teamLab Planets: Dive Headfirst into Tokyo's Immersive Digital Art!
- japansophy
- Aug 16
- 6 min read

Get ready to shed your shoes (and maybe roll up your trousers!) and step into a truly mind-bending, multi-sensory wonderland at teamLab Planets TOKYO (チームラボプラネッツ)! This is a museum like no other: it's a fully immersive digital art experience where you become part of the art itself, walking through water, floating in a universe of flowers, and interacting with light installations that stretch to infinity.
Located in Tokyo's lively Toyosu district, teamLab Planets is a permanent exhibition created by the international art collective teamLab. The installations are designed to dissolve the boundaries between the viewer and the artwork, creating a seamless and holistic experience. The journey through the museum is a physical one, guiding you barefoot through different "body immersive" spaces. This deliberate approach forces you to engage with the art on a deeper, more tactile level, feeling the pebbles under your feet in one room or the gentle warmth of the water in another. The experience is both intensely personal and interconnected, as the digital creations respond to your presence and the presence of others around you. It's a futuristic, magical, and utterly transformative journey that will dazzle your senses and fill your Instagram feed. If you're looking for an unforgettable adventure that blurs the line between art and reality, this is an absolute must-do
Getting there – where is teamLab planets?
While outside the city centre, teamLab Planets is easily accessible by Tokyo's efficient public transport.
Nearest station: The closest station is Shin-Toyosu Station (新豊洲駅) on the Yurikamome Line, which is just a super quick one-minute walk away from the exhibition. You can also walk from Toyosu Station (豊洲駅) on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line and Yurikamome Line, which is about a 10-minute stroll.
By taxi: A taxi can drop you off directly at the venue's entrance. Be aware that the museum is well outside central Tokyo and fares (e.g., Shinjuku or Tokyo Station) would typically range from ¥5000 - ¥6500 depending on traffic.
Accessibility: teamLab Planets is designed to be immersive, which involves walking through water and sometimes on soft, uneven surfaces. While the venue tries to accommodate all guests, it's not entirely wheelchair or stroller friendly for all exhibits. Guests in wheelchairs may experience some parts, but should check the official website for detailed accessibility information. Strollers are not permitted inside the exhibition and must be left at the entrance.
Opening hours & best time to visit
To get the most out of your immersive experience, timing your visit is key!
Opening hours: teamLab Planets' opening hours vary quite a bit depending on the day of the week, the season, and public holidays. They are typically open from around 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM or 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with the last entry usually one hour before closing. They are also often closed on certain Thursdays for maintenance. It is crucial to check their official website for the exact opening hours on your specific travel date before you plan your visit.
Best time to visit:
Weekday Mornings (Right at opening): This is your absolute best bet for a less crowded, more immersive experience. You'll have more space to enjoy the art without feeling rushed.
Later in the evening (last two hours): As closing time approaches, crowds can also thin out, offering a more peaceful final exploration.
Time to avoid: Weekends, Japanese national holidays, and mid-afternoon slots are typically the busiest. During these times, the rooms can feel very crowded, which might detract from the magical, immersive feeling. If you're sensitive to crowds, try to avoid these periods.
Reservations & admission
This is one attraction where booking in advance isn't just recommended – it's absolutely essential!
Reservations are mandatory! Tickets for teamLab Planets are time-slotted, meaning you purchase a ticket for a specific entry window (e.g., 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM). You cannot just show up and expect to get in, especially for popular times.
Where to make reservations & how far in advance: Tickets must be purchased online via the official teamLab Planets website. Due to its immense popularity, tickets, especially for morning or afternoon slots, often sell out quickly. Tickets go on sale around 2 months in advance.
Ticket/admission price: Admission fees vary according to the time of day, but typically range from around ¥3,800 to ¥4,600 for adults. There are discounted rates for junior high/high school students, children, and those with disabilities.
Payment method: Online reservations require credit card payment.
What can you see & do at teamLab Planets?
teamLab Planets focuses on the concept of "Body Immersive" art, meaning you use your entire body to experience the installations. It's a journey through different, distinct art spaces.
"Drawings on the Water Surface Created by the Dance of Koi and People – Infinity": This is often the highlight! You walk barefoot through shallow water, with digital koi fish swimming around your feet. As you interact with them, they change colour or burst into flowers. It's absolutely magical and incredibly calming.
"Floating in the Falling Universe of Flowers": Prepare to be mesmerised! You'll lie or sit in an immersive room filled with constantly falling and changing digital flowers, creating a truly ethereal and dreamlike experience. It's like floating in a cosmic garden.
"The Infinite Crystal Universe": Step into a room filled with countless suspended LED lights that create an illusion of endless, sparkling space. Visitors can interact with this artwork using their smartphones, adding to the ever-changing light patterns. It’s breathtakingly beautiful and offers incredible photo opportunities.
"Soft Black Hole": A unique sensory experience where you walk across a soft, uneven floor that sinks under your weight, challenging your sense of balance and space.
New areas have been added in 2025. Check the official website for photos and videos.
Japansophy’s Top Tips!
Book tickets well in advance: Tickets for mornings and afternoons are generally sold out weeks in advance, so book as early as possible.
Wear appropriate clothing: For the water exhibits, wear clothes you can easily roll up above your knees (or wear shorts/a skirt). You'll be provided with small towels to dry your feet. be aware that many of the floors are mirrored, so short skirts can be unintentionally revealing.
Light-coloured clothing for photos: You'll see many visitors wearing white or light-coloured clothing for more aesthetic, thoroughly Instagrammable photos!
Be prepared to go barefoot: For most of the exhibition, you'll remove your shoes (lockers provided!) and walk barefoot. It's part of the sensory experience.
Protect your phone: Bring a small, clear waterproof pouch or bag for your phone and other essentials, especially in the water areas.
Go early or late: To avoid the most intense crowds and have more space to truly immerse yourself in the art, aim for the first two hours after opening or the last two hours before closing.
Before it's too late: Planets is a temporary installation and will close its doors in 2027! teamLabs has other exhibitions throughout Japan, though.
Facilities:
teamLab Planets offers thoughtful facilities to enhance your visit.
Eating & drinking: There's a dedicated "Vegan Ramen UZU Tokyo" restaurant located within the teamLab Planets complex, offering delicious plant-based ramen. You'll also find a small refreshment stand. You can typically bring bottled water with you, but food is generally restricted to designated areas.
Toilets: Clean, modern restrooms are available within the venue.
Baby-changing facilities: Baby-changing facilities and nursing rooms are available on-site.
Lockers: Free lockers are provided for shoes and bags before you enter the main exhibition.
Other attractions nearby:
teamLab Planets' location in Toyosu places it near other interesting modern attractions.
Toyosu Market: Just a short walk away, this is Tokyo's famous wholesale fish market, the successor to Tsukiji Market. You can watch the tuna auction (very early morning!) or enjoy incredibly fresh seafood breakfasts and lunches. [Link to Toyosu Market Inspo page, once created!]
Lalaport Toyosu: A large, modern shopping mall right on the waterfront, offering a wide range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Odaiba: A short ride on the Yurikamome Line will take you to the futuristic Odaiba island, with its entertainment complexes, museums (like the Miraikan science museum), shopping malls, and the famous Rainbow Bridge
Ready to step into a world of pure digital magic and create unforgettable memories? Our 3-Day Tokyo Itinerary includes a mesmerising visit to teamLab Planets, ensuring you experience Tokyo's most innovative art!
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