What are the differences between teamLab's two museums (Borderless and Planets)? How should one choose?

Hello! This is a fantastic question that almost everyone planning to see teamLab in Tokyo wrestles with. Having visited both, I can confidently share my experience to help you decide.

Think of them simply as:

• Borderless: A vast, fluid magical world with no map. You're an explorer, freely wandering inside, searching for surprises.
• Planets: A curated, sensory fantasy journey with a set route. You're an astronaut, landing on different "planets" in sequence, each offering unique experiences.

Below, I'll break down their differences in a more everyday way.

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## teamLab Borderless (New location in Azabudai Hills)

(Image illustration: Light waterfalls and flowers in Borderless flowing around people)

Core Key Words: Exploration, Boundaryless, Sense of Getting Lost

The biggest feature of Borderless is right in its name—"Boundaryless." The artworks aren't fixed in one room; they "move," flowing from one room to another, influencing each other, and even following your footsteps.

• What's the experience like?
  • No Fixed Route: After entering, you really are "in the dark" – no map, no signs. You need to push through black curtains yourself to discover the surprises hidden behind. You might finish admiring a dazzling flower field, turn into another room, and find those same flowers have just "flown" in.
  • Living Artworks: You'll see swarms of butterflies, crows, or flowers moving across walls and floors. They change shape when you touch them or deftly avoid you. The whole space feels like a single, living organism.
  • Focus on "Seeing" and "Discovering": You'll spend most of your time walking, looking up, searching, and appreciating. It feels more like an "art museum," except the exhibits are alive, moving, and filling every space.
  • New Location Upgrade: Since moving to Azabudai Hills, the works are even more refined and awe-inspiring, like 'Bubble Universe,' 'Light Sculpture,' etc., offering incredibly powerful visual impact.

In a nutshell: An artistic world that makes you willingly get lost, savoring the constant discovery of new surprises within that state.

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## teamLab Planets (In Toyosu)

(Image illustration: The iconic "Water Koi" scene in Planets)

Core Key Words: Immersive, Physical, Sensory Experience

Planets has a completely different focus: it emphasizes "Body Immersive." It encourages you to feel the art with your whole body, not just see it with your eyes.

• What's the experience like?
  • Remove Shoes, Barefoot Only: This is the biggest feature! You must store your shoes and socks upon entering; the entire experience is barefoot.
  • Fixed Route: You move along a designed path, experiencing distinct spaces one after another, without getting lost.
  • You Actually Get in Water: In a very famous exhibit, you walk into knee-deep warm water. Colorful koi carp are projected onto the water's surface, transforming as you walk – they scatter into flowers where they touch your legs. This experience is truly unique!
  • Rich Tactile Elements: Besides water, you'll walk across a soft "black hole" surface that you sink into, lie down to gaze up at a giant flower dome, and pass through a "Crystal Universe" made of countless LED strings.
  • Great for Photos: With its relatively fixed and distinct scenes, Planets is practically "made for photos," making it easy to capture stunning pictures perfect for your social feeds.

In a nutshell: A sensory playground that makes you take off your shoes to touch, play, and experience with your skin and body.

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## Quick Comparison Table

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## So, How Should You Choose?

Based on the comparison above, you can decide according to your preferences:

Choose Borderless If You:

• Love the feeling of free exploration, savoring the surprise of discovering something new around every corner.
• Want more than photos; you desire to experience a complete, grand, and ever-changing artistic concept.
• Have relatively ample time to spend half a day exploring slowly.
• Want to check out Tokyo's latest trendy landmark – Azabudai Hills.

Choose Planets If You:

• Pursue novel, fun sensory experiences and don't mind (or even look forward to) taking off shoes and getting in water.
• Your main goal is to take beautiful photos; the photo spots here are incredibly high-yield!
• Have a tighter schedule and want the most impactful experience within a controlled timeframe.
• Are with children; kids love art they can physically "play" with.

My Personal Tip:

If it's your first time in Tokyo and time is limited, I might slightly lean towards recommending Planets. Its offering of walking through water and lying down is truly unique, delivering a more direct sensory impact and making it easier to simply "have fun."

But if you have a deep interest in art and spatial exploration, then the newly opened Borderless will absolutely provide a more profound and memorable experience that lingers.

Final Practical Tips:

1. No matter which one you choose, buy tickets in advance on the official site or platforms like Klook/KKday! Tickets often sell out onsite.
2. For Planets, definitely do NOT wear long pants or long skirts. Shorts or pants easily rolled up above the knees are best to avoid getting soaked/uncomfortable.
3. Planets provides towels for drying feet, no need to worry.
4. Planets has mirrored floors in some areas. If wearing a skirt, take note (free safety shorts are provided).

Hope this helps! Have a wonderful time in Tokyo!