teamLab is Tokyo's most buzzed-about art experience — immersive digital installations where you walk through, touch, and interact with constantly evolving light and sound environments. It's become a must-visit for almost every type of traveler, not just art enthusiasts.
teamLab Borderless vs. Planets
teamLab Planets (Toyosu): Smaller, 4 main rooms, barefoot experience — you walk through water, lie in a mirrored flower room, and enter a garden of crystal. More intense sensory experience. Takes 60–90 minutes. ¥3,200. teamLab Borderless (Azabudai Hills, new location from 2024): Larger, 50+ interconnected art rooms with no set path. "Borderless" because artworks flow between rooms. Takes 2–3+ hours. ¥3,800. Borderless moved to a larger new venue at Azabudai Hills in February 2024 — it's now even more spectacular than the original.
How to Book
Both require advance tickets — walk-ins are not guaranteed and usually not available on popular days. Book on teamlab.art (official site) at least 1–2 weeks ahead for weekdays, 3–4 weeks for weekends. Print or save the QR code. Credit card accepted. Sold-out dates show immediately — be flexible with your visit time.
What to Wear
For Planets: You remove shoes and wade through shallow water — don't wear jeans (they'll get wet to the knee). Leggings or shorts are recommended. Towels provided. For Borderless: Shoes on; comfortable walking shoes for 2+ hours. Both: Dark or simple clothing works better with the light art (white clothing can look odd in some rooms).
Photography Tips
Phones are the main camera tool here (the experience is designed for it). Most rooms allow photography without flash. The mirrored infinity rooms require slower shutter speeds — use portrait mode for soft-focus backgrounds. Best photos: arrive right at opening (10:00 AM) before rooms get crowded.
Getting There
Planets: Yurikamome Line to Shin-Toyosu Station (exit directly into the building). 5 min from Shiodome. Borderless (Azabudai Hills): Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line to Kamiyacho or Roppongi Station. 10 min walk through Azabudai Hills complex.
Verdict
If you can only do one: Borderless for the sheer scope and variety. Planets if you want the most intense physical immersion in a shorter time. Both if you have children or are a digital art enthusiast.