Immerse Yourself in the World of Innovative Art at teamLab Planets in Toyosu, Tokyo
You may have heard of teamLab Borderless, the stunning art museum in Odaiba, Tokyo, but did you know there is actually another installation in Tokyo by the art collective teamLab? It's called teamLab Planets, and it's located right by Toyosu Fish Market! The two installations are actually quite different, so read on to learn all about teamLab Planets, and how it differs from its Tokyo counterpart, teamLab Borderless!
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About teamLab Planets
teamLab Planets is a massive Body Immersive space created by teamLab that contains numerous breathtaking artworks. The concept focuses on an interaction between the body and the art.
The venue is located only a 1 minute walk from Shin-Toyosu Station on the Yurikamome Line. It's also situated a 15 to 20 minute walk from the Toyosu Fish Market and 17 minutes by train from Odaiba.
teamLab Planets vs teamLab Borderless
Some of you may be wondering how teamLab Planets differs from teamLab Borderless. The biggest difference between the two is that at teamLab Planets, you will enjoy an experience in which, in some spaces, you'll have to wade through water. All of the artworks at teamLab Planets are unique to this location. In particular, the featured works are the 3 artworks listed below:
✦ Drawing on the Water Surface Created by the Dance of Koi and People - Infinity
✦ Expanding Three-Dimensional Existence in Transforming Space - Flattening 3 Colors and 9 Blurred Colors, Free Floating
✦ Floating in the Falling Universe of Flowers
Furthermore, if you simply follow the route they've set, you are guaranteed to see everything they have to offer, while at teamLab Borderless, you might have to discover all the spaces on your own! The Toyosu location is less crowded than the Odaiba location, so you'll be able to easily find the perfect spot for a photo shoot, too!
Things to Know Beforehand
- Book a ticket in advance, or you might have to wait in line to buy a ticket. (Buy ticket online here)
- You must take your shoes and socks off within the exhibition
- Avoid wearing:
• Long pants (Otherwise, you will have to roll them up)
• Short skirts and dresses since there are spaces with reflective floors (Unisex shorts can be rented free of charge)
- Flash photography is not allowed
- Be careful of high slopes and dark spaces
- Large belongings must be stored in the lockers
Things to See
Waterfall of Light Particles at the Top of an Incline
After climbing up a high slope with running water, you'll begin your journey with a phenomenal start with the "Waterfall of Light Particles at the Top of an Incline"! It felt as if we were actually entering into a world of nature as it was designed based off of one of teamLab's previous works in Shikoku. You'll love this one if you're a fan of nature!
You'll first be greeted with a unique entrance which you might not be able to find in any other exhibition - a high slope with water running down it!
Walk through these dark corridors glowing with blue and red lights, and get ready to explore the amazing teamLab Planets exhibition!
Drawing on the Water Surface Created by the Dance of Koi and People - Infinity
As we have mentioned, this is one of 3 highlighted works at teamLab Planets. You can move around knee-high in the water while gazing out at the swimming koi and floating flowers. The flowers change with the seasons.
On July 7, 2019, which marks the 1st anniversary of teamLab Planets, you can enjoy a special scenery of sunflowers floating alongside the koi!
Be sure to stay in this space for at least 7 minutes because these flowers and koi will later turn into colorful lines! Also, don't miss out on "Cold Life," the hidden artwork found within this space.
Note: Taking into account the water level, short pants above knee length are highly recommended. Take extra care not to drop your cellphone, camera, or any other important devices into the water!
Cold Life
This is a hidden space located within "Drawing on the Water Surface Created by the Dance of Koi and People - Infinity." Here, you can sit down and enjoy a beautiful 3-D artwork depicting the brush strokes of "Sho (生)," a Japanese/Chinese character which means "life," in the form of a tree.
The Infinite Crystal Universe
This space is highly recommended for those who love taking photos! Here, you will feel as if you are in an endless universe surrounded by light points that change colors. If you follow the pathway to the big hall at the end, you will find a great spot for taking the perfect photo!
In this space, you'll have the chance to select an element to appear in the universe via the mobile app! This app can be downloaded before entering the exhibition on the app store or on the official website.
Expanding Three-Dimensional Existence in Transforming Space - Flattening 3 Colors and 9 Blurred Colors, Free Floating
This is another space that you can only experience at teamLab Planets!
If you find yourself wanting to interact more with the artwork, you will definitely love this space! A number of floating giant spheres that change color in response to your touch fill the space. You'll have so much fun just walking around trying to find a way out!
Floating in the Falling Universe of Flowers
This is undeniably the most dreamy and romantic space of the entire installation! You'll be able to sit back and relax (or even lay down) here before going out! You'll be impressed by the colorful large and small flowers continuously flying around all over like stars in the universe.
Note: You might find it a little bit difficult to take photos here since it is quite dark and you can't use flash!
Dining
The Bowl Steakhouse
The Bowl Steakhouse is an outdoor restaurant which serves Australian Angus rib eye steak, healthy salads, as well as seafood dishes directly delivered from the popular Toyosu Fish Market nearby! They also offer a variety of drinks and desserts in case you would like to take a short break after exploring teamLab Planets.
Check out the food menu for lunch here and for dinner here.
Note: Payment by credit card only. Cash is not accepted.
We ordered the Rib eye steak Curry (1,480 yen) and the Grilled Salmon (1,280 yen). Both were well cooked and the portions were very generous!
Everything is in your hand
Another restaurant you can find at teamLab Planets is "Everything is in your hand," which serves a plate consisting of a sandwich, hot dog, french fries, and vegetable sticks. You can either take it to go or enjoy your meal at a creatively designed bench located right next to the restaurant.
Check out the menu here.
Basic information
If you're looking to experience the gorgeous art installations of teamLab while you're in Tokyo, you'll have more than one option to explore! Be sure to check out teamLab Planets in Toyosu for a unique experience where you interact with water and immerse yourself in the art!
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The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.
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