Have you ever stepped into a world where art and technology merge? TeamLab Planets Tokyo offers just that, transforming digital space into an immersive sensory adventure.
This digital art museum invites visitors to navigate through unique exhibitions that merge technology, science, and nature, encouraging visitors to interact with the art.
I was initially sceptical. I feared TeamLab Planets was just another tourist attraction designed for social media. But I am happy to report that I was wrong. As soon as I entered the first exhibition, I knew I was in for a mind-blowing experience.
This article explores what makes TeamLab Planets Tokyo stand out, covering the good and the less impressive, how to get tickets and some tips and advice for visitors. I’ll conclude with advice on whether this attraction deserves a spot on your Tokyo must-visit list.
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. If you book after clicking on one of these links then we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
- Immerse yourself in art that's fused with technology and nature.
- Engage and interact with the stunning art experiences.
- Wander barefoot through the art exhibits, relax and take stunning photos.
What is TeamLab Planets Tokyo
TeamLab Planets Tokyo is one of Tokyo’s most popular and critically reviewed attractions. On Google Reviews, TeamLab Planets currently has a 4.6-star rating from over 23,000 reviews. But what exactly is TeamLab Planets all about?
Brief History of TeamLab Planets
TeamLab Planets opened in Odaiba in 2016 and quickly moved to a larger space in Toyosu in 2018 due to its popularity. Initially set to close in 2020, the exhibition has seen multiple extensions and is now open until the end of 2027.
Overview of TeamLab Planets
The exhibition is designed for full engagement, requiring visitors to go barefoot to deepen their connection with the installations. Going barefoot allows you to also walk through areas with water.
The TeamLab App offers interactive features and explains the concepts behind each piece, improving visitor understanding and interaction. Visitors explore four main artwork spaces and two gardens, progressing through a predetermined path, so don’t worry about missing anything or getting lost.
Notable exhibits at TeamLab Planets include:
- Infinite Crystal Universe – where lights and mirrors create an illusion of infinity.
- Drawing on the Water Surface – where visitors interact with art in knee-high water. The addition of real nature gardens in 2021 enhances the experience.
- Floating in The Falling Universe of Flowers – where visitors can lie down and observe overhead displays.
- Expanding Three-Dimensional Existence in Transforming Space – This is filled with spheres of light and is one of the most fun places to explore.
- Floating Flower Garden is the only exhibit with a time limit, filled with thousands of real flowers.
There is a TeamLab App that you can download before entering the museum. This app has some interactive features for visitors. There is also a guide on the app which explains the concept behind each exhibition.
Why visit TeamLab Planets
TeamLab Planets Tokyo offers a unique experience of a technological and immersive art museum. There are few places in the world to have this kind of experience, so it often makes it onto tourists’ Tokyo itineraries.
People who will enjoy TeamLab Planets Tokyo the most include:
- Technology Enthusiasts: Fusion of art, technology and nature.
- Families with Children: Engaging and interactive environment for all ages.
- Photography and Social Media Fans: A wide variety of visually stunning spots.
- Fans of Immersive and Interactive Experiences: It is immersive and stimulates all your senses.
- Modern and Digital Art Lovers: A chance to see one of the most futuristic digital art experiences.
- General Tourists and Travellers: Offering a unique and futuristic experience unlike traditional tourist spots.
- Repeat Visitors to Tokyo: A fresh perspective on Tokyo’s cultural scene.
Who Might Find TeamLab Planets Less Appealing
Although TeamLab Planets receives rave reviews from critics and visitors, some might want to skip this experience.
Those who might find TeamLab Planets less appealing include:
- Traditional Art Enthusiasts: Visitors who prefer classic art forms and static displays. They might not find the interactive and digital nature of TeamLab as appealing.
- People mainly interested in traditional Japanese history and culture: This experience doesn’t feel uniquely Japanese. And wouldn’t be out of place in another country.
- Visitors with light or sound sensitivity: heavy use of bright lights, projections, and soundscapes might be overwhelming for people with sensitivities to intense sensory experiences.
Preparing for your visit to TeamLab Planets
Before you visit TeamLab Planets Tokyo DMM you may have some questions. When should I visit, how do I get tickets, and what should I wear? We are here to answer all those worries and more in our TeamLab Planets review.
When to Visit TeamLab Planets Tokyo
Tokyo is notorious for having extremely hot and humid summers. But they also have heavy rain during the rainy season. A great feature of TeamLab Planets is that the entire exhibition is indoors. Being inside makes it a great choice for escaping the summer heat and enjoying some air conditioning. It is equally good for escaping the rain and keeping dry, except for your feet.
TeamLab Planets Tokyo can become busy on the weekends, meaning you have to queue to enter. Plus, there will be more people walking through the exhibition with you. More people will make it more challenging to take that perfect photo. You should also check if there isn’t a public holiday before visiting as it will be busier than usual.
I advise that you go on a weekday. The quietest times are when it opens at 9 am and gets busier from 11 am onwards. It becomes less busy from 7 pm until it closes at 10 pm.
I visited at 7:30 pm with a prebooked ticket on a Friday, and the queue took less than 10 minutes for me to enter. On my second lap at 9 pm, the museum was half empty, allowing me to enjoy my time more and take more photos. Unfortunately, the staff moved me along a few times as closing approached.
How to Buy TeamLab Planets Tickets
There are a few options for buying TeamLab Planets tickets. These include same-day tickets at the venue or ordering in advance online through companies like Klook, Get Your Guide and Viator.
TeamLab Planets Ticket Options
There are some different options for standard entry tickets for TeamLab Planets.
- Adult tickets are required for people aged 18 and over.
- There are tickets for high school students for people aged 13-17.
- There are child tickets for ages 4-12.
- For ages 3 and younger, entry is free.
- There is a discount ticket price for people with disabilities.
An exclusive skip-the-line Premium Pass ticket is available on Klook. This ticket allows you to enter at any time during the admission hours without queueing.
Where to Buy
Tickets can be purchased online or at the venue. You can buy a ticket at the venue from their ticket vending machines. You can pay for tickets with cash or a credit card.
To avoid disappointment, you should buy advance tickets online as TeamLab Planets can sell out sometimes. You can purchase tickets through Klook or other online providers such as Get Your Guide and Viator. You can also purchase through the official TeamLab Planets Tokyo website. This ticket will be a QR code, which will be scanned at the ticket gate to enter.
Below is an example of prices through Klook.
Klook Entry Ticket Prices:
- Adult (age 18+) = 3,800 Yen (US$ 25.80)
- Youth (Age 13-17) = 2,800 Yen (US$ 19.00)
- Child (Age 4-12) = 1,500 Yen (US$ 10.20)
- 3 Years and Under = Free
- Disability discount = 1,900 Yen (US$ 13.00)
- (Exclusive) skip-the-line premium pass = 7,200 Yen (US$ 49.10)
Official TeamLab Planets Ticket Store Prices:
Ticket prices directly through TeamLab are the same as through Klook. However, they don’t offer the skip-the-line premium pass.
What to wear to TeamLab Planets
When visiting TeamLab Planets Tokyo, one of the most important things to remember is to dress appropriately.
The number one tip is not to wear a skirt or dress, or if you do, wear shorts underneath it (like Japanese visitors do). Some exhibition rooms are completely covered in mirrors on the floor and ceiling. The use of mirrors means everyone will see up your skirt. So please keep this in mind.
Another reason to wear shorts is that you will have to walk through water in some rooms. Depending on your height, this water can be just under your knees, or even higher for children. So shorts, or some trousers or jeans you can roll up, are the best option.
There are changing rooms and free lockers, so you don’t have to worry about travelling to TeamLab Planets Tokyo in shorts.
Don’t worry about finding the perfect pair of shoes to match an outfit for photos at TeamLab Planets. You must remove your shoes at the entrance and do the whole exhibit barefoot.
TeamLab Planets Tokyo Hours of Operation
TeamLab Planets Tokyo is open seven days a week, with hours sometimes adjusting on holidays.
Current TeamLab Planets Tokyo hours (from March to May) are Monday to Sunday: 09:00 am – 10:00 pm. The last entry is one hour before closing. You may have to wait 30 to 90 minutes to enter the venue during busy periods.
TeamLab Vegan Ramen UZU Tokyo & Flower & Art Shop has slightly different opening hours. From March to May, opening hours are 11:00 am – 8:30 pm from Monday to Sunday. The last order for ramen is 30 minutes before the shop closes.
TeamLabs sometimes closes on select days, about one day a month. For March to May, Planets is closed on Wednesday, March 6; Wednesday, April 10; and Wednesday, May 8.
Check the official website before deciding on a day to visit to confirm opening and closing hours and when it is closed.
How to Get to TeamLab Planets Tokyo
Before leaving to go to TeamLab Planets Tokyo, you should know the various methods of transport to get there and figure out which one is best for you.
TeamLab Planets is in the Toyosu area. Toyosu is a man-made island in Tokyo which is close to Odaiba.
A fun fact about Toyosu is it is home to the first 7-Eleven store in Japan, which opened in 1974. Today, there are around 20,000 7-Eleven stores in Japan.
The TeamLab Planets Tokyo address is: TeamLab Planets Tokyo, Toyosu, 6-1-16, Kotu-ku, Tokyo.
Access by Public Transport
The easiest and quickest way to get to TeamLab Planets Tokyo is by train.
Using the Yurikamome Line, there are a few stations within walking distance. Shin-Toyosu station is a 1-minute walk from the north exit. Shijoumae Station is an 8-minute walk to TeamLab Planets.
If you use the Yurikamome Line, try to get the front carriage, as it’s a driverless train with stunning views of Odaiba.
TeamLab Planets is also a 14-minute walk from Toyosu Station Exit 7 on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line.
The TeamLab Planets Experience
You are in for a real treat, particularly if you haven’t been to any TeamLab exhibitions. Some of these rooms are mesmerising and jaw-dropping to see in person.
Infinite Crystal Universe
One of the first areas visitors will encounter is the Infinite Crystal Universe. This area uses pointillism lights and mirrors to create an illusion of the room and the lights being infinite.
The Infinite Crystal Universe is a great area to explore and get lost with numerous mirrors, and one of the best areas for taking photos.
The lights are only fully on briefly, so have your camera and pose ready if you want to capture that perfect snap. This exhibition also becomes very dark, and sometimes the lights move and flash, so be careful if you are sensitive to light.
Drawing on the Water Surface Created by the Dance of Koi and People
Stepping into almost knee-height water, you will experience the artwork of Drawing on the Water Surface Created by the Dance of Koi and People.
Drawing on the Water Surface is an extremely colourful area filled with digital koi fish swimming through the water visitors walk through. The koi fish are created by computer programming rather than simple video projection, so they interact with people and create moments that won’t be replicated.
This is a hard area to get good photos as it’s mostly quite dark, so you are best just enjoying this room and soaking up the art. I saw some people using camera flashes to take better photos in this area. However, it says flash photography is forbidden at TeamLab Planets Tokyo, so I advise against it.
After the areas that feature water, you will enter a drying room area. There is a wall of clean towels that you can use to dry your feet and legs. There are chairs to sit on to make this more comfortable. After you are finished, there is a large bin area to leave your used towels.
Expanding Three-Dimensional Existence in Transforming Space
The Expanding Three-Dimensional Existence in Transforming Space is one of the most fun exhibitions to explore.
In this room, giant freestanding balls change colour and react to people’s touch. Depending on the colour of the changing room and spheres, the room’s size and shape appear to change.
This exhibition contains motion sensors which means your movements control the environment. Many of the balls are free to push around and get creative with, but be careful not to squash anyone.
Floating in The Falling Universe of Flowers
If you need a break during the tour, Floating in The Falling Universe of Flowers provides just that. In this room, visitors are encouraged to lie on the floor and look up. It’s like being in a planetarium full of digital flowers flying by.
If you sit up or stand, the perspective completely changes. As a word of warning, if you stand or walk for too long in this area, you may start to feel some motion sickness.
This room was a personal favourite of mine. After a long day of walking and exploring, I enjoyed lying down and watching the art and felt truly relaxed.
Floating Flower Garden
The Floating Flower Garden is the only room with a time limit for visitors at TeamLab Planets Tokyo.
This exhibit features thousands of real flowers hanging from the ceiling. These are reflected with the mirrors above, below and on all sides.
You feel like orchids surround you. These orchids lower and rise from the ceiling, making the space constantly change.
Orchids are used because they don’t need soil and will grow and blossom throughout the day.
Moss Garden of Resonating Microcosms
On the day of my visit to TeamLab Planets Tokyo, the Moss Garden of Resonating Microcosms was unfortunately closed for refurbishment, so I never got to experience it.
This moss garden area is filled with ovoids that react to many different things, such as the touch of a person, water, wind, and the sunrise and sunset. The ovoids change colour and make sounds depending on the other ovoid’s states.
Interactive and Immersive Exhibits
There is a TeamLab App which you are encouraged to download before entering the museum. This app has some interactive features for visitors.
You can use the app to change and create artwork in The Infinite Crystal Universe. There is also a guide on the app which explains the concept behind each exhibition. The app is extremely helpful and interesting for visitors wanting to know more about the artwork.
There is another TeamLab Planets Toyko app called Distributed Fire. When you open the app and stand near the Universe of Fire Particles Falling from the Sky exhibit, a unique flame will ignite on the app. You can save and take the artwork home with you.
The app contains a map feature showing all the countries the flame has spread to.
Food and Drink Options at TeamLab Planets Tokyo
For those feeling peckish before or after their trip to TeamLab Planets Tokyo, they have you sorted out with a unique vegan ramen restaurant.
Vegan Ramen UZU is originally from Kyoto but is now available at TeamLab Planets.
Ramen usually always contains meat; even some vegetarian ramen uses fish or pork in the broth. So Vegan Ramen UZU offers a real alternative.
Different ramen options are available, but all contain noodles made from wheat flour from Hokkaido. The soup broth is made from vegetables, kelp, and shiitake mushrooms and steeps for 12 hours. You can pair up the ramen with one of their specialty teas or even finish it all off with vegan ice cream.
Visitors can enjoy their ramen in the Reversible Rotation space. This art area features walls, floors, and a ceiling full of ever-changing calligraphy.
Shopping and Souvenirs at TeamLab Planets Tokyo
TeamLab Planets Tokyo doesn’t have a gift shop in the traditional sense. However, they have a pretty unique alternative that many visitors will enjoy.
The Flowers Shop sells a variety of orchids that bloomed as part of the TeamLab Planets’ artwork. Some of the orchids available to buy are Vanda, Phalaenopsis, Dendrobium, and Epidendrum.
Other interesting items, including the Living Knitted Sculpture, are also for sale. The sculpture is made from a single continuous piece of yarn. You can then place a Vanda orchid inside and let it grow naturally. A neat flower-growing bag for sale also features the TeamLabs name.
Tips for a Great Experience at TeamLab Planets
After visiting TeamLab Planets Tokyo, I can share some final tips and tricks to make the most of the experience.
Beat the Crowds
To get the most out of the experience, try and beat the crowds. Some of the rooms can feel a little too busy at points. Going on a weekday is quieter than a weekend, so aim for that. Also, the first hour of opening, or the last 3 hours before closing, are the least busy.
Photo Tips
Bring a camera and phone if you want to capture photos. But also, use at your own risk. Some areas with almost knee-deep water could ruin your device if you drop it in there. Keep in mind that flash photography is forbidden. And you can’t bring in a tripod, monopod, selfie stick, or drone.
Forget those photos you have seen on the official website and paid influencer’s Instagrams. Their photos usually look fantastic and are wide shots, with them being completely alone in the photo. This is going to be nearly impossible for your photos.
TeamLab Planets is very popular and crowded. The best advice is to embrace other people in the background of your photos or shoot a little closer to your subject. Forget those wide, empty shots.
The Expanding Three-Dimensional Existence in Transforming Space and The Infinite Crystal Universe were the best areas to take photos. The Floating Flower Garden is another great area for photos. These rooms had the best lighting and the most space. The lighting changes regularly, so you might have to wait for the best shooting conditions.
Areas like Drawing on the Water Surface Created by the Dance of Koi and People and Floating In The Falling Universe of Flowers are dark areas, so focus on the experience rather than taking the perfect photograph. These rooms are for exploring and soaking in the art, the technology and the atmosphere.
Clothing
Bring shorts! I wore loose jeans, which I rolled up, but I would have been much more comfortable wearing shorts.
If you wear a skirt or dress, shorts underneath are a good option as many rooms have mirrored floors and ceilings.
Don’t worry about bringing fancy shoes for your photographs at TeamLab Planets Tokyo. You take off your shoes as you enter the building and will be barefoot for your entire stay.
There are changing rooms for you to change into your outfit before you enter the exhibition. And there is a free locker for visitors to store extra clothes and bags.
Restrooms are also available at the start near the locker area, so I would use them at the beginning if you are in any doubt.
English-Language Support
TeamLab Planets Tokyo is visited by many foreign tourists and they have accommodated them well. Before entering each exhibition, information boards explain the exhibit in English, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean.
I also noticed that the information videos in the waiting area also had English when they explained the rules and how the experience worked. In some of the rooms, staff told visitors not to touch the art. They would also hold up an information card with instructions in various languages.
Accessibility
TeamLab Planets Tokyo is accessible by wheelchair, and the staff will explain the regulations before you enter. If you are using your own wheelchair, they will ask you to use wheel covers on your wheels. They also have a wheelchair that you can rent.
The exhibition has wheelchair ramps, automatic doors, handrails, multipurpose toilets, ostomate restrooms, toilets with handrails, diaper-changing facilities, and a breastfeeding room.
There are detour routes available for people with disabilities, young children, or people who can’t enter a room for any reason. The staff nearby will be able to assist you.
Nearby Attractions to TeamLab Planets Tokyo
TeamLab Planets Tokyo is situated in the Toyoso area of Tokyo. The great news is that there are plenty of other things to see and do nearby if you want to add them to your day trip.
One of the most popular landmarks in Toyosu is the Urban Dock LaLaport. This massive shopping mall and commercial facility is suitable for people of all ages. There are around 180 stores, including some of the big Japanese brands such as Tokyu Hands for home goods and MUJI for clothing. Urban Dock LaLaport also features KidZania, a popular educational amusement park. KidZania allows children to learn about the world through a fun work-like experience.
The Tokyo Gas Science Museum is a 6-minute walk from TeamLab Planets. This museum is free of charge and has several interactive exhibits suitable for all ages. Visitors can have fun while learning about how gas as an energy resource supports our daily lives and society.
Another thing to see while in Toyosu is the famous Toyosu Fish Market. This is a wholesale market that replaced the old Tsukiji fish market, and it is the biggest fish market in the world. There are three interconnected buildings, one for wholesale fruit and veg and two for wholesale seafood. Toyosu Market’s regular opening hours are 5:00 am to 3:00 pm, with some shops and the information centre opening at 7:00 am. Note: Toyosu Market is closed on Sundays, national holidays and often on Wednesdays.
TeamLab Planets Review: Final Thoughts
Before visiting TeamLab Planets Tokyo, I had some preconceptions that it was just for tourists to take some Instagram photos. I can now confirm that TeamLab Planets is also popular with locals. It is also much more than just a place to take cool photographs. Some rooms are more of an experience that won’t look good in photos.
Enjoy TeamLab Planets Tokyo as an experience. Save time on trying to get those perfect photos. This will frustrate you and waste some of your precious time there.
TeamLab Planets is a more than worthwhile experience and justifies its ticket price. Come with a pair of shorts and an open mind and step into a world that will leave you in awe.
- Immerse yourself in art that's fused with technology and nature.
- Engage and interact with the stunning art experiences.
- Wander barefoot through the art exhibits, relax and take stunning photos.
Frequently Asked Questions about TeamLab Planets Tokyo
Now that you have decided to visit TeamLab Planets, you might have some last-minute questions or worries, and I’m here to address them.
Join the Japan Travel Planning Facebook Group or Discord Server
You are also welcome to join our Japan Travel Planning Facebook Group and our Japan Travel Planning Discord Server – they are great resources to enable you to ask questions about your upcoming trip to Japan!
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. If you book after clicking on one of these links then we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
