, quick-drying clothes. Shorts or pants that can be easily rolled up above the knee are best.

Also, due to the reflective floors, skirts are not advisable. For photos, light-colored clothing works well.

Comfortable shoes that are easy to remove are ideal since you'll need to store them in provided lockers.

3. How Much Time to Spend at teamLab Planets Tokyo?

When planning your visit to teamLab Planets Tokyo, it's recommended to allocate 1-2 hours for a quick tour. If you want a thorough experience and take photos, plan to spend 3-4 hours.

Keep in mind that peak times can lead to longer wait times, so visiting during off-peak hours or weekdays can enhance your experience. By giving yourself enough time, you can fully appreciate the beauty and creativity of digital art installations without feeling rushed.

4. Top Tips for Family with Kids and First-Timers

If you're visiting with children or if it's your first time visiting, here are some tips for a better experience:

• teamLab Planets Tokyo tickets need to be reserved ahead of time, especially during peak hours. Be sure to book your tickets early. If possible, try to choose an earlier time slot to avoid peak crowds and enhance your experience.
• Carry a water bottle, a change of clothes, and a waterproof bag, especially if you're visiting with children, for any unforeseen needs.
• Pay close attention to children, particularly in the Water Area to prevent slips. Remind them to follow the exhibit rules and avoid touching sensitive equipment.
• As there will be a lot of walking, standing, and interactive water areas, visitors with mobility issues should consider bringing supportive gear.
• Some spaces offer interactive features via a mobile app. Download it in advance to save time.

5. Things to Do Around teamLab Planets Tokyo

If you have more time after visiting teamLab Planets Tokyo, consider exploring nearby attractions. From teamLab Planets Tokyo, you can also walk approximately 12 minutes to Toyosu Market, which is famous for its sushi. This is the world's largest fish market, consisting of three main buildings. Here, you can also witness the renowned tuna auctions or dine at one of the restaurants serving incredibly fresh sushi.

If you're with children, you can walk about 12 minutes to Lalaport Toyosu, one of Tokyo's largest shopping centers. It features over 180 stores, a large children's theme park called KidZania, and a Pokémon Center. If you're tired from shopping, you can also take a stroll in the nearby Toyosu Park, enjoy the greenery, and have a picnic.

Engage with Artworks at teamLab Planets Tokyo

If you're an art enthusiast, teamLab Planets Tokyo will definitely offer you a unique and surprising experience. After reading this guide, you should have a deeper understanding of this interactive art museum. If it piques your interest, make sure to include it in your Tokyo itinerary!

Additionally, you might consider customizing a personalized Tokyo trip. Share with us the places you want to visit, and we'll ensure you have a satisfying and worry-free travel experience.