What is teamLab?

teamLab is an international group of artists, programmers, engineers, CG animators, mathematicians and architects. The group was founded in Japan and is known for incredible immersive art experiences. teamLab usually combines art and technology to create magical installations that change over time with interaction from guests. Pretty cool if you ask us!

Is teamLab Planets and teamLab Borderless the same?

Short answer - no.

teamLab Planets has been open to the public since 2016, and has been operating at its current location in Toyosu since 2018. teamLab focuses on digital art that combines with elements of nature like water, plants and more!

teamLab Borderless is a NEW exhibit which has recently opened in Azubadai Hills. teamLab Borderless was actually one of teamLab’s original art exhibits in Odabai, but was shut down during 2020. Thankfully, it has been reopened in a brand new location and is better than ever with lots of new art rooms! teamLab Borderless is the ultimate showcase of digital art, full of immersive rooms where people interact with artworks that move and change around them.

digital art installation teamlab borderless in Tokyo

What are main differences between teamLab Planets and teamLab Borderless?

Wearing shoes:

TeamLab Planets is a shoe-free experience - you must take your shoes and socks off at the entrance and walk through the entire place barefoot. There are several exhibits which require you to walk in water. On contrast, shoes are required at TeamLab Borderless, and there is no water or outdoor elements.

The flow of installations:

teamLab Planets follows a set route for experiencing exhibits - you must follow the one way path moving forward into new exhibits. teamLab Borderless on the other hand has no map or predetermined route, meaning you can roam freely to which ever rooms you like. This does present challenges though, as it can be difficult to know where certain popular rooms are, and you may even miss out on some rooms if you don’t pay attention!

Location:

teamLab Planets is located near the Ginza side of Tokyo close to the Toyosu Fish Market, whereas teamLab Borderless is located in the newly opened Azubadai Hills area which is closer to Roppongi. Make sure to go to the correct location for the tickets you’ve booked, as they are nowhere near each other!

teamlab borderless entrance in azubadai hills tokyo

How much are teamLab Borderless Tokyo tickets?

Tickets for teamLab Borderless are currently 4000 yen for adults, 2800 yen for 13-17 years old and 1500 yen for 4-12 years old. The most popular way to purchase tickets is on Klook - click here for the direct link!

How much are teamLab Planets Tokyo tickets?

Tickets for teamLab Planets are currently 3800 yen for adults, 2800 yen for 13-17 years old and 1500 yen for 4-12 years old. The most popular way to purchase tickets is on Klook - click here for the direct link!

lightbulbs glowing at teamlab borderless are show tokyo

Which one is better, teamLab Planets and teamLab Borderless?

Now for the hard part - which teamLab experience is better? Well, if we’re being honest… that’s really going to be for you to decide!

Some of the art installations at teamLab Borderless and teamLab Planets are shared, like the Infinite Crystal Universe, but the overall vibe and experience is quite different at these 2 different teamLab locations.

Children will probably enjoy teamLab Planets more because of the interactive water and plant elements. The art here is a lot more tactile and touchable.

If you’re not too keen on taking your shoes off, teamLab Borderless is probably the way to go. Bubble Universe is one of the most impressive teamLab artworks we’ve ever seen, so it would be a shame to miss it when travelling to Tokyo!

Unless you have lots of time in Tokyo or are a HUGE art person, it’s probably not necessary to visit both teamLab Borderless and teamLab Planets. So whatever you choose, strap in for some fun and enjoy!

flower art projection teamlab borderless

teamLab Planets vs. NEW teamLab Borderless: Which is Better?

Looking to visit a teamLab art exhibition but not sure which one to pick? Well, let’s discuss the pros and cons of both teamLab Planets and teamLab Borderless to tell you which one is better!