teamLab Borderless, Tokyo, Japan | Image credit: Cosmin Serban/Unsplash
A city-by-city guide to Japan’s teamLab exhibitions, helping you choose the experience that best matches your travel style.
A trip to teamLab is one of the most rewarding experiences you can gift yourself in Japan. Founded by Toshiyuki Inoko back in 2001, it was created with the help of designers, artists, engineers, mathematicians, and programmers. It’s a space where art and technology come together to create an interactive experience for everyone.
Did you know?
Visitors immerse themselves physically, often barefoot, becoming integral to the continuous, evolving artworks.
The best part is that you can find a TeamLab in not only one, but three of Japan’s major cities: Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Across all locations, the exhibitions differ in layout, concept, and art installations. Whether you visit by yourself or with family, you’ll have a ball here! If you haven’t decided which one to visit first, we’re here to help.
And if you plan to explore beyond the beautiful exhibitions, Japan’s most walkable cities make the journey just as immersive.
Tokyo vs Osaka vs Kyoto
TeamLab Planets in Toyosu, Tokyo
teamLab Planets | Image credit: teamLab Planets Tokyo, Toyosu
This is one of the most popular teamLab exhibits in Japan, and you’ll likely see it featured all over social media. It offers visitors curated and interactive art experiences, such as walking barefoot on water with digital koi fish, enjoying gentle sounds and flower visuals while you’re lying down on the floor, touching light-balls that change colour, and many more. Most areas allow you to take pictures and videos on the phone as long as you aren’t using flash or shooting for commercial use.
Address: 6 Chome-1-16 Toyosu, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0061
Opening hours: 9 am – 10 pm
Ideal amount of time to spend here: 1.5-2 hours
Tickets: Book here
Did you know?
teamLab Planets in Tokyo holds the Guinness World Record as the most visited museum dedicated to a single art group.
TeamLab Borderless in Azabudai, Tokyo
Unlike TeamLab Planets Tokyo, TeamLab Borderless does not have a fixed route. Visitors have the freedom to explore and wander through immersive digital art installations with no recommended order. Artworks seem to flow freely between rooms and interact with those who come close to them. The overall vibe of this space is that there are no separate exhibits, but every single piece of art and rhythm is connected to the other.
Did you know?
The teamlab collective’s brand identity, including its logo, draws inspiration from video games, reflected in interactive elements.
Address: Azabudai Hills Garden Plaza B, B1F, 1-2-4 Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0041
Opening hours: 10 am – 9 pm
Ideal amount of time to spend here: 2.5-3 hours
Tickets: Book here
Also read | Tokyo Skytree Vs Shibuya Sky: Which One Is Worth Your Time?
TeamLab Botanical Garden in Osaka
teamLab Botanical Garden | Image credit: TeamLab Botanical Garden Osaka
Did you know that the TeamLab Botanical Garden in Osaka only operates at night? During the day, the space functions as a regular botanical garden, but after 6 pm, the art installations come to life. You’ll find lights and art installations placed around plants. These respond to wind, rain, and visitor movement. Since the exhibit is outdoors, it also feels less crowded and spread out.
T+L tip
No food or drinks are allowed inside the venue. Having a small meal before will keep you energised to explore the exhibition space.
Address: 1-23 Nagaikoen, Higashisumiyoshi Ward, Osaka, 546-0034
Opening hours: 6 pm – 9:30 pm
Ideal amount of time to spend here: 1.5-2 hours
Tickets: Book here
Also, check out our guide to these stunning day trips from Osaka.
TeamLab Biovortex Kyoto
teamLab Biovortex | Image credit: teamLab Biovortex Kyoto
Opened in October 2025, this is the newest and largest teamLab exhibition in Japan. The maze-like space is massive, spanning over 10,000 square metres across four floors. There are over 50 immersive digital installations here, and visitors can not only see art but also blend into it and interact with it. If you’re in Kyoto, you don’t have to travel too far because this place is only a 10-minute walk from the Hachijo Exit of Kyoto Station.
Address: 21-5 Higashikujo Higashiiwamotocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8006
Opening hours: 9 am – 9 pm
Ideal amount of time to spend here: 2.5-3 hours
Tickets: Book here
T+L tip
The first and last half of the day are when there are fewer crowds, so you’ll have more time to take pictures.
Which TeamLab should you choose?
We’ll help you pick a teamLab experience based on your interests below:
Choose TeamLab Planets in Toyosu, Tokyo, for an immersive and sensory experience.
Choose TeamLab Borderless in Azabudai, Tokyo, if you enjoy exploring spaces with no fixed path or map.
Choose TeamLab Botanical Garden in Osaka if you prefer an open-air setting with dreamy nighttime installations.
Choose TeamLab Biovortex Kyoto to experience the newest and largest teamLab exhibition in Japan.
Insider tips
Stunning installations inside teamLab | Image credit: teamLab Planets Tokyo
You cannot buy tickets at the venue. Secure your spot by purchasing them online weeks in advance, as they sell out quickly. (Especially on weekends, peak season, and national holidays)
There are on-site lockers to keep your belongings. Only carry your cell phone and your wallet.
Avoid wearing short skirts at teamLab Planets since some of the rooms are mirror-floored.
TeamLab Planets also requires you to walk through water, so wear shorts or loose pants that you can easily roll up.
If a particular room is crowded, you can move on to the next and come back when it’s calmer.
Avoid speaking loudly or using flash photography, as it can disturb those around you.
Shop the best travel experiences here
If you’re travelling with kids or a couple, make sure to hold hands as some rooms are dark and crowded, making it easy to get lost.
If you ever feel claustrophobic, dehydrated, or dizzy, take a break or reach out for staff assistance immediately.
Avoid rushing through each installation, but take your time to admire and mentally process each one.
Don’t try to visit multiple TeamLab exhibits in one day, as it will only lead to exhaustion.
(Feature image credit: Cosmin Serban/Unsplash)
Related | This Underrated Gem Of Japan Is Home To Temples, Beaches & Hot Springs
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
We may earn an affiliate commission when you shop through links on our site.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the difference between TeamLab Borderless and TeamLab Planets in Tokyo?
TeamLab Borderless has no fixed route, and you can explore a maze-like world at your own pace. TeamLab Planets focuses on a sensory immersive experience.
Is TeamLab Tokyo better than Osaka or Kyoto?
We recommend the classic teamLab in Tokyo as it’s internationally famous, classic, and has a greater variety of art displays.
Does Osaka have a permanent TeamLab installation?
Yes, Osaka has a permanent TeamLab Installation, located inside Nagai Park.
Which TeamLab is best for first-time visitors?
TeamLab Planets in Toyosu is a good choice for first-time visitors as it is immersive, impressive, and interactive.
How long should I plan to spend at each TeamLab location?
It depends on how much time you spend at each art installation. About 3 hours is a good amount of time to spend at each teamLab.
Are TeamLab exhibits family-friendly?
Yes, TeamLab exhibits are family-friendly. However, since all locations are often crowded and visually stimulating, adult supervision is required at all times.
Can I visit more than one TeamLab in a single trip?
If you’re in Tokyo, you can visit both teamLab in a single day, but it can be visually and mentally exhausting. Space it out so you have time to process your experience and live in the moment.
Is photography allowed inside TeamLab exhibits?
Yes, basic phone photography is allowed inside TeamLab exhibits. However, flash photography, tripods, selfie sticks, and special audio equipment are prohibited.
Do I need to book TeamLab tickets in advance?
Yes, you need to book tickets in advance (2-3 weeks prior) because they sell out quickly.
Are TeamLab locations accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, most TeamLab locations are accessible for people with disabilities. Ticket prices are also sold at discounted rates. You will have to carry a disability ticket to the venue as proof.
Which TeamLab location has the most immersive experience?
TeamLab Planets in Toyosu, Tokyo, and TeamLab Biovortex in Kyoto both offer fantastic immersive experiences.
Is there a TeamLab exhibit that’s best for couples?
Yes, TeamLab Planets in Toyosu offers couples one of the best experiences because of its mirrored rooms, heightened sensory experience, magical lights, and interactive art installations.
Are TeamLab experiences different every year?
Although the main attractions tend to stay the same year after year, there are some seasonal and semi-permanent additions.
Share:
Written By
Sharon Alphonso
Sharon is from Mumbai and currently lives in Tokyo with her Japanese husband. Before moving to Japan, ..Read Moreshe worked with POPxo, Grazia and MTV India. She now writes for several English magazines in Japan, including Savvy Tokyo, Tokyo Weekender, and GoConnect Japan. Her favourite way to unwind is to listen to lo-fi music while reading a book and sipping on a matcha latte. Read Less
AloJapan.com