TeamLab Borderless vs Planets: Which Tokyo Digital Art Museum Should You Visit?

Tokyo's TeamLab museums have become must-visit attractions for families exploring Japan, but with two distinct experiences to choose from, many parents wonder which one deserves their limited time and budget. After visiting both TeamLab Borderless and TeamLab Planets with our three daughters during our time in Japan, we can definitively say: TeamLab Planets offers a far superior family experience.

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The difference comes down to one crucial factor: interaction. While Borderless feels like walking through an elaborate digital art gallery, Planets transforms your family into active participants in living, breathing artworks.

TLDR: TeamLab Borderless vs Planets

Winner: TeamLab Planets (by far)

Why Planets is better:

• Kids can actually TOUCH and interact with everything
• Wade through water with digital koi fish
• Stretch lights, create art, lie on floors with butterflies
• Sensory experience that keeps kids engaged

Why Borderless disappointed:

• Mostly just projections on walls you look at
• Can't touch most things
• Confusing maze layout
• More like a fancy art gallery than interactive experience

Money-saving hack:

• Book on Klook with code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK
• Save 10-15% vs buying direct
• Book 2-3 weeks ahead

Bottom line:

Skip Borderless, go to Planets, use our discount code, bring shorts because you'll get wet, and prepare for your kids to talk about it for months.

What is TeamLab?

TeamLab creates immersive digital art installations that respond to movement, touch, and presence. Founded in 2001, this Tokyo-based collective has revolutionized how families experience art together. Instead of traditional "look but don't touch" museums, TeamLab encourages visitors to interact with their environment.

Both TeamLab locations in Tokyo offer unique approaches to digital art, but they cater to different types of experiences and age groups.

TeamLab Planets: Our Top Choice for Families

Location: Toyosu, Tokyo
Duration: 2-3 hours
Best for: Families with children of all ages, tactile learners, sensory experiences

Get tickets: Book TeamLab Planets on Klook with code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK for the best prices.

TeamLab Planets isn't just a museum you walk through—it's a world you become part of. From the moment you remove your shoes and step into the first exhibit, you're physically engaging with the art in ways that captivate even the most restless children.

What Makes Planets Special

Physical interaction defines every exhibit. You'll wade through knee-deep water while koi fish swim around your legs, walk on soft surfaces that respond to your footsteps, and lie on the floor as butterflies land on your body. Our girls spent nearly an hour in the Crystal World, stretching colorful elastic threads between pillars to create their own light sculptures.

Sensory engagement keeps kids focused. Unlike traditional museums where children struggle with "no touching" rules, Planets encourages exploration through all five senses. Harper loved feeling the different textures underfoot, while Lily and Cora were fascinated by how their movements changed the digital environments around them.

Space allows for natural family interaction. The exhibits are designed for multiple people to engage simultaneously. We found ourselves naturally spreading out and then coming together, sharing discoveries and helping each other navigate the installations.

Standout Exhibits at Planets

The Infinite Crystal Universe: Visitors walk through hanging LED lights that respond to touch and movement. Children can grab and stretch the lights to create new patterns and colors.

Drawing on the Water Surface: Fish and sea creatures that children draw on paper come to life on the floor, swimming around participants' feet.

Floating Nest: A massive spherical room where families can sit or lie down while surrounded by ever-changing projections. Perfect for taking a break while still being immersed in art.

Waterfall of Light Particles: A virtual waterfall that parts when you stand in its path, teaching children about cause and effect in the most beautiful way possible.

Getting the Cheapest TeamLab Planets Tickets

Don't pay full price for TeamLab Planets tickets. Klook consistently offers the lowest prices, often saving families 10-15% off regular admission.

How to Save Money

Use our exclusive discount code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK at checkout on Klook for additional savings on top of their already reduced prices.

Choose weekday visits when possible. Weekend and holiday tickets cost more, and crowds significantly impact the experience quality.

Book advance tickets for guaranteed entry. TeamLab Planets operates on timed entry slots that frequently sell out, especially during peak travel seasons.

Current TeamLab Planets Pricing

*Prices vary by date and availability. Always use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK for maximum savings.

Get your discounted TeamLab Planets tickets here →

TeamLab Borderless: Beautiful but Passive

Location: Toyosu, Tokyo
Duration: 3-4 hours when it was open
Best for: Adults and older children who appreciate visual art

While visually stunning, Borderless felt more like an elaborate digital art gallery than an interactive experience. The installations were primarily projections on walls, floors, and ceilings that responded to movement but didn't invite the same level of physical engagement as Planets.

Why Borderless Didn't Work as Well for Our Family

Limited tactile interaction. Most exhibits involved projections that would change when you approached or stood in certain spots, but you couldn't actually touch or manipulate most elements.

Overwhelming for younger children. The maze-like layout and constantly changing environments can be disorienting. We spent significant time just trying to navigate between exhibits rather than enjoying them.

Crowds impact the experience. Popular areas became congested, making it difficult for shorter children to see projections or for families to experience exhibits together.

Less educational value. While beautiful, the passive nature of most exhibits meant fewer learning opportunities about cause and effect, physics, or collaborative creation.

Practical Tips for Visiting TeamLab Planets

Before you book your tickets with code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK, here's what to know:

What to Wear

Comfortable, easy-to-remove clothing. You'll be taking shoes and socks off multiple times. Avoid complicated laces or boots.

Shorts or clothes you don't mind getting wet. Several exhibits involve water up to your knees. Long pants will get soaked.

Avoid short skirts or dresses. Some exhibits require lying on the floor or unusual positioning where modest clothing is important.

Bring hair ties. Long hair can interfere with some projections and exhibits work better when hair is secured.

Items to Bring (or Leave Behind)

Waterproof phone case recommended. While not required, it provides peace of mind around water exhibits.

Minimal bag policy. Large bags must be stored in provided lockers before entry.

No outside food or drinks. Small water bottles are typically allowed.

Leave valuable jewelry at home. You'll be moving through various environments where items could be lost or damaged.

Best Times to Visit

Weekday mornings (10-11 AM) offer the smallest crowds and best photo opportunities.

Late evening slots can be magical but may be challenging for families with young children.

Avoid Japanese holidays and school vacation periods when crowds peak.

Why We Choose Planets for Families

Having experienced both museums during our Japan travels, TeamLab Planets creates the kind of memories that stick with children long after the visit ends. Cora still talks about "the fish that followed me" months later, and Harper asks when we can "make more butterflies" every time we discuss our Japan experiences.

Educational value matters. Planets teaches children about digital interaction, cause and effect, and collaborative art creation in ways that feel like play rather than learning.

Sensory experiences are unforgettable. The combination of visual, tactile, and spatial elements creates memories that engage multiple learning styles and stick with children.

Physical engagement keeps everyone interested. Instead of asking children to be careful or quiet, Planets encourages them to explore, touch, and experiment.

Photography opportunities abound. The interactive nature of exhibits creates natural, beautiful family photos that capture genuine expressions of wonder.

When TeamLab Borderless Might Be Better

While we strongly prefer Planets based on our family visit, Borderless could appeal to:

• Families with older children (12+) who appreciate visual art and don't need tactile interaction
• Adults traveling without children who want to focus on aesthetic beauty rather than interaction
• Photography enthusiasts interested in complex, layered digital projections
• Visitors with mobility concerns who prefer walking through exhibits rather than physical participation

Getting There and Around Tokyo

TeamLab Planets is located in Toyosu, easily accessible via:

Yurikamome Line: Shimbashi Station to Toyosu Station (13 minutes)
Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line: Ginza Station to Toyosu Station (8 minutes)
JR Keiyo Line: Tokyo Station to Shin-Kiba Station, then transfer to Yurikamome Line

For families staying connected while exploring Tokyo, we recommend Holafly's Japan eSIM with unlimited data. Use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off your plan.

Planning Your Tokyo Digital Art Experience

Budget Planning

Allow 3-4 hours total including travel time and the 2-3 hour museum experience.

Factor in meal costs. Limited food options exist within TeamLab Planets, so plan meals before or after your visit.

Always book through Klook with code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK for the best ticket prices rather than paying full price at the door.

Making the Most of Your Visit

Download the TeamLab app before visiting for maps, exhibit information, and tips.

Plan arrival 15 minutes early to complete check-in and locker storage without rushing.

Bring patience for popular exhibits. Some installations attract crowds, especially the Crystal Universe and Waterfall exhibits.

Take breaks when needed. The sensory-rich environment can be overwhelming for some children. Rest areas are available throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is TeamLab Planets suitable for toddlers?

Yes, TeamLab Planets welcomes children of all ages. The interactive nature actually works better for toddlers than traditional museums. However, some exhibits involve water and unusual surfaces, so close supervision is required.

How far in advance should we book tickets?

We recommend booking 2-3 weeks in advance, especially for weekend visits or during peak travel seasons (March-May, July-August, November-December). Use our Klook link with code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK for the best prices.

Can we take photos and videos inside?

Photography and videography are permitted in most areas, but flash photography is prohibited as it interferes with the digital projections. Some specific exhibits may restrict filming.

What if someone in our family has mobility issues?

TeamLab Planets involves walking through water, on uneven surfaces, and some climbing. Contact the museum directly about accessibility accommodations before booking.

Are there age-appropriate alternatives if TeamLab doesn't work for our family?

Tokyo offers many family-friendly alternatives including Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Disney Resort, and various hands-on science museums.

The Bottom Line: Book TeamLab Planets

For families traveling to Tokyo, TeamLab Planets offers an unparalleled digital art experience that engages children and adults equally. While TeamLab Borderless provided beautiful visuals during our visit, Planets creates the interactive, educational, and memorable experience that justifies the time and cost investment.

Ready to visit? Book your TeamLab Planets tickets on Klook and use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK at checkout for the lowest prices available.

Prepare for an afternoon that will become one of your family's favorite Japan memories, and don't forget to use our discount code to save money on this must-do Tokyo experience.

Ready to plan your perfect Tokyo family adventure? Contact me at [email protected] for personalized Japan travel planning that includes TeamLab reservations, family-friendly accommodations, and insider tips for exploring Tokyo with children.

FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. When you book through our Klook links using code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend experiences we've personally enjoyed with our family. All opinions are our own.