teamLab Tokyo: Planets vs. Borderless — Which One to Visit (2026)

teamLab is the collective behind Tokyo's most photographed, most talked-about, and most confusing-to-book attraction. There are two separate museums, they're in different parts of the city, they work completely differently, and most first-time visitors don't realize they have to choose. Here's what actually distinguishes them and how to get the most out of whichever one you pick.

The Two Museums, Explained

teamLab Planets (Toyosu) — You walk barefoot through water. Literally: several rooms involve wading through ankle-deep water lit from below with koi projections swimming around your legs, and one room is a mirror-lined infinity space filled with hanging orbs of light. It's wetter, more physical, and more intense sensorially. Shoes come off at the entrance; there are towels and foot-drying stations, but wear clothes you don't mind getting slightly wet and skip the good shoes.

teamLab Borderless (Azabudai Hills, relocated from Odaiba in 2024) — A sprawling, deliberately disorienting maze of interconnected rooms where the art "borders" bleed into each other — a digital waterfall might flow from one room into the next, or a swarm of projected butterflies might follow you between spaces. No water here; it's about scale, wandering, and getting genuinely lost. There's far more square footage, so plan for more walking and more time.

Which to choose: If you only have time for one, Planets is the more immediately awe-inducing and Instagram-friendly experience, and it's shorter — better for a half-day. Borderless rewards patience and repeat wandering, and is better if you have a full afternoon. If you can do both, they don't overlap much and neither will feel redundant.

Tickets and Timing

Both museums use timed-entry tickets that sell out — often weeks in advance during peak seasons (cherry blossom season, Golden Week, summer holidays, year-end). Buy directly through the official teamLab ticketing site as soon as your dates are fixed; third-party resellers routinely charge a large markup for the same time slots.

• Planets: Typically ¥3,800–¥4,800 for adults depending on season, discounted for students and children.
• Borderless: Similarly priced, slightly higher due to the larger, newer facility.
• Best time slots: The first entry slot of the day has noticeably shorter waits inside key installations (the mirror rooms and the crystal light forest are the two biggest bottlenecks at both locations).
• Plan for: 2–2.5 hours at Planets, 3–4 hours at Borderless if you want to see everything without rushing.

What to Wear and Bring

• Planets: Shorts or clothes you can roll up are ideal — you'll be in water past your ankles in multiple rooms. Skip white or light-colored bottoms if you're worried about the koi projection room splashing.
• Borderless: Regular clothes are fine, but wear shoes you can walk in for hours — there's a lot more ground to cover.
• Both: Skirts and dresses are workable but slightly impractical at Planets given the water rooms. Bring a small dry bag or ziplock for your phone if you plan to photograph in the water rooms.
• Lockers are provided at both locations for bags and shoes.

The Rooms Worth Prioritizing

At Planets: The "Floating Nest" trampoline room, the mirrored infinity light-orb room, and the koi water room are the three most-talked-about spaces — arrive early enough in your slot to spend extra time in each rather than rushing through on autopilot.

At Borderless: The crystal world light forest and the animal/flower projection rooms that respond to touch are the standout draws. Because the layout is deliberately non-linear, don't stress about seeing rooms "in order" — wandering is the intended experience.

Getting There

Planets (Toyosu): A short walk from Shin-Toyosu Station on the Yurikamome Line. Easily combined with a visit to Toyosu Market for sushi breakfast beforehand.

Borderless (Azabudai Hills): Walkable from Kamiyacho or Roppongi-Itchome stations. Easy to pair with a visit to Mori Art Museum or Roppongi Hills if you're making a full art day of it — see our guide to Tokyo's art scene for the rest of the neighborhood.

FAQ

Can I do both museums in one day? Physically possible if you book an early Planets slot and a later Borderless slot, but it's a long day — most visitors are happier splitting them across two days if their itinerary allows it.

Is it worth it with young kids? Yes, particularly Planets — the water rooms and trampoline space are genuinely fun for children, though the low lighting and crowds can be overwhelming for toddlers.

Do I need to book far in advance? For cherry blossom season, Golden Week (late April–early May), and school holidays, book at least 3–4 weeks out. Off-peak weekdays sometimes have availability within a week.

Is photography allowed? Yes at both — photography (no flash, no tripods) is actively encouraged and is a core part of the experience.

How much walking is involved? Borderless significantly more than Planets. Wear comfortable shoes for either, but especially for Borderless.