teamLab Planets Tokyo: a fusion of art, technology and nature
Imagine stepping into a world where the boundaries between art, technology, and nature completely dissolve. At teamLab Planets in Tokyo, you’re not just an observer—you’re part of a living, breathing artwork that responds to your every move. From walking through an infinite sea of floating crystals to wading in a colourful sea of light, this experience is breathtaking from the moment you first enter. And if you’re looking for family fun in Tokyo and wondering if visiting teamLab Planets with kids is a good idea then you’ll be delighted to know that it absolutely is.
In my opinion, this teamLab installation has raced up the ladder to be one of the best things to do in Tokyo. Come with me on a journey through the main features of the teamlab Planets experience. Along the way, I will provide you with information specifically for those wanting to visit with young kids to take any of the stress out of the visit.
Important information for visiting teamLab Planets with kids
What is teamLab Planets?
teamLab is a collective creating incredible digital and immersive art experiences around the world. They have several installations in Japan running including the Botanical Garden in Osaka, a digital forest in Fukuoka, Megaliths in the Bath House in Kyushu as well as two in Tokyo – teamLab Planets and teamLab Borderless.
teamLab’s mission is to create “a world where art flows in harmony with people” and my experience at teamLab Planets certainly lives up to that lofty goal. The adventure is wholly immersive, combining sound, light, digital projections and even physical experiences such as wading through water.
How to get to teamLab Planets
In Japan, the answer is always catch the train! The country is renowned for its incredible public transport system that redefines punctuality and reliability every day.
You know who else loves trains? Most kids! So a rail adventure out to Toyosu to see teamLab Planets with kids is a win-win for the whole family.
teamLab Planets is located around 5 kilometres from central Tokyo which equates to around 30 minutes on the train if you follow these easy instructions.
- From the Tokyo Station area, board the Yarakucho line from Yarakucho Station.
- Travel four stops and get out at Toyosu Station
- From here, walk for 15 minutes to arrive at teamLab Planets
- Alternatively, if you don’t want to walk then change at Toyosu for the blue Yurikamome line and catch it one stop to Shin-Toyosu. The stop is directly opposite teamLab Planets.
Overall, the journey should cost around 180 JPY per person if taking the one train and walking or 370 JPY if transferring to the second train. If you’re visiting teamLab Planets with young kids, then definitely think about using a stroller for the journey as there’s a few long stretches of walking.
Booking tickets to visit teamLabs Planets
If you take one thing away from this post, I implore you that it is this. You need to book tickets for teamLab Planets in advance! teamLab Planets tickets are timed, so you have to book a specific slot. If you have older kids or are adult travellers, then you might prefer to go later into the evening where you won’t have to compete with families.
teamLab Planets is so popular and whilst we managed to squeeze in and score tickets for the three of us a few days prior to our visit, we were lucky. Most timeslots were booked out and for those travelling with kids, we know that there are certain times of the day where your little one will not be at their best (i.e. nap time or at the end of the day before bed). If you’re keen to visit teamLab Planets with kids, then book well in advance to secure a timeslot that suits your schedule.
Ticket prices for teamLab Planets fluctuate a bit to cater for peak times, but in general you can expect to pay between 4000 – 5000 JPY per adult and 1500 – 2800 JPY for children. Those with toddlers will be excited to learn that kids under 3 years old gain admission for free!
What to wear for teamLab Planets
Because teamLab Planets has a section where you will wade through water, definitely make sure you don’t wear long pants or you’ll get them very wet.
Also, for the ladies who want to wear a pretty dress or skirt, beware that there are a couple of areas with mirrored floors, so its a good idea to wear bike shorts underneath your dress so that you don’t reveal more than you intend to.
You’ll take your shoes and socks off to experience the attraction barefoot, so the footwear you wear is irrelevant.
Extra tips for people visiting teamLab Planets with kids
Strollers
Whilst strollers are extremely useful for getting to and from teamLab Planets with young kids, there are no strollers permitted in the exhibit. There is secure stroller parking at the entrance for you to leave your stroller safely. We love our Baby Jogger City Tour 2 stroller that folds up and fits in the overhead lockers on the plane!
Nappy bags and backpacks
No bags are permitted in the teamLab Planets exhibit, so you will need to leave all your belongings (including shoes and socks) in the free lockers provided when you enter.
Baby wearing
Baby wearing is permitted in the teamLab Planets exhibit, so if your little one is too young to walk you are still absolutely able to experience the wonder of the immersive installation with your little one safely strapped to you. If you’re looking for a great baby carrier, we love the Ergobaby Omni 360 which has gotten us through countless plane rides and other tricky non-stroller friendly spots.
Baby change facilities
If you’re visiting teamLab Planets with kids still in nappies, then don’t stress. The ladies bathrooms have diaper change tables fitted, so you’ll be able to sort out any wet or soiled nappies as needed.
What to expect visiting teamLab Planets
Every room brings a different highlight when visiting teamLab Planets and I simply don’t want to spoil all the fun for you. However, I do want to share a sneak peek of the most notable exhibits in the installation. These are the ones you’ll see posted all over Instagram for sure as they are nothing short of magical.
The Crystal Universe
Arguably the most famous teamLab installation, the Crystal Universe is a huge mirrored room with what seems like an infinite number of hanging crystals than change colour as different lights hit them. The effect is astonishing and the size of the room feels limitless. We spent what seemed like an eternity in this room as our toddler was dumbfounded, dancing and laughing amongst the sparkling crystals.
The Water Room
This room was a bit of an adventure with a little person. The entire room is covered in water that comes about midway up the leg, however with a toddler it obviously creeps up a bit higher so we had to carry her through this one. The cloudy water features colourful projections that seem to swim around you as you make your way through.
Typhoon Balls
Wow was this room ever a favourite with our daughter. The whole area is full of enormous white balls that change colour in the lights. Parents of young kids beware that you need to keep a close eye on your little ones in this room as they manage to slip away through gaps in the balls that you’re too big to get through!
Floating Flower Garden
Saving one of the best until last, the teamLab Planets experience comes to an end with a beautiful mirrored garden of floating flowers. Even when there are lots of people around, it seems like you’re the only ones in the world as the blooms move up and down. This is such a great way to end the journey through teamLabs, making you feel like the universe is made up of flowers.
Where to stay to visit teamLab Planets
The beauty of Tokyo is that whilst it is vast and densely populated, it is incredibly easy to get around. With that in mind, I would recommend staying somewhere central in Tokyo, rather that out near the teamLab Planets installation. I have found that the best areas in Tokyo for families are around Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza or Tokyo Station where there are plenty of kid friendly restaurants, shopping centres and transport options nearby.
We usually try to stay in an apartment so that we can put our toddler to bed and still stay up and enjoy ourselves a bit longer and most recently we booked a spacious one bedroom apartment at the wonderful Ascott Maranouchi which is one of the best hotels I’ve stayed in. This hotel even had a swimming pool that our toddler daughter was permitted to use (rare in Japanese hotels!).
Booking.comIn summary: is it worth visiting teamLab Planets Tokyo?
Yes, teamLab Planets in Tokyo is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you’re a fan of immersive art, technology, and unique experiences. The entire family will be amazed by the way the exhibit totally envelopes you and creates a highly sensory experience in many different facets.
FAQs for visiting teamLab Planets
Where is teamLab Planets located?
teamLab Planets is located in the Toyosu area of Tokyo, near the Toyosu Market and Odaiba. The address is: 1-3-8 Toyosu, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0061, Japan.
What are the opening hours of teamLab Planets?
teamLab Planets typically operates from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with the last entry around 6:00 PM. Hours may vary during holidays or special events, so it’s always a good idea to check the official website for up-to-date information.
How long does it take to visit teamLab Planets?
A typical visit takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on how long you spend interacting with each exhibit.
Is teamLab Planets kid-friendly?
Yes, teamLab Planets is very kid-friendly! The interactive exhibits encourage exploration, making it a fun experience for children. However, parents should be mindful that some areas have water, uneven flooring or are dark, so keep a close eye on younger children.
Can I take photos at teamLab Planets?
Yes, teamLab is made for photography! Flash photography and tripods are prohibited, so best to use your phone or a camera with a neck strap for convenience.
Is teamLab Planets accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, teamLab Planets is wheelchair accessible and accommodates visitors with mobility needs. There are also special facilities for those with disabilities, including accessible bathrooms. There are some sections of the experience that may need to be altered or skipped due to mobility, but the staff are very helpful and will assist you.
Are there any food or drink options at teamLab Planets?
No. However the broader Toyosu area has lots of dining options available and just outside the teamLabs Planets entry there is a vegan ramen food truck serving up delicious soupy goodness.
Is it hard to visit teamLab Planets if I don’t speak Japanese?
Not at all. The staff had good levels of English and signage was also in English and Japanese.
What other great activities are there for families when visiting Tokyo?
Tokyo is honestly a haven for kid-friendly activities – it’s one of the best places in Japan to explore as there’s simply so much to do. It is hard to go past the magic of Tokyo Disney or Tokyo DisneySea, however the city also has a bunch of great kid-themed museums such as the Tokyo Toy Museum, Tokyo Fire Museum and the Police Museum. In addition, the Tokyo Skytree is a great way for kids to see the city from above and they’ll love visiting the vibrant lights of Shinjuku.
Where else in Japan is good for family travel?
Osaka is a great place to travel with kids with the city featuring one of the world’s best aquariums, the Osaka Kids Plaza – the first kids museum in the country and lots of great day trip opportunities. Kyoto will be appreciated by children for the beautiful Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and the many temples and shrines the city has to offer. Finally, a visit to either Nara or Miyajima to see the wild deer is a great idea that the kids will love.
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