If you’re visiting Japan for the first time, looking for things to do in Tokyo, or are unsure about what attractions you should visit, this blog is for you. teamLab Borderless and teamLab Planets are two of the most popular tourist spots in Tokyo, Japan. Regarded as ‘Digital Art Museums’, these places offer you an immersive, one-of-a-kind experience you may have never seen before.
Both of these places offer an incredible adventure, and I insist you visit both. But in case you have budget constraints, or have time to visit only one of them, you must weigh in your options and choose what’s best for you. Read along to find out the features of each one, what their differences are, and ultimately, which one you should go to.
You can also check out the YouTube video on my experience on both teamLab museums here.
The Essentials – Fees, Booking, Timings, and Prep-ups
First things first. Before setting off on this immersive journey of a lifetime, make sure your things are in order, so that you can say goodbye to your worries and enjoy the experience to its fullest. Here are the key details that you need to keep in mind for both the tourist spots:
teamLab Borderless
Location | Azabudai Hills Garden Plaza B B1, 1-2-4 Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo |
Ticket Price | Entrance Pass
An additional 200 yen will be applicable if the tickets are purchased on-site. (~ = Dynamic pricing) |
Visiting Hours |
For more details regarding opening and closing times on specific dates, visit the teamLab Borderless website. |
How to Go | It is suggested to use public transportation, as the museum does not have parking facilities. Alternatively, you can use the Azabudai Hills parking lot. |
Prerequisites | No prerequisites necessary. However, it’s good to wear light, airy clothes and light footwear as it can take between 2 to 3 hours to fully enjoy the experience. |
Restrictions |
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teamLab Planets
Location | teamLab Planets TOKYO, Toyosu 6-1-16, Koto-ku, Tokyo |
Ticket Price | (Before 21 July) Weekdays, Mon-Fri
Weekends and Holidays
Ticket prices are subject to change after July 21. For more details, visit the teamLab Planets website. |
Visiting Hours |
For more details regarding opening and closing times on specific dates, visit the teamLab Planets website. |
How to Go | It is suggested to use public transportation, as parking services are not available in the venue. You can avail yourself of other local parking services on weekdays. |
Prerequisites |
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Restrictions |
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Good news: you can get 10% off on your teamLab Borderless and Planets when booking from the Klook website! Simply use the code PHATLIFEPROJECT while purchasing your tickets from the below links.
Similarities and Differences — teamLab Borderless and teamLab Planets
Now that we know the essential details of both, let’s move on to the key features, similarities, and differences between these venues. Choose what’s best for you and spend your day in a never-seen-before experience.
Similarities
- Both teamLab venues, regarded as ‘Digital Art Museums’, offer visitors an interactive, immersive, hyper-realistic experience.
- The museums allow visitors to touch and interact with artworks and change them in the process. The artworks rely upon participation of the people to display their capabilities.
- Tickets are made available on official websites two months prior to the day of visit. If you want to avoid last-minute letdowns, reserve your tickets as early as possible.
- Photography and videography through phones and cameras are allowed in both. However, tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, and auxiliary equipment are prohibited. Flash photography is also discouraged within the premises.
- The visits involve a lot of walking, so I encourage people to wear light, airy clothes and comfortable footwear to be able to make the most out your day.
- Lockers are available for free for safekeeping of your personal belongings.
- No food is allowed inside the museums. The visits typically require 2-3 hours, which is why I suggest having a light meal before entering.
Differences
Features | teamLab Borderless | teamLab Planets |
Ticket Price | As mentioned above (~JPY 1,500–3,800/person.). No variation. | Two ticket types on Klook;
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Structure | Less structured – more ‘pick your own adventure’ type. One large space leading to over 50 different exhibit rooms. | More structured and organised – visitors are walked through the entire museum once inside. Certain sections are guided and briefed for a better experience. |
Touchability | Visitors are allowed to touch all the artworks. | You are not allowed to touch certain exhibits. |
Interaction Type | Several interactive artworks are spread across different rooms and spaces. Artworks rely upon visitors’ participation to change and transform. However, only digital sensory elements have been used throughout. | Uses various elements for an immersive, all-round experience. The inclined river, for example, uses water and disinfectant to sanitise visitor’s feet while they walk through it. Flowers stimulate the olfactory senses of viewers in another exhibit. |
Physical Activity | Lower physical activity is required to explore the museum. | Demands higher physical activity in certain sections. |
Age Group | More suitable for children, older adults, and physically restricted visitors. | Better choice for physically active adolescents and adults. |
What to Expect | An interactive journey that shows you the endless possibilities of art. Create art while exploring, as you walk through the exhibits and feel them changing with your touch. | An all-round immersive adventure that will expand and enchant your senses every step of the way. Find yourself becoming one with artworks and feeling things you’ve never felt before. |
You can also have a look at my YouTube video to get a visual taste of the museums and find out more about their features.
Which One Should You Go To?
Both attractions are unique in their own way and will surely leave a lasting impression on your mind. However, if you have to choose only one of them, here are some points you may want to consider;
- Budget constraints: The normal entrance fee for both teamLab Borderless and teamLab Planets is very similar (JPY ~3,800-4,200). However, waiting for long hours in queues, in the case of teamLab Planets can be worrying for certain people. The Skip-the-Line premium ticket (JPY ~7,525) is a good alternative to avoid such situations, although it increases the budget quite a bit.
- Age/physical limitations: While assistance is available at both venues to those who need it, experiencing the artworks at teamLab Planets might still be a struggle for some. The Soft Black Hole, Inclined River, and certain other attractions may not be most suitable for individuals with restricted physical movement, or those visiting with children or older adults.
Therefore, if you’re running under a tight budget, planning to visit the place with children or elders, or have limited physical movement, teamLab Borderless may be a better option for you. Otherwise, select either of the two options and enjoy an incredible experience.
To Sum Up
You’re all set for that trip. Now get on the next flight to Japan and explore its creativity all around. If you’re confused about what to do over there or looking for an adventure, come back to this blog and plan a visit to one of the teamLab museums at the earliest. Consider your options and choose the museum that suits you the best because, after all, what matters is a fulfilling experience.
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