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TOKYO

Your Guide to teamLab Planets, Tokyo: What to See & How to Go

BY Pelago by Singapore Airlines

21 NOV 23 . 6 MIN READ . GUIDES

Discover teamLab Planets, Tokyo

For those who yawn at the thought of strolling through the silent lobbies of art museums, deciphering cryptic brushstrokes on giant canvases, we’ve got a treat for you!

It is none other than a cutting-edge digital art exhibition brought to life by the ingenious Japanese digital art collective, teamLab that will simply blow your mind away.

Intrigued? Let’s delve deeper to understand how teamLab Planets in Tokyo fuses sight, sound, and touch with creativity.

  • Where imagination knows no limits – teamLab Planets, Tokyo
  • What is the concept behind teamLab Planets?
  • What to expect at teamLab Planets?
  • What are the major highlights of teamLab Planets, Tokyo?
  • Pro tips to explore teamLab Planets, Tokyo

Where Imagination Knows No Limits - teamLab Planets, Tokyo

Meet teamLab, a dynamic group of digital artists and creators who burst onto the scene in Japan in 2001.

Describing themselves as an interdisciplinary team of ultra-technologists, their mission is to weave together the realms of art, science, technology, architecture, space, people, and the natural world.

Within teamLab, you’ll find a diverse mix of talents – artists, programmers, engineers, CG animators, mathematicians, and architects – working in harmony to craft groundbreaking digital art experiences.

While their collaborative efforts spanned over two decades, it was in 2018 that they made a global impact with the birth of teamLab Planets in Tokyo.

@chereneo Our best tip for getting TeamLab Planets Tokyo all to yourself? Buy advance tickets for the first (9am) slot and line up a half hour before that! We were the fourth group in line at 8:30am and were able to be the first large group (56 people at a time) admitted into the exhibit. Once inside you can repeat the rooms as many times as you want, and when we went back through at 10am everything was already packed! #teamlabplanets #teamlab #teamlabplanetstokyo #tokyotodo #tokyojapan #japantrip ♬ 真夜中のドア〜stay with me – 松原みき

Going beyond conventional artistic boundaries, teamLab’s philosophy revolves around creating immersive sensory experiences.

Beyond the confines of pixels and screens, their artists breathe life into realms that beckon viewers into entirely new realities.

By seamlessly blending art with technology, teamLab elevates the interaction between humans and their environment, turning each creation into an enigmatic journey.

But teamLab isn’t just about blurring lines; it’s an open invitation for every individual on the planet to venture into uncharted territories of creativity and perception.

This ethos comes to life at the renowned teamLab Planets in Tokyo, where visitors are invited to explore the concept behind this extraordinary space.

What Is the Concept Behind teamLab Planets?

Step into teamLab Planets, and you’ll find yourself in a realm where pixels dance and imagination takes tangible form.

It’s not just an art exhibition; it’s a different world where brushstrokes transform into strands of light, and canvases stretch infinitely, enveloping you as an integral part of the art.

Yes, you heard it right – teamLab refers to this as ‘body immersing.’

Body immersing, according to teamLab, means, “With the immersion of the body into the artwork, the boundary between the self and the artwork becomes ambiguous. And, through that experience, the boundary between the self and the world begins to disappear.”

In other words, your interaction with the artworks transcends the conventional; it’s a unique connection, much like engaging with the natural world.

Each exhibition at teamLab Planets is a harmonious blend of color and concept, seamlessly merging the tangible with the virtual to create majestic wonders that will leave you wonderstruck.

As you wander through the corridors of illuminated screens, you’ll uncover a new dimension of artistic expression.

From vibrant landscapes to abstract dreams, everything here transcends boundaries, inviting you to witness the boundless potential of the digital canvas. So, get ready to embark on a journey where art and imagination know no limits.

What to Expect at teamLab Planets?

Ready to dive into the magic of teamLab Planets, Tokyo? We totally get that surprises are the spice of life, but here’s a little sneak peek to whet your curiosity.

Picture this: you will find yourself strolling barefoot, maybe even wading through knee-deep water.

Navigate dimly lit mazes that suddenly open up into vast, brilliantly illuminated scenes, all accompanied by the pulsating beats of Hideaki Takahashi’s electrifying music.

And here’s the best part – no need to worry about losing your way! TeamLab Planets has a designated path, so you won’t miss a thing, and getting lost is off the table.

Pro tip: Don’t leave your phone behind. Keep it charged, and if you can, bring a power bank. Why? Because this out-of-the-world experience is a treasure trove of photo opportunities that’ll have your social media buzzing.

What are the Major Highlights of teamLab Planets, Tokyo?

Honestly putting it, each exhibit at the teamLab Planets, Tokyo, has its uniqueness and skipping any would be regrettable. However, there are three digital exhibitions out of all that are a must-watch.

1. Drawing on the Water Surface Created by the Dance of Koi and People - Infinity

Get ready for a mind-blowing experience at teamLab Tokyo’s water art – it’s seriously something else.

You’ll stand knee-deep in the water, surrounded by these gorgeous, multicoloured koi gracefully gliding around you.

@janandann.official teamLab Planets in Tokyo Japan is a museum where you walk through water. It consists of 4 vast exhibition spaces with 7 distinct artworks. #japanmuseum #teamlabtokyo #traveljapan2022 ♬ Pieces (Solo Piano Version) – Danilo Stankovic

The coolest part is that the way these koi move is all influenced by you! Yes, you’re in control.

If you accidentally bump into a koi or reach out to touch them, bam! They instantly transform into these vibrant flowers that scatter around, leaving you with a jaw-dropping spectacle.

It’s like magic, right in the water.


2. Floating in the Falling Universe of Flowers

Crafted with super cool computer programming that brings visuals to life right before your eyes in real-time, this artwork takes you on a mesmerising adventure through the vibrant world of blossoms, from birth to their eventual fade.

But here’s the real kicker – it’s all about being ‘body immersive’.

So, whether you choose to lie down or just chill out on the floor, you’ll feel this amazing sense of becoming one with the artwork. It’s not just an experience; it’s like you’re becoming a part of the whole vibrant display.


3. Ephemeral Solidified Light

Check out this interactive setup with a multitude of vibrant lights suspended in the air.

These lights form distinct clusters, each colour bursting with its own uniqueness.

Now, here’s where it gets exciting – reach out and touch them, and you’ll realise they’re not individual solids but rather part of an uninterrupted flow that seems to stretch endlessly.

It’s like encountering a magical cascade of lights, reflecting the ceaseless journey of ‘life’ from a mysterious origin in the past.

Believe us, it’s even cooler than it sounds – you definitely don’t want to miss experiencing this!


Pro Tips to Explore teamLab Planets, Tokyo

Regardless of whether you’re a traveller discovering the vivacious and beautiful Tokyo or a resident, a visit to the teamLab Planets is a must to witness the transformative power of turning dreams into reality.

And if you’ve already decided to plunge into this captivating blend of art and technology, here are some insightful tips that would make your trip to Planets a memorable one.

4. When Should You Visit?

teamLab Planets Opening Hours

teamLab Planets is open daily from 10 am to 9 pm, with the ticket booth operational from 9:30 am to 8 pm.

But to seriously make the most of your visit, try your best to arrive during the first or final three hours on weekdays when the venue is less crowded.

If you can only visit on the weekends, do note that there will be more visitors, so it’s recommended to avoid peak hours around lunchtime for a more enjoyable experience.


5. How Much Time Would It Take?

Plan for about two hours, not counting the travel time to the museum, and you should have plenty of time to check out everything. Plus, you can swing back to your favorite displays for a second look!

And if you have spare time, you can even check out the nearby Toyosu Market (the re-opened Tsukiji Fish Market), which is only a 10-minute walk away.


6. What Should You Wear and Carry?

For the interactive installations that involve a bit of wading through knee-deep water, guys, go for shorts or pants that you can easily roll up. Ladies, knee-length dresses or skirts are the way to go.

Slip-on shoes or sneakers that you can whip off and on are a smart move since you’ll be strolling barefoot through some of the installations.

If you’ve got any cuts or scrapes on your feet, either wait until they’re completely healed or cover them up well. The chlorinated water might not play nice with any wounds.

Oh, and don’t forget to keep your phone in a waterproof pouch – just in case it decides to take a dip in the water!

Before you dive into the fun, make sure to download the teamLab app on your phone. It’s like your digital guide, giving you all the deets about the installations you’ll come across.

And here’s a pro tip: if you’re at teamLab Planets in Tokyo, they’ve got you covered with wrap-around garments and shorts.

Plus, they hand out towels to dry your feet after you’ve splashed around in the water installations. Talk about convenience, eh?


teamLab Planets Tokyo Ticket Prices

If you are visiting for the first time or after a prolonged period, here’s what the ticket prices look like.

Ticket prices may vary. Please click here for updated prices. 

7. For more information...

8. A Route Guide to teamLab Planets

For those who are still not sure about the teamLab Tokyo location, here’s a comprehensive guide that can help you reach the destination easily.

  • The nearest station is the Shin-Toyosu Station on the Tokyo Waterfront New Transit Waterfront Line Yurikamome Line. From this station to teamLab Planets, it’s a 1-minute walk.
  • If you are taking the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line, teamLab Planets is a 10-minute walk from the Toyosu Station.

Securing a subway ticket at the boarding stations is an easy process. However, for seamless transportation, you may consider opting for a 24-, 48-, or 72-hour pass, which is conveniently accessible on select online platforms, often at reduced rates.


Redefining Art through Digital Dimensions

The teamLab Planets is an immersive digital art museum that seamlessly blends technology and creativity.

Whether on a weekend getaway or a weekday escape, it’s an ideal destination for families or couples to unwind and experience something out-of-the-world. The indescribable encounter it has in store is an unparalleled experience that you should embrace at least once in your lifetime.

 

Commonly Asked Questions

What happens if you reach late at the venue?

Even if you are late, you can still enter the teamLab Planets, Tokyo, given you have the tickets with you and visit on the same day. The last admission is 1 hour before closing time.

Are cancellations and refunds allowed on tickets?

No cancellations or refunds are allowed once the tickets are purchased. However, you can change the date and time of entry.

Is the teamLab Planets ticket valid at other properties of teamLab?

No. The teamLab Planets, Tokyo, ticket is only valid at teamLab Planets in Toyosu, and cannot be used at any other teamLab venue.

Can I re-enter with the same ticket if mistakenly stepped out?

Re-entry is not allowed. Also, your ticket cannot be refunded or changed if you have entered.

Do you need to purchase tickets for children?

Children under 4 years enjoy free entry, while those under 14 years must be accompanied by a paying adult throughout their visit. Youth ticket holders need to present a valid student card upon admission.


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