Looking for the best art exhibitions and galleries in Tokyo? Check out the most Instagrammable one in town — TeamLab Planets Tokyo.
You might have seen this popular attraction all over the internet. Not only can you take the most Instagrammable photos here, you can also interact with the lights and installations.
So, should you add this into your Tokyo itinerary? Catch a glimpse of TeamLab Planets Tokyo and decide for yourself!
Located in Koto City, tickets cost ¥3,800 per adult on weekdays and ¥4,200 on weekends and Public Holidays.
Our honest review of TeamLab Planets Tokyo
¥3,800, which is about S$35, for an art exhibition might sound insane. But trust me, this is unlike most art exhibitions you’ve seen. We’re from Singapore and we have our very own TeamLab Future World in ArtScience Museum, and let me just say the Tokyo counterpart is a whole new level above.
We recommend purchasing tickets online in advance as TeamLab Tokyo
Artworks at TeamLab Planets Tokyo
TeamLab Planets Tokyo is split into four sections: the public area, the locker rooms, Water, and Garden.
The public area is just the entrance of the attraction, which comprises two artworks. You don’t have to pay to access these works.
Meanwhile, for paying guests, once you enter the attraction, you’re required to store your shoes and socks, as well as your bags, in the lockers. You will be stepping into water that might reach up to your knees. So you might want to consider wearing shorts as well.
Although Water and Garden are denoted with the numbers 1 and 2 respectively, you’re free to visit either one first.
Water
Don’t worry about hygiene. At Water, you’ll get a good feet cleansing on the way up to your first attraction — The Infinite Crystal Universe.
This spot was charming and the photos turned out great. But we have seen similar works before, so we weren’t too impressed.
However, the next artworks blew us away.
Drawing on the Water Surface Created by the Dance of Koi and People – Infinity features a “koi pond” about 50cm deep.
As enchanting as the holographic koi were, we later realised that the koi actually moves according to where we stood. For instance, it would swim away from our legs. Sometimes, if you’re lucky enough, the fish would also swim up to your body.
Apparently, the artists use a computer program to render the work in real time. The trajectory of the koi is determined by the presence of the guests.
If you’re stumped by exhibitions that don’t let you touch the artworks, you’re going to have a blast at Expanding Three-dimensional Existence in Transforming Space – Flattening 3 Colors and 9 Blurred Colors. Play with a room full of inflatable balls as the lighting changes from white to yellow to green and more.
Stay long enough, and you’ll realise that the spheres change colour whenever you move or push through them.
Lastly, right before leaving, you can take a breather in Floating in the Falling Universe of Flowers. Enter a dark dome, with flora and fauna covering every inch of the space. Witness flowers grow, bud, bloom and wither. Every element is constructed by a computer program that continuously renders the artwork in real time. Hence, you’ll never be able to find the same flower once it’s withered away.
The Water section of TeamLab Planets Tokyo also includes Ephemeral Solidified Light, Waterfall of Light Particles at the Top of an Incline, and Soft Black Hole – Your Body Becomes a Space that Influences Another Body.
Garden
As gorgeous as the photos turned out to be, Garden could’ve been planned out better.
Not only is there only one artwork here, which is hanging plants from the ceiling, there is also a five minute time restriction.
While it’s understandable, it definitely feels a bit rushed compared to the installations in Water.
According to the website, there is supposed to be second artwork here. Either it was temporarily suspended or we missed it completely.
Our verdict
So what’s our review of TeamLab Planets Tokyo?
While this attraction comes with a heftier price tag, we thought it was worth the price. The photos turned out amazing. Even if you don’t like taking photos, it was really fun interacting with the artworks; definitely a one-of-a-kind art exhibition.
Things to do near TeamLab Planets Tokyo
If you’re planning to visit TeamLab Planets Tokyo but you’re not sure what else to add to your itinerary for the day, here are some attractions and restaurants to consider nearby in Koto City and Ginza.
- Art Aquarium Museum
- Small Worlds Miniature Museum
- Vampire Cafe
TeamLab Planets Tokyo
Location: 6 Chome-1-16 Toyosu, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0061, Japan
Opening hours: 9am-10pm
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