If you’ve been on social media, you’ve likely seen photos of people visiting teamLab Planets in Tokyo. Many people I know who’ve visited Japan stopped by this digital art museum to take their Instagram-worthy photos to show off or use as their new profile picture. Although it annoyed me a bit that it seemed like people were visiting only to create social media content, it piqued my curiosity and I paid a visit during my trip to Japan in May. I have to admit, it’s a great place to take photos. It’s worth a visit if you are into photography and digital art and happen to be in the area.
What is teamLab Planets?
teamLab Planets is an immersive digital art museum located in Tokyo’s Toyosu area. Unlike traditional museums, visitors wade through knee-deep water and interact directly with the digital artworks. The museum features massive installations where the boundaries between visitor, art, and space become beautifully blurred.
The museum consists of several mind-bending artworks spread across multiple rooms. Some installations respond to visitors’ movements and presence, creating an ever-changing environment. You’ll find yourself walking through rooms filled with digital flowers that bloom and scatter at your touch, wading through spaces where illuminated koi fish swim around your feet, and exploring spaces where light and water create stunning optical illusions.
…Then What Is teamLab Borderless?
Maybe while looking at people’s photos or doing a quick search online you’ve seen/heard of teamLab Borderless. While both are digital art museums, Planets focuses more on immersive water-based installations, while Borderless offers a different type of experience with more traditional walking spaces. Many visitors enjoy experiencing both, as they each offer unique perspectives on digital art. I have not yet been to teamLab Borderless, but you can find out more about it here.
Important Notes For Your Visit
Tickets
- Buying tickets in advance is highly recommended.
- Even if you miss your admission time you can still enter the facility if you arrive within the same day during open hours (last admission is one hour before closing).
- Plan for about 2-3 hours to fully experience everything.
Accessibility
- The museum is located near Toyosu Station. Their website states it’s about a 15-minute taxi ride from Tokyo Station or a 15-minute expressway ride from Haneda Airport. I took the train to Toyosu Station and walked 10-15 min to TeamLab Planets.
- Some areas of the facility may be challenging for visitors with mobility issues.
- Some areas require walking through water.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible. See their FAQs for additional information.
Photography
- The installations are incredibly photogenic and definitely Instagram-worthy, so bring a camera!
- Because some areas are filled with water, so waterproof phone cases or phone straps are encouraged to keep your phone safe.
- You are sharing the facility with other people, so please be respectful and mindful of others, and be patient when waiting for a time/space to take your photo.
Ayumi’s Tips & Tricks
- You will be getting wet, as walking through the water installations is required to reach other parts of the facility.
- Shorts can be rented for FREE and there are changing rooms available.
- You don’t have to rent or wear shorts. (I wore long pants because I wanted that particular outfit for photos lol). But keep in mind:
- You should wear pants that can be rolled up for the water portions.
- Skirts and dresses are not recommended because some areas have mirrored floors.
- There are also small lockers (with locks provided, no need to bring your own) to keep your stuff while you enjoy the exhibit.
- The Instagram-famous Orchid rooms rotate out groups of people. Unlike the other installations, you won’t get unlimited time here. You will go in with a group, enjoy for a few minutes, and then will be asked to move out for the next group of people.
- The orchids are real and delicate. They will rise up for you to walk under when the time comes, do not touch the flowers. BE PATIENT.
Be sure to check out their website for tickets and additional info.
teamLab Planets is a fun experience to engage with art. It’s the perfect place for art enthusiasts, families with children, photography lovers, people interested in digital art and technology, and any visitor seeking a unique experience in Tokyo.
Remember to get your tickets before you visit and be prepared to get a little wet!
Have you visited teamLab Planets? What was your favorite installation? Let me know in the comments below!
