teamLab Planets vs Borderless: Which Tokyo Exhibit is Best?

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If you're planning a trip to Tokyo, you've likely heard of the city's two most famous immersive digital art museums: teamLab Planets and teamLab Borderless.

I've personally visited both,

and I've actually been to teamLab Planets twice!

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Based on my firsthand experiences,

I'm going to break down an honest, side-by-side comparison.

If you're still torn between the two, keep reading!

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Both teamLab Planets and teamLab Borderless offer breathtaking media art,

and you'll even spot a few identical installations across both venues

(which makes sense, given they're by the same art collective).

But one thing is certain:

These are completely unlike any standard art exhibitions you've ever seen.

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Here is a quick comparison table to start:

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Pro Tip: Both venues feature rooms with entirely mirrored floors.

Avoid wearing short skirts or dresses! :)

Both locations also use a simple mobile QR code for entry.​

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So, if you haven't been to either

and this is your first visit, which should you pick?

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I highly recommend teamLab Planets.

It's a much more intense, multi-sensory experience.

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Even if you are traveling to Tokyo with kids,

my vote still goes to Planets.

The sheer variety of interactive elements

makes it incredibly fun.

(Just be warned: if you go with kids, you absolutely must bring spare clothes!)

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However, for some travelers,

Borderless might actually be the better choice.

The biggest advantage is its central location.

It's incredibly easy to get to.

Planets requires a bit more of a time commitment

when you factor in the transit time to the Odaiba area.

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By the way, visiting in the morning or evening doesn't matter!

Borderless is entirely indoors,

and Planets is almost entirely indoors as well.

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Let's dive into the detailed reviews,

starting with Borderless, followed by Planets.

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teamLab Borderless

Hours : 8:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Last entry at 8:00 PM

Recommended Itinerary : Visit Tokyo Tower (Shiba Park) afterward,

or head to the Roppongi Hills observation deck for city views.

(About a 20-minute walk)

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Located on the B1 floor of Azabudai Hills,

teamLab Borderless Tokyo

is only about 20 minutes away from Shinjuku.

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Because it's so close to Tokyo Tower,

it's incredibly easy to slot into

almost any Tokyo travel itinerary.

Plus, there's an % Arabica coffee shop right in Azabudai Hills!

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The defining feature of teamLab Borderless is the lack of a set path.

You literally wander wherever your feet take you.

The rooms are separated but the art continuously flows and connects between them.

It makes complete sense once you're there.

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Because different artworks bloom inside different rooms,

you never really know what to expect

until you step inside. You might even find yourself

walking into the same room twice.

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Depending on your personality, this maze-like

viewing style can be a little exhausting, haha.

(I actually ended up missing one specific exhibit I wanted to see...)

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Also, since it's mostly a visual exhibition,

if you've already been to Planets, you might find it a bit passive.

But if you haven't been to Planets,

you will still find this absolutely fascinating! :)

+ If you don't like the idea of a full-body, physically demanding exhibit, this is the perfect spot for you!

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By the way, the crystal universe space in the photo above

is featured in both teamLab Planets and Borderless!

If this specific room is your main goal,

Borderless will definitely satisfy you.

(This exhibit is truly mesmerizing...)

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teamLab Planets requires you to walk through water,

meaning you have to take off your shoes and socks, and clothing choices are limited.

If that sounds like a hassle, Borderless is undeniably the better choice.

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Prices are usually around ~$29 for late-night slots,

and around ~$31 for all other times. :)

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If you check the booking page,

you might see flexible tickets costing over ~$77, but you really don't need those.

(They let you enter anytime during the day without a time slot,

but they are way too expensive... skip it!)

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Just buy the standard admission ticket!

Once purchased, you can enter seamlessly using the QR code. :)

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Here is the link we used to book : https://3ha.in/r/346278

teamLab Borderless: MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM Ticket - Klook

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❗️BONUS DISCOUNT TIP!!!

Before checking out, enter the promo code

'세시간전2601' or '세시간전2602' to get a discount.

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(Note: These are exact Korean affiliate codes that work on the platform!)

This works for the Planets booking link below as well,

but they are first-come, first-served, so use them fast!

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teamLab Planets Tokyo

Hours : 8:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Last entry at 9:00 PM

Recommended Itinerary : Head to Toyosu Manyo Club

(an indoor hot spring theme park) afterward.

It's also close to Ginza, making it a great combo for the day!

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Located in the Odaiba area,

you can easily reach Planets via a direct bus from Ginza. :)

While the distance from central Tokyo is a slight drawback,

I still vastly prefer this location

over Borderless.

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Honestly, right after visiting both,

I thought, "Planets is just slightly better!"

But looking back now,

Planets is the one that truly stuck in my memory.

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I'm someone who gets excited by

dynamic, hands-on experiences.

Being able to walk barefoot and physically interact with the space

made Planets incredibly fun.

If you get bored just looking at art, this is the place for you!💫

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You'll wade against warm water currents,

watch digital koi fish transform into blooming flowers

as they bump into your legs,

and lie on the floor watching a universe of flowers bloom and fall...

Everything changes based on your movement and touch. It's so much fun!

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However, because the water reaches just below your knees,

it might not be for everyone.

(I absolutely loved it... it was pure joy.)

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Personally, I also felt that Planets had a

much more spacious feel compared to Borderless.

Both are highly popular tourist spots, so expect crowds either way!

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But with a set route, you won't get lost, allowing you to seamlessly transition

between completely different immersive environments. :)

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One more quick tip:

After finishing teamLab Planets,

I highly recommend checking out Toyosu Manyo Club,

a nearby indoor hot spring facility... 🌟

I've linked my detailed review of it at the bottom!

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Again, I recommend buying the basic admission ticket via Klook.

You can save about ~$3 to ~$4 compared to the official website!

The average price is around ~$29,

though peak midday slots might be slightly higher.

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Because this exhibit is incredibly popular,

tickets for your travel dates might sell out fast!

Once you've decided, book as soon as possible.

Klook Booking Link : https://3ha.in/r/346277

teamLab Planets Tokyo Ticket - Klook

❗️Don't forget to use the discount code TIP mentioned earlier!

Enter '세시간전2601' or '세시간전2602' at checkout.

If it doesn't work, it means the codes have been fully redeemed.

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Still having trouble deciding?!

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Ask yourself this: Do you want a relaxed viewing experience or an interactive adventure?

That is the ultimate deciding factor.

If you want an easy indoor activity with minimal travel time, choose Borderless.

If you want unique interactive experiences and epic, dynamic photos, teamLab Planets Tokyo is the answer. 🤍

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Both locations offer mind-blowing media art

where the digital world reacts to your physical presence.

Honestly, either choice will leave you absolutely amazed.

I hope this guide helps you make the perfect choice for your Tokyo trip!