teamLab Borderless vs teamLab Planets Tokyo: Which Is Worth Visiting in 2026?

If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo and have come across the dazzling digital art worlds of teamLab Borderless and teamLab Planets, you might be wondering — which one should you visit? Having experienced Borderless in July 2024 and Planets in September 2025, I can confidently say: while both are extraordinary, Borderless remains my personal favourite for its depth, atmosphere, and sense of discovery.

Here’s an honest, experience-based comparison to help you choose between the two immersive teamLab installations.

This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions are my own.

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What Are teamLab Borderless and teamLab Planets?

Both are digital art museums by the Tokyo-based collective teamLab, known for blending art, technology, and nature through projection mapping, sound, and light. But their concepts differ:

• teamLab Borderless (located in Azabudai Hills near Tokyo Tower) is about “a world without boundaries” — a fluid space where artworks move, evolve, and connect seamlessly.
• teamLab Planets (in Toyosu) is designed around “body immersion” — a more physical experience where you walk through water, mirrored rooms, and tactile environments.

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teamLab Borderless: A Dreamscape of Connection

Why I Loved It

Borderless feels like stepping into a living dream. Each room flows into the next — blooming flowers shift with the seasons, butterflies flutter across walls, and entire spaces react to your presence. The sense of mystery makes exploration magical; there’s no set route or map, so each visitor’s journey is unique.

I especially loved the tea room, where you watch digital flowers bloom inside your cup — a quiet, meditative counterpoint to the dazzling visuals elsewhere. Borderless felt immersive in a way that encouraged mindfulness rather than spectacle.

Practical Perks

• Location: Azabudai Hills, central Tokyo
• Accessibility: Fully flat and wheelchair-friendly
• Experience time: Around 2–3 hours
• Tip: Visit in the morning or late evening for fewer crowds

Borderless is ideal for adults, art lovers, or anyone craving a visually rich, contemplative experience — and it’s absolutely worth booking ahead.

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teamLab Planets: Playful, Immersive, and a Bit Chaotic

My 2025 Experience

When I visited Planets in September 2025 (evening slot), it had recently expanded, but still felt smaller than Borderless. The famous water feature remains its highlight — wading barefoot through illuminated water is undeniably fun. However, the long lines, busy crowds, and strong push to download their app (for extra “interactive” features) made it feel less organic and more commercial.

Unlike Borderless, Planets felt like a series of disconnected experiences rather than a continuous journey. There’s a slide area and several physically interactive zones that seemed geared toward kids and families. I skipped the slide line after waiting too long and found myself missing the quiet wonder I’d felt at Borderless.

Best For

• Families with kids or those wanting a more active, sensory experience
• Visitors curious about the water rooms and tactile art
• Anyone planning to grab vegan ramen at the on-site restaurant after (a definite plus!)

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Borderless vs Planets: Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	teamLab Borderless (Azabudai Hills)	teamLab Planets (Toyosu)
Concept	Seamless, interconnected digital worlds	Immersive, body-based experiences
Vibe	Calming, ethereal, introspective	Playful, energetic, family-friendly
Layout	Free exploration with no set route	Structured zones with linear flow
Accessibility	Fully accessible	Includes barefoot and water sections
Size	Larger and more varied	Feels smaller even after expansion
Crowds	Moderate	Often very busy
App Integration	Minimal, optional	Strongly encouraged (felt unnecessary)
Food & Drink	Beautiful tea room with digital art	Excellent vegan ramen nearby
Best For	Adults, art lovers, couples	Families, kids, first-time visitors

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Verdict: teamLab Borderless Wins for Depth and Magic

After visiting both, teamLab Borderless remains the clear winner for me. It captures what makes teamLab’s vision truly special — a world where art feels alive, without being overshadowed by gimmicks or crowds.

Planets is fun and sensory-rich, but it’s louder, busier, and more about spectacle than serenity. I left feeling like I’d seen much of it before — a repeat of ideas without the same soul. The heavy app promotion and commercial add-ons also pulled me out of the moment.

If you only have time for one, choose Borderless. It’s timeless, emotional, and — unlike Planets — doesn’t require you to remove your shoes or queue for slides to feel inspired.

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Bonus Tip: When to Visit

• Borderless: Go early morning or an hour before closing for quieter entry.
• Planets: If you’re travelling with kids or curious about the water rooms, book a late-night slot to avoid the largest crowds.

Both require advance booking, especially during cherry blossom or autumn seasons.

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How to Buy Tickets (and Why You Must Book Ahead)

When comparing teamLab Borderless vs Planets, one thing is absolutely the same for both: you need to book your tickets online in advance. These digital art museums sell out regularly, especially during weekends, holidays, cherry blossom season, and autumn foliage.

Here’s the easiest way to secure your spot:

teamLab Planets Tickets (Toyosu)

Planets uses strict timed entry, and popular slots fill quickly. Booking online guarantees your preferred time — and helps you avoid long lines at the entrance.

Get your teamLab Planets Tokyo tickets on Klook
Fast confirmation, mobile-friendly, and reliable for international travellers.

teamLab Borderless Tickets (Azabudai Hills)

Borderless is the more spacious of the two, but still sells out due to high demand. Pre-booking saves you from disappointment — especially if it’s the one you’ve chosen to prioritise in the teamLab Borderless vs Planets debate.

Reserve your teamLab Borderless Tokyo ticket on Klook
Instant confirmation and smooth entry on the day of your visit.

Money-Saving Option

If you’re planning a quick 24 hours in Tokyo and want to include Planets, consider the combo:
teamLab Planets Admission Ticket + Tokyo Subway 24-Hour Pass
It’s convenient, cost-effective, and perfect for travellers short on time.

Final Thoughts

Whether you choose Borderless or Planets, both represent Tokyo’s fusion of art, technology, and imagination. But if you value depth over dazzle and want an experience that lingers long after you leave, Borderless is where you’ll find the magic.

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また次回 (Mata jikai) – Until next time,

♥ Agni

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