My Tokyo teamLab Planets Review (why I keep going back)
I went to teamLabs for the first time around 2018. Then again in 2023. And I’m planning my next trip right now. So why do I keep going back? Because it’s amazing.
Plus, I need to keep my Instagram page looking good.
(joking…sort of)
This is my review of Tokyo teamLab Planets. But spoiler, you should totally go.
Now let’s do this!
Table of Contents Show
What is teamLab Planets vs. teamLab Borderless?
teamLab Planets provides a more immersive sensory experience.
teamLab Borderless is focused more on digital art.
But both are hyper-creative and inspiring — it’s what you get when ‘ultra technologists’ and artists (engineers, CG animators, programmers, musicians, artists) come together to build something beautiful.
This review is from teamLab Planets.
Pricing, Location + Hours
“teamLab isn’t the cheapest thing to do, but it’s also not the most expensive. Just be sure to plan ahead!”
Pricing
Adult tickets (18+) are ¥4,200
There are discounts however for students, kids or people with disabilities:
Junior high school and high school: ¥2,800
Children 4-12: ¥1,500
Disability discount: ¥2,100
Children under 3: Free
Where is teamLabs?
teamLab is located in Toyosu, Tokyo (until the end of 2027). Toyosu is in Kōtō ward, which is next to Odaiba and the famous Tsukiji fish “inner market”.
You can get to teamLabs by train using the Yurikamome line and getting off at Shin-Toyosu station. From there, it’s just a short 1-minute walk. Google Maps always works great for me when navigating Tokyo by foot (or by train).
Hours
teamLab is open everyday of the week from 9AM to 10PM. Hours may differ on public holidays though, so be sure to double check in advance.
The flower shop and ramen restaurant hours are different though, opening from 11AM and closing at 8:30PM (with the last order for ramen being 30 minutes before close).
How long does it take to go through?
When I went through, it took me and my friend less than two hours.
So I would give yourself at least 2-3 hours to enjoy everything fully. This should be plenty of time and includes traveling, waiting in lines and going through all of the spaces.
Explore more:
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My teamLab Planets Review
Honestly, teamLab is dope. I’ll definitely be going back again – especially since they always rotate new exhibits into the mix.
I showed up in the evening on a Saturday night. The air was brisk, it was January. After a short walk and a quick photo sesh outside the entrance, we waited in line. It wasn’t a crazy wait though – maybe 20-30 minutes total.
Once inside, dark hallways, a few signs and occasional staff herd us in the right direction. This made it pretty simple to navigate and not look like a lost idiot bumping into no-go zones.
Although, be sure to watch your step – sometimes the floor is hard to see in some spots, especially when the ground is uneven or the lights are dimmed.
But the coolest part was going from room to room and not knowing what the next area would bring. If you’ve seen pictures online, you’ll have an idea. But it’s still a surprise and feels totally different in person.
It’s one of those exhibits that’s actually worth the money and wait – so yes, the pictures do live up to the hype in my opinion.
Explore more:
➤ How to Plan a Trip to Japan
What I Loved About teamLab 🙂
Super immersive experience
Not repetitive or boring – each room is unique
Vegan ramen and ice cream restaurant inside
teamLab flower shop has cool items for purchase
Lots to explore with multiple exhibits and many rooms
4D experience (like vibey music and walking through water)
It inspires you and sparks the imagination
Super Insta-worthy (or “Insta-bai” as they in Japan)
What I Didn’t Love About teamLab 🙁
teamLab is usually pretty busy. This was the biggest downside I experienced.
According to their website, you can expect to wait anywhere from 30-90 minutes before being let in.
This isn’t terribly surprising either. Tokyo is pretty big and teamLab is super popular. So expect and embrace the long queues and crowds of people.
But if you’re patient, there are plenty of chances to snag some solid pictures or just enjoy some space away from crowded spots. Once I was actually inside and getting lost in the art, I forgot about all the people (more or less).
Explore more:
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Other Reviews
4.5/5 stars based on 32K+ reviews (Google reviews)
4.5/5 stars based on 2.6+ reviews (Tripadvisor)
4.6/5 stars based on 180+ reviews (Yelp)
4.7/5 stars based on 900+ reviews (Trip.com)
Going to teamLab (quick tips)
Avoid Going During Busy Holidays
Tokyo is busy, so it’s hard to skip the crowds altogether. But going during the week and avoiding busy holidays can help a lot.
Japan has many long weekends throughout the year and 2-3 major holidays (Golden Week in the spring, Obon in the summer and then there’s the New Year). So it’s best to check with a Japanese calendar and avoid going to teamLab during official holidays.
This should make the line go quicker and the whole experience a little better.
Dress Comfortably
When I went to Tokyo teamLab most recently, there was a section that required me to walk through a pool of water. It wasn’t deep water (just past my ankles) and it was nice and warm – but you still needed to take off your shoes.
So if you were thinking about wearing intricate boots or extra-fancy clothing, you may want to save that outfit for Ginza. Wear pants that are easy to roll up and even bring an extra pair of socks (just in case).
They may not have the water exhibit when you go, but it’s best to be prepared just in case.
Buy Tickets Online Beforehand
teamLabs isn’t something you decide to do on a whim. You should reserve your tickets beforehand.
If you check the ticket site here, you’ll see most days for the next two months are already marked as only having “a few left”. So showing up and hoping for the best probably won’t work out.
Tickets go on sale around 2 months ahead of time. For example, you can purchase tickets for December 2024 starting in late-September.
Charge Your Phone
Make sure you charge your phone completely before leaving. Batteries tend to drain quicker while exploring the city (since you’re using a lot of 5G and using maps or other travel apps).
This is why I always like to bring a power bank with me wherever I go. It’s a simple backup for when batteries start turning red.
So, is teamLab Worth it?
Despite the long lines, crowds and price, teamLab is definitely worth seeing.
It’s great for photos, getting lost in modern technological art and feeling artistically inspired. You should carve out at least 3 hours to fully enjoy everything (including waiting in line).
And when you’re finished, Odaiba is another cool area with lots of cafes, restaurants and a bay with beautiful night views (it’s a popular dating spot for couples).
Just remember to reserve your tickets ahead of time and dress comfortably.
And of course, enjoy it! It’s a cool museum that’s definitely worth checking out.
Later ✌️
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