teamLab Borderless vs teamLab Planets Tokyo: Which Digital Art Museum Is Better?
If you’ve been scrolling through Tokyo travel videos, you’ve probably seen the dreamlike worlds of teamLab Borderless and teamLab Planets—two immersive digital art museums that blend light, water, and motion into something straight out of another dimension. Both are stunning, but if you’re short on time (or yen!) you might be wondering: Which one should I visit?
I’ve explored both, and they’re very different experiences. This guide breaks down teamLab Borderless vs teamLab Planets—from their locations and exhibits to what kind of traveler each one is best for. I’ll also include direct links to book discounted tickets through Klook, which is how I reserved my own visits. It’s fast, secure, and often cheaper than booking at the door.
Let’s dive into the digital magic and figure out which teamLab fits your Tokyo adventure best.
🖼️ teamLab Borderless vs teamLab Planets: Quick Comparison
| Feature | teamLab Borderless (Azabudai Hills) | teamLab Planets (Toyosu) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Azabudai Hills, near Roppongi – central Tokyo, easy to pair with sightseeing and shopping. | Toyosu, a bit outside central Tokyo but near Toyosu Market (great for sushi lovers) and Odaida. |
| Experience Style | Endless “borderless” rooms that connect into a digital maze. You wander freely, discovering art that flows into other spaces. | Structured path through themed rooms – water, mirrors, flowers, and light. Barefoot, immersive, more sensory. |
| Time Needed | 1.5–2 hours depending on how much you explore. | Around 1 hour, longer if you take photos or just soak in the atmosphere. |
| Best For | Travelers who love exploring and surprises. Families or groups who want to take artistic photos in huge spaces. | Those who want a more emotional or physical experience – couples, solo travelers, or anyone who likes surreal environments. |
| Reopening Info | Reopened in Azabudai Hills in 2024 with all-new exhibits. | Still open and operating normally, currently one of Tokyo’s most booked attractions. |
Note: Some of the links above and below are affiliate links. If you book your teamLab tickets through them, I may earn a small commission — it helps me keep creating free Japan travel guides like this one!
teamLab Borderless
📍Location:
- Area – In Central Tokyo at Azabudai Hills within the Mori Building in Tokyo
- Address – Japan, 〒106-0041 Tokyo, Minato City, Toranomon, 5 Chome−９ Azabudai Hills Garden Plaza B, B1
⊞ Layout & Experience:
- Various rooms
- Open, free flowing
- Traditional Walking
- Immersive
- Various Projection Rooms
- Infinite Crystal Universe
- Unique Rooms- Dissolving lights- Bubble universe
🕒 Time & Ticket Price
- 2 to 3 hours needed to explore properly
- Price – $24 and up (Varies per day and time)
👌Best Fit For
- Those staying in central Tokyo (Roppongi/Ginza)
- You want smoother floors
- Like the free-roam concept
- Want extensive photo-friendly areas
☝️🤓 FYI:
- Be ready for numerous unique photo opportunities.
- With a 7 minute walk, you can visit Tokyo Tower on the same day.
- There is a tea house located within the museum which is easy to miss.
- There is a sketch factory just outside the museum as well.
💡Itinerary Idea: Conveniently situated in central Tokyo, close to Tokyo Tower, you could consider visiting Ginza in the morning, spending about 2 hours at TeamLab Borderless in the early afternoon, and then heading to Tokyo Tower in the late afternoon or evening. If you don’t want to get lost and miss your allotted time, check out this short video.
teamLab Planets
📍Location:
- Area – Toyosu / Odaiba area in Tokyo
- Address – 6 Chome-1-16 Toyosu, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0061, Japan
⊞ Layout & Experience:
- Immersive
- Walking through water
- Barefoot experience
- More physical interactions with exhibits
- Infinite Crystal Universe
- Unique Rooms:- Water Entrance- 3D light spheres – Orchid and moss garden.
🕒 Time & Ticket Price
- 1.5 to 2 hours needed to explore properly
- Price – $24 and up (Varies per day and time)
👌Best Fit For
- Those that don’t mind going slightly off-center Tokyo
- If you want immersive physical experience
- If travelling with older kids or an adventurous group
☝️🤓 FYI:
- Wear loose pants that can be rolled up so they don’t get wet.
- The Unicorn Life-Sized Gundam & The Gundam Base Tokyo is about 24 mins away.
- A vegan ramen eatery and a flower boutique are located just outside the museum.
💡Itinerary Idea: The museum in Koto City, Tokyo, is not as centrally located as the Borderless museum. Therefore, unless you have other activities planned in Odaiba, it may seem a bit out of the way. Consider combining a visit to this museum with seeing the Unicorn Gundam at Diver City Tokyo Plaza on the same day, which I highly recommend. You could also consider visiting Tokyo Joypolis, an indoor amusement park/arcade.
My Verdict
We truly enjoyed both museums and never experience anything similar before. Honestly I would recommend both of them. If I had to choose, although we enjoyed taking multiple photos in teamLab Borderless, I absolutely loved teamLab Planets. The barefoot water feature is just such a cool and unique concept. I personally feel this museum is soo unique that it shouldn’t be missed. I understand for some it may be too out of the way and it will mess with your itinerary, therefore I recommend teamLab Borderless in that situation. Either visit would still be a win in my book though.
Whichever you pick, you should secure your timed-entry ticket beforehand, via the Klook links above or wherever you prefer best.
Random but Related Tip: In Fukuoka, they have teamLab Forests and this one was more inactive with your smartphone since you capture, study and release the animals displayed. Super cool concept that really connects you with these animals! Definitely check it out if you are in that area.
Watch our YouTube video for a more visual explanation!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are shoes required?
Yes for both exhibits. Planets has lockers for your shoes and belongings and then you go barefoot. Borderless require standard shoes.
How early can I book?
About 3 months ahead. Please keep in mind that certain days and times, like weekends and opening time slots, sell out fast.
Do they permit re-entry?
No, it is not permitted.
Where can I buy tickets?
You can buy tickets on their official website or via Klook online. You can buy tickets in person the day of for available time slots if they are not completely sold out. Always compare prices since its dynamic pricing.
Conclusion
Both teamLab Borderless and teamLab Planets offer a kind of magic you won’t find anywhere else in Tokyo. If you love hands-on, immersive art, start with Planets. For a larger, ever-changing digital world, go for Borderless.
Whichever you choose, I’d suggest booking your ticket ahead—they often sell out, especially on weekends. I used Klook for mine, and it made things quick and easy.
Either way, prepare to get lost in the light. 🌸✨
Affiliate Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book through them—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend services I’ve personally used and loved during my travels in Japan.
