TeamLab Planets vs. Borderless: Which Digital Art Museum Should You Visit?
If you have an Instagram account, you have seen teamLab. The dazzling rooms of hanging lights, the digital waterfalls, the flowers blooming on people’s bodies. It is the #1 photo spot in Tokyo.
But here is the problem. There are now TWO major teamLab museums in Tokyo, and they are completely different.
- teamLab Planets (in Toyosu)
- teamLab Borderless (in Azabudai Hills)
“Which one should I go to?” As your friend, I’ve been to both (many times). Here is the honest comparison to help you decide.
Contender 1: TeamLab Planets (The “Body Immersive” One)
- Location: Toyosu (Near the old Fish Market).
- The Concept: You become part of the art.
- The Key Feature: You take off your shoes and socks. You walk barefoot through the entire museum.
- The Highlights:
- The Water Area: You walk through knee-deep water where digital koi fish swim around your legs. It is incredible.
- The Floating Orchids: A garden of real, living orchids that float up and down as you walk through.
- Friend’s Verdict: Choose Planets if you want a unique physical experience, or if you are traveling with kids (they love the water). It follows a set path, so you won’t get lost.
⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING FOR PLANETS: Do not wear a skirt or dress. Why? Many floors are mirrors. If you wear a skirt, the people below (and the floor itself) can see… everything. (They do offer free rental shorts, but it’s better to just wear pants). Also, wear pants that you can roll up above your knees for the water area!
Contender 2: TeamLab Borderless (The “Endless Maze”)
- Location: Azabudai Hills (Near Roppongi/Tokyo Tower). Note: This is the NEW location opened in 2024.
- The Concept: Art without boundaries.
- The Key Feature: There is no map. It is a maze. You are supposed to get lost.
- The Highlights:
- Bubble Universe: A room filled with infinite spheres of light.
- Roaming Art: The art moves. Digital crows fly from one room to another. Flowers bloom and die based on the season.
- Friend’s Verdict: Choose Borderless if you have more time and love to explore. It is more artistic and “trippy.” It feels like a digital labyrinth.
So, Which One is Better?
- For Fun & Sensations: TeamLab Planets. (Water + Flowers + Barefoot = Unforgettable).
- For Art & Exploration: TeamLab Borderless. (Wandering + Discovery + Infinite Photos).
Can I do both? Yes! They are different enough. But they are not near each other (about 30 mins by train/taxi). Don’t try to squeeze them into the same afternoon.
Booking Advice (Don’t Wait!)
Both museums sell out weeks in advance. You cannot just walk up and buy a ticket.
- Book Online: Buy tickets on the official website or Klook as soon as your travel dates are set.
- Morning vs. Night: Go first thing in the morning (9 AM) or late at night (7 PM) to avoid the biggest crowds.
Summary
- Planets: Water, barefoot, sensory. (Wear pants!).
- Borderless: Maze, wandering, artistic.
- Book Ahead: Seriously, do it now.
Whichever you choose, prepare to have your mind blown. It is the closest thing to magic we have in Tokyo.
Want help planning a “Modern Tokyo” day that hits TeamLab, the best lunch spot, and a view of Tokyo Tower? Our tours can be customized to fit your ticket time perfectly. Let’s go get lost in the lights!
