teamLab Museums Tokyo Guide 2026

teamLab is an internationally acclaimed art collective that creates immersive, interactive digital installations. Based in Tokyo, teamLab has transformed the art world with their unique blend of technology, nature, and human interaction. Their permanent museums in Tokyo - teamLab Planets and teamLab Borderless - are among the most visited and photographed attractions in Japan.

teamLab Planets is a "body immersive" museum where visitors walk barefoot through large-scale artwork. Located in Toyosu, just a few minutes from downtown Tokyo, this museum creates experiences where your body becomes one with the art. The museum was initially planned as a temporary exhibition but became so popular that it has been extended multiple times.

The Experience

Upon entering, you'll remove your shoes and socks and roll up your pants to above your knees. The journey takes you through several distinct spaces:

Waterfall of Light Particles

Begin your journey by walking through ankle-deep water as digital waterfalls of light cascade around you. The water is clean and temperature-controlled for comfort.

The Infinite Crystal Universe

Step into a seemingly endless space filled with LED crystals that create an illusion of infinite depth. Using a smartphone app, visitors can interact with the installation, selecting and throwing elements that become part of the artwork.

Koi and People

Wade through knee-deep water as digital koi fish swim around you. When the koi touch you, they transform into flowers and scatter. The koi are aware of your presence and respond to your movements in real-time.

Soft Black Hole

Navigate through a completely dark space with an extremely soft floor that creates an unusual walking experience. Your body sinks into the floor, making you hyperaware of your physical presence.

The Floating Flower Garden

Enter a room suspended with thousands of real living flowers. The flowers lift and lower based on where visitors stand, creating a personal flower dome around you. This living artwork changes with the seasons and time of day.

Expanding Three-Dimensional Existence

Experience being enveloped by soft, glowing orbs of light that change color in response to being touched. The orbs communicate with each other, creating waves of color that spread throughout the space.

teamLab Borderless reopened in February 2024 at its new location in Azabudai Hills, one of Tokyo's newest and most prestigious developments. The concept of "Borderless" refers to art without boundaries - artworks move freely between rooms, influence each other, and sometimes intermingle to create ever-changing experiences.

Museum Without a Map

Unlike traditional museums, teamLab Borderless has no designated route. Visitors are encouraged to wander, get lost, and discover. The artworks move out of rooms, enter corridors, communicate with other works, and influence each other. No two visits are exactly the same.

Key Installations

Bubble Universe: A massive, newly-created artwork exclusive to the Azabudai Hills location. Countless spherical lights fill the space, creating an ever-changing universe of bubbles that respond to visitor presence.

Forest of Resonating Lamps: One of teamLab's most iconic installations. Venetian glass lamps fill the space, creating a sea of light that spreads infinitely through mirrored walls. When you approach a lamp, it shines brightly and triggers a chain reaction of light spreading to neighboring lamps.

Crystal Universe: Different from the version at Planets, this installation allows you to walk through and interact with an accumulation of light points, creating a sense of infinite space.

The Way of the Sea, Flying Beyond Borders: Schools of fish swim across the entire museum, passing through walls and other artworks, influenced by the presence of visitors.

EN TEA HOUSE

The EN TEA HOUSE offers a unique dining experience where you can enjoy tea while digital flowers bloom inside your cup. As you drink, the flowers scatter and fade away. This is an additional paid experience requiring a separate reservation.

Both museums offer incredible experiences, but they are fundamentally different. Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide:

Our recommendation: If you can only visit one, choose teamLab Planets for the unique water experience that you can't get anywhere else. If you have time and interest in art, visiting both is absolutely worth it as they offer completely different experiences.

What to Wear

• Skip white clothing: The projections don't show up well on white
• Wear dark or colorful clothes: They create better contrast with the art
• For Planets: Wear pants that can be rolled up above the knee
• Avoid short skirts: Mirrored floors are throughout the museums
• Leave heavy bags: Small lockers are provided (bring ¥100 coin, refundable)

Booking Tips

• Book at least 1-2 weeks in advance, especially for weekends
• Sunset/evening slots are most popular and sell out first
• Morning slots are generally less crowded
• Tickets are date and time-specific - arrive on time
• Flexible tickets are available for a higher price

Photography Tips

• Flash photography is not allowed
• Tripods and selfie sticks are prohibited
• Use night mode on your smartphone for best results
• Video is allowed in most areas
• Some areas have long exposure spots marked for photos

Accessibility

• Wheelchairs are available at both museums
• Some areas may be difficult for wheelchair users
• Strollers must be left at entrance
• Baby carriers are recommended for young children
• Children under 4 are free at both museums