teamLab Planets vs Borderless: which one, and when to go
Tokyo has two teamLab venues, and visitors mix them up constantly. They are different experiences in different parts of the city, so the one you pick matters more than most guides admit. Here is how I would choose, and how to time it so the rooms are not shoulder to shoulder.
If you want to be inside the artwork — barefoot, in water, among mirrors and light — book teamLab Planets in Toyosu. If you would rather wander with no map and let works drift from room to room, book teamLab Borderless in Azabudai Hills.
Only doing one, on a first trip? Planets is the easier pick. Adult tickets at both start from about ¥3,800, and both are timed-entry, so book ahead.
Planets vs Borderless at a glance
| Planets · Toyosu | Borderless · Azabudai Hills | |
|---|---|---|
| The feeling | Walk-through and physical: water, mirrors, soft floors | A map-less maze where works move between rooms |
| Shoes | Barefoot, with knee-deep water in some areas | Normal shoes |
| Route | A set path through the exhibition | No fixed route; you choose |
| Adult ticket | From ¥3,800 (children 4–12 ¥1,500) | From ¥3,800, varies by date (children 4–12 ¥1,500) |
| Allow | About two hours | Two hours or more |
| Hours | Check your date on the official site | Typically 9:00–21:00, last entry 20:00; can vary |
| Best for | First-timers, couples, families | Art and design lovers, repeat visitors |
it is your first teamLab, you want the iconic water-and-light rooms, or you are travelling with kids. Expect to go barefoot and roll up your trousers.
you care about how digital art is built, you like getting a little lost, and you are happy to stay a couple of hours on your feet.
When to go: the slot matters more than the venue
Both venues sell timed tickets, so the slot you choose decides how it feels. Weekday slots are the usual advice, and weekends, Japanese public holidays and mid-afternoon peaks are the busiest. Evenings tend to be calmer than the middle of the day. Prices can also change by date, so the same ticket can cost more on a Saturday than on a Tuesday. If you are travelling in a peak season, such as cherry blossom time, Golden Week or Obon, book earlier than you think you need to.
Tickets bought at the door can cost more than tickets bought online, and popular slots sell out. Check the date, price and cancellation terms before you pay, whether you book on the official site or through a partner.
Where to book
The official teamLab sites are the baseline. If you prefer a third-party platform, both venues are listed on Klook: teamLab Planets tickets and teamLab Borderless tickets. Compare the price with the official site for your date before you commit.
Practical, before you go
Planets: you leave your shoes and socks at the entrance and walk barefoot, including through shallow and knee-deep water in some areas. Wear shorts or trousers you can roll up, and skip skirts, because some rooms have mirrored floors. It is in Toyosu, on the Yurikamome line side of the bay, so allow travel time from central Tokyo.
Borderless: wear comfortable shoes, because you will walk more than you expect. The closest station is Kamiyacho (Exit 5), about two minutes on foot, and Roppongi is within walking distance.
Both in one day? It is possible, but they are on opposite sides of Tokyo. Book a timed ticket for each and leave real travel time between them, or split them across two days if you can.
Common questions
Which is better, teamLab Planets or Borderless?
For a first visit, Planets is the easier recommendation: it is a walk-through, barefoot experience with water, mirrors and light. Borderless suits people who like art and design and want to wander with no map and no fixed route.
Can you visit both teamLab venues in one day?
Yes, but it is a long day. Planets is in Toyosu and Borderless is in Azabudai Hills, on different sides of Tokyo. Book timed tickets for each and leave real travel time between them.
How much are teamLab tickets?
Adult tickets at both venues start from about ¥3,800, with children aged 4 to 12 at ¥1,500 and under-3s free. Prices vary by date and time, and buying on the day can cost more.
Do you go barefoot at teamLab Planets?
Yes. You take off your shoes and socks at the entrance and walk through the exhibition barefoot, including through shallow and knee-deep water in some areas.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. Both venues use timed entry and popular slots sell out, especially on weekends, holidays and in peak travel seasons, so book before you go.