There is never a shortage of things to do and places to see when in Tokyo, Japan. This bustling city always has something to offer for its visitors, whether it’s delicious food, exciting adventures, shopping sprees, or cultural immersions.
There are certain activities, though, that anyone who’s ever visited Tokyo will argue are a must to experience at least once. One of them is teamLab Planets—an interactive, immersive art museum that blends together technology and nature.
A first-timer at teamLab Planets such as myself may have already known what to expect. We’ve seen the pictures of others who’ve gone before, and the general consensus is that it’s a place to get all your pretty Instagram photos taken. But having gone there and actually experienced it myself has shifted my mindset completely. It’s a cheesy thing to say but it’s true: you won’t really understand why people love it so much until you’re there, marveling at the beauty with your own eyes and walking through the exhibit with your own two feet.
At teamLab Planets, there are no barriers between you and the installations per room. You are asked to deposit your shoes and socks at the provided lockers at the entrance before immediately proceeding to a dark hallway and up a slope of cold, cascading water illuminated by light. After that, you have to trudge through a room with a floor made of soft pillowy material, where you’re better off releasing all inhibitions and letting yourself fall and bounce awkwardly as you make your way to the exit—all in the spirit of fun.
Before you know it, you find yourself in the room of lights and it ignites something in you—a sense of wonder, surrounded by bright flashes of changing color, seemingly stretching out to an infinite space. This is where we spent the most time, just getting that perfect shot.
The next room is where kids would most enjoy being in. Here, you’re knee-deep in water, watching digital koi fish swim around you. But it’s not at all prerecorded or on a continuous loop; all the elements can change according to how you interact with them. When you touch a koi fish swimming toward you, it bursts into a flurry of flower petals, which change depending on the season. (For the entire month of July, this water exhibit will be transformed into a space for sunflowers to bloom as a summer exclusive event.)
What it will look like from July 1 to 31:
teamLab, Drawing on the Water Surface Created by the Dance of Koi and People – Infinity © teamLab
The room that follows has a similar feel to the room with the infinite lights, only this time you’re surrounded by giant white balls which softly reflect the changing colors of the lights. It’s fun to see how many ways you can pose with the balls, whether it’s holding them up or rolling them around.
The last indoor room is a digital installation that surrounds you in an ethereal sea of flowers. The petals float and dance all around you as you lie down or sit still. You can linger here for as long as you like! This space will also feature a stunning digital show of blossoming sunflowers for the entire month of July as part of teamLab Planets’ exclusive summer event.
The last two rooms make use of natural elements and thus change one’s experience depending on the time of day. These are the rooms I enjoyed the most because of the sunlight that streams through the ceiling windows and the real flora you get to be so close to, especially in the Floating Flower Garden—teamLab Planets’ pièce de résistance. It’s just a space that’s completely Zen, where you can feel like you’re one with all the orchids, basking in the beauty all around you.
What else is there to say about teamLab Planets, if not to just allow these pictures to speak for themselves? Don’t leave Tokyo without experiencing this amazing museum that you’ll just want to keep coming back to time and time again.
(ALSO READ: A Guide on How to Apply for or Renew Your Japan Tourist Visa)
Things you must know before visiting:
1. Be ready to remove your shoes. You’ll be barefoot during the entire experience but there are lockers to deposit your footwear. There are also drying towels after every wet area for your feet.
2. Wear shorts underneath your dress or skirt as there are rooms where the floors are made of mirrors. If you forgot to wear one, there are shorts you can borrow at the museum.
3. Bring your phone or a camera. Take as many beautiful photos as you can!
Come as early as possible. If you want to avoid the crowd, then book tickets for the opening.
4. Take your time in each area. You don’t have to rush through. Just relax and enjoy the exhibits!
teamLab Planets
https://planets.teamlab.art/tokyo/
6 Chome-1-16 Toyosu, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0061, Japan
Open every day from 9 AM to 9 PM
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