Is teamlabs planet worth it? Here’s my Teamlab planets review

As a first-time visitor to Japan’s cutting-edge digital art scene last fall, one exhibition space entranced me more than any other – the immersive TeamLab Planets Tokyo museum.

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Read on for extensive details on what exactly to expect should this futuristic gallery make your Japan itinerary, from navigating the multi-sensory exhibitions to critical logistics for an optimized artistic adventure.

Visiting TeamLab Planets Tokyo: Teamlab planets review

Is teamLab Planets worth it? Teamlab Planets review

Yes, teamLab Planets in Tokyo is absolutely worth visiting especially if it’s your first visit.

It’s a one-time experience you shouldn’t miss, but if you have already visited Tokyo you can skip this and head over to Teamlab Borderless instead (opening in 2024)

why Teamlab planets is an incredible experience:

Immersive, Interactive Art Installations – Nowhere else can you walk through mind-bending digital art that responds to your motions and touch. From dancing with virtual koi fish to getting enveloped by cascading flower petals, it’s magical.

Multi-Sensory Overload – With brilliant colors, ambient sounds, textures underfoot, and more, teamLab Planets engages all your senses simultaneously. It’s easy to lose yourself for hours.

Creative Technology – Where else does nature meet futuristic tech so seamlessly? The hi-tech exhibits feel subtly embedded into the scenery for unique harmony.

Instagram Heaven – The exhibits make for eye-popping photos unmatched elsewhere. Capture unique profile-worthy shots minus crowds with some handy tips.

Convenient Location – At just a 10-minute stroll from the famous Toyosu Fish Market, it perfectly complements the morning’s sightseeing adventures.

Great for Families– It’s an interactive exhibit that kids 3+ can enjoy as well. The water will get pretty high if the little ones are tiny but you can hold them up. 

For anyone wanting to experience Japan’s immersive digital art scene, teamLab Planets offers a one-of-a-kind trip highlight. The gorgeously geeky installations exceed the hype. Just remember to secure those entry tickets early

Essential Tips to Plan Your TeamLab Planets Foray

Before outlining the exhibitions themselves, let’s cover key planning considerations for a seamless museum visit:

Best time to visit Teamlabs planet: When to Visit

I’d recommend exploring TeamLab’s futuristic exhibition earlier or later in the day to avoid the densest crowds. Since it’s conveniently located near the renowned Toyosu Fish Market, combine both in one morning or afternoon for efficient sightseeing as that’s what we did.

I would recommend giving yourself an hour just to get there and taking a taxi from the fishmarket over to Teamlabs. (we ran behind and only had less than an hour at the fish market and the line ques at the market were long!)

Related: Visiting Shibuya Sky Guide

Teamlabs Planets Tickets: buy teamlabs tokyo tickets

Buy your tickets online approximately 1 month before your desired date online. I recommend Get Your Guide. Pricing hovers around $25-30 for this world-class digital art.

For context, I enjoyed nearly 2 hours of visual bliss across the museum and could have lingered longer if not restrained by a packed itinerary. Budget enough time to let your mind wander through each nook and cranny.

Tip: you’re allowed up to 3 ticket changes even if you buy from GYG. Just make sure you change the date of your ticket before 9:00 am on the day of admission.

When is Teamlab japan tokyo open

TeamLab Planets hours and operates daily from 9am-8pm, with last entrance at 7pm. Expect waits if arriving midday on weekends.

The Vegan Ramen UZU Tokyo as well as the teamLab Flower Shop is open from 10:30 am to 7:00 pm everyday.

Teamlab planets tokyo review 

How Long to Spend at TeamLab Planets Tokyo

To make the most of your trip to teamLab Planets Tokyo, you’ll want to budget at least 2 hours. This will give you enough time to savor each exhibit.

For reference, I spent a little under 2 hours, during which I interacted with the art, took tons of pictures, and just soaked in the incredible visuals. I would have spent closer to 2.5 hours if I hadn’t accidentally skipped the Flower Garden.

how long does it take to go through teamlab planets?

Based on my visit to teamLab Planets Tokyo, I’d recommend budgeting at least 2-3 hours to comfortably enjoy all the exhibits and interactive art installations. Here’s a breakdown:

Entry logistics – 15-20 minutes From lining up to enter, storing coats/bags in lockers, and prepping to walk barefoot. Don’t feel rushed, but be efficient to maximize time inside.

Exploring exhibits – 1.5-2 hours There are 5+ major exhibits, plus transitional spaces. 1.5 hours allows a quick walkthrough while 2 hours lets you immerse more leisurely without missing details.

Bonus re-exploration – 30-60 minutes Popular exhibits can be revisited after completing the full suggested route. Extra time means more photos, interactions, and new nuances.

Café Break – 15-30 minutes
Recharge at the public area’s café in between exhibit wings. Chat about favorites or glimpses missed the first round.

Gift shop browsing – 0-30 minutes On your way out, check the gift store for artsy souvenirs and merchandise related to memorable installations.

So all combined, swiftly walking TeamLab Planets could take as little as 2 hours but visiting unhurried could spread to 3-4 delightful hours. Just ask yourself whether you prefer more fleeting impressions or deeper immersion!

Transportation & Entry

The nearby Shin-Toyosu subway station offers a direct 1 minute walk to the museum complex. Exchange to the Yurikamome line at Shimbashi if using a foreign tourist rail pass.

How to Get to teamLab Planets Tokyo

teamLab Planets Tokyo is located in Odaiba, a large artificial island in the center of Tokyo Bay.

The fastest way to get there is to get to the Shin-Toyosu Station, which is located right across the street from teamLab Planets (~1 min. walk).

There is no JR line that will take you near teamLab Planets. If you have a JR pass:

• Take a JR line (such as the Yamanote Line) to Shimbashi Station.
• From there, transfer to the Yurikamome Line and ride to Shin-Toyosu Station.

While the Yurikamome line is not included in a JR pass, it’s well worth spending $3 for great views of Tokyo Bay and the Odaiba area.

🎫 Cost: ¥390 (Shimbashi → Shin-Toyosu)

Upon arrival, lockers provide free storage for shoes and coats since exhibitions involve barefoot water interactions. Re-entry into spaces is allowed, without time limits imposed once inside.

what to expect when visiting TeamLab Planets

Entrance

• Arrive at your designated time ticket time
• Queue in the main entrance line
• Tickets scanned; staff reviews safety guidelines & exhibition overview
• Receive locker key to store shoes, socks, belongings (keep phone/camera out)
• Bare feet required since first exhibit involves water

Exhibition Flow

• Start at the first water-based installation
• Roll pants up above knees to walk through pools/shallow water features
• Towels provided after wet exhibits to dry feet
• Explore all immersive rooms at your own pace in no set sequence
• Pick up belongings from lockers at the end

Tips

• Check exhibition rules on site to ensure no flash photos, food, or drinks inside
• Take minimal items into exhibits to focus on experiences
• Check map for exhibit locations but enjoy wandering organically
• Revisit favorite spaces if time allows at the end
• Re-entry into spaces is allowed, without time limits imposed once inside.

Having a sense of what to expect regarding the entrance procedures, locker logistics, wet walking zones and overall flow will ensure you make the most of the exhibition’s amazing interactive art.

Navigating the Futuristic Art Exhibition Spaces at Teamlab Tokyo

TeamLab Planets features two main zones – the fantastical Water Area and the sci-fi Garden Area. Prepare your senses, as both are filled with unusual textures, colors, sounds that respond fluidly to your movements.

After leaving all footwear in the provided lockers, I first embarked on the Water Area barefoot.

My tip: wear easily foldable clothing to wade through the knee-deep liquid art installations. I nearly missed the signpost pointing towards the Flower Garden, so keep an eye out for subtle directional cues embedded seamlessly into the exhibits.

Teamlabs Tokyo Core Exhibition Zones

The museum contains two primary areas housing a series of technology-driven art installations within a circular architectural layout:

🔥 Public Area – Firefall obelisk out front alongside a gift shop and cafe
💧 Water Area – Surreal wing with digital water features
🌸 Floating Flower Garden Area – Landscaped grounds with mirrored orchids

In total, 5+ standout Immersive art exhibits integrate elements like mirrors, sensors, and nature’s textures to craft reactive spaces transforming moment to moment based on visitor flows. Now, onto detailing my top immersive highlight picks after spending over 2 captivating hours inside TeamLab Planets’ halls:

Can’t Miss Installations at Team lab planets tokyo 

Infinite Crystal Universe – Meander under 3,000 hanging LED lights resembling glittering stars. Lie down to admire the endless shimmering ceiling. My favorite experience and it’s the first one.

Tip: There’s no time limit so you can spend as long as you want in here

Digital Koi Pond – Walking across central platforms creates ripples visualizing your dance with fish, reflected in mesmerizing patterns across walls.

Expanding 3D Shapes – Touch blooming spheres lit up across the room to morph the textures and sounds emitting as space ebbs and flows around you.

Flower Universe – Bask under slow-motion floral petal storms washing through the air in this peaceful, meditative room.

Mirrored Orchid Garden – Ascend a winding path through suspended orchids and mirrored floors creating enveloping gardenscapes. My second favorite installation

Tokyo Teamlabs Planets Tips

Here are some helpful tips for navigating inside teamLab Planets to ensure you don’t miss any exhibits:

Pick up a map – Maps are provided at the entrance outlining each exhibit and their locations. Use this to orient yourself and plan which installations to see first.

Go with the flow – There is a suggested route that guides you through the different spaces, but feel free to diverge and wander if something catches your eye. Just make sure to eventually loop back.

Note exhibit exit points – When entering more immersive spaces with no clear end point, pay attention to where the exits are so you don’t get lost. These tend to be subtly woven into the environment.

Allot at least 2 hours – With 5+ major exhibits and plenty of transitional spaces, dedicating a couple hours ensures you fully experience everything without rushing.

Watch for directional cues – Keep eyes peeled for signposts, footpath lighting changes, and staff guidance seamlessly embedded within the environments signaling how to navigate towards the next part.

Take mental notes – If you have a terrible sense of direction like me, occasionally take stock of where you entered from and landmarks to avoid backtracking your steps too much.

Grab a locker – Use the free lockers to safely store belongings, especially shoes and jackets, so you can comfortably walk barefoot and focus on the art.

Recharge if needed – Re-entry is permitted after a brief beverage or snack break if sensory overload sets in. The public area has a cute café outside the core exhibits

Final Verdict: An Inspiring Must-Do Tokyo Stop

While language falters conveying TeamLab Planets’ essence outright, the museum’s blending of creative visions alongside digital elements result in Tokyo’s most unique sight. Prepare for a mentally transportive artistic afternoon the moment you enter their galactic corridors.

Beyond unforgettable memories, the exhibits provoke larger perspectives on the endless interplay between art, nature and technology long after departing. All considered, no forward-looking trip to Japan this decade feels complete without allotting a few hours to interact with such visionary installations at TeamLab Planets first-hand. Just secure those tickets far in advance

FAQs About teamLab Planets Tokyo

What is teamlab Planets?

teamLab Planets is a digital art museum in Tokyo where you can immerse yourself in large-scale digital art installations. These exhibits blend art, science, and nature in ways that change in response to your touch and movement, creating a unique experience every time.

TeamLab Borderless vs. Planets: Which teamLab is better in Tokyo?

The best teamLab museum is the one that’s open. Both teamLab Borderless and teamLab Planets are immersive and interactive digital art experiences. Their main differences lie in terms of layout, design, and the type of sensory interaction they emphasize.

Do you get wet at teamLab Planets?

Your feet will get wet during your visit to teamLab Planets but it’s not a splash zone experience. There are a number of art installations that involve wading through waters so I’d recommend packing light (leave your tripod at home) and wearing shorts/pants you can hike up to your knees.

is teamlab planets good for kids?

TeamLab Planets can be a magical experience for kids thanks to the colorful, imagination-sparking nature of the interactive art installations. Here are some factors to consider when deciding if it’s a good children’s activity:

Best ages – Elementary through early teens tend to engage most fully. Avoid bringing toddlers still adjusting to textures and stimuli. Well-behaved teens also appreciate the innovation.

Attention spans – Fidgety pre-school kids may only enjoy 30-60 minutes focused while awed 5+ year-olds might stretch 2 hours happily occupied. Gauge interests and stay flexible.

Sensory aspects – Between dim lighting, echoey sounds, wet sidewalks, and pure spectacle, identify any sensory issues in advance. It may overstimulate some young ones.

Safety considerations – Kids under ~10 should be closely supervised so they follow rules, navigate safely (no running!), and respect both art and other visitors. Exhibits aren’t childproofed.

Inspiring creativity – For imagination-driven children into colors, shapes and boundless innovation, the vibrant installations tap straight into playful creative wiring.

Captivating wonder – Expect delightful eye-widening reactions to “falling” into interactive worlds. It often reconnects jaded adults too to childlike awe and curiosity just the same.

The crucial tips? Assess your child’s interests/temperaments, set expectations for behavior beforehand, and allow flexibility once inside. When aligned thoughtfully to ages and attention styles, TeamLab Planets positions to dazzle young minds.