If you’re looking for a “photo-worthy” spot in Tokyo, teamLab Planets TOKYO is well worth considering.
This is not a museum where you simply stand and look at art. You spend more time walking forward through the exhibits—sometimes barefoot, and sometimes through water.
Because there’s a water area mid-route, your outfit and ticket plan can make the difference between a smooth visit and a frustrating one.
In this article, I’ll walk you through how to get tickets, what the visit feels like, common cautions people mention in reviews, and the key preparation points so first-time visitors don’t get stuck.
What is teamLab Planets TOKYO?
teamLab Planets TOKYO is an immersive museum where visitors enter the exhibition space and move through it—walking, wading into water, and experiencing the artworks with their whole bodies.
Officially, it’s described as “a museum where you walk through water,” and the experience is designed around removing your shoes.
It opened on July 7, 2018, and as of now the end date has been announced as the end of 2027.
The exhibition is created by teamLab, a collective known for works that change in response to the presence and movement of visitors.
The underlying concept is “Body Immersive,” which can be summarized as stepping into the artwork so that the boundary between your body and the artwork becomes less distinct.
Another key feature is that the visuals are not simply recorded footage playing on a loop. Many scenes are generated in real time by software, so the same state is not repeated in exactly the same way.
Basic information
・Name: teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM.com
・Address: 6-1-16 Toyosu, Koto-ku, Tokyo
・Access: 1 min walk from Shin-Toyosu Station (North Exit) / 10 min walk from Toyosu Station (Exit 7) / 5 min walk from Shijomae Station
・Period: July 7, 2018 – end of 2027 (official announcement)
・Hours: 8:30–22:00
・Last entry: 1 hour before closing
・Expected wait time: possible 30–60 minutes before entry (official guidance)
・Closed days: irregular (check the latest schedule on the official site)
・Tickets: online purchase in principle / no on-site ticket sales
・Admission fee: varies by date and time (shown on the purchase screen)
Know the flow before you go
After entering, you’ll use lockers for your belongings, and there are sections where you continue barefoot.
The water area is not “your feet might get a little wet.” It is designed so you actually walk inside water. If your pants can’t be rolled up to around knee level, you may end up uncomfortable partway through.
There are also areas where the floor uses reflective materials, and multiple visitors mention that skirts can feel awkward in those sections, so it’s something to keep in mind.
Many people take photos as they go, and it’s common for visitors to pause in corridors. Plan with extra time so you don’t feel rushed.
Common impressions from reviews
A frequent positive comment is that “going into the water barefoot is more fun than expected.”
Some people describe it as “feeling like a kid again,” which captures the excitement of moving through the space rather than watching from the outside.
On the practical side, many reviews repeatedly mention water depth: “It reached around my knees, so pants you can roll up or half pants are better.”
Families also share concrete experiences, such as “I lost my balance on uneven flooring and got wet up to my waist, so a change of clothes really helped.”
There are also comments about sensitivity, such as “the disinfectant/ chlorine smell felt strong” or “be careful if you have sensitive skin,” so if you’re prone to skin irritation, it may be wise to be cautious and not push yourself.
Clothing and items that make the visit easier
For bottoms, the easiest choice is pants that can be rolled above the knee, or half pants from the start.
Half pants are fine in summer, but in winter that’s not always realistic—so bringing half pants as a change of clothes is a practical option.
Some reviews mention that half pants can be borrowed on-site, so forgetting won’t necessarily ruin your visit, but preparing in advance saves time and hassle.
After the water area, people report that towels are available so you can dry your feet as needed.
Your phone is at higher risk of slipping in both wet and darker areas, so using a strap or something that helps you keep a secure grip is recommended.
For children, getting wetter is more likely, so bringing a full change of clothes makes it easier to handle unexpected situations.
Tickets and entry steps
Officially, “no on-site ticket sales” is clearly stated, so buying in advance is required.
Tickets can be purchased online, and prices vary depending on the date and time. If you’re flexible, choosing a cheaper time slot can be a smart way to save money.
After purchase, you receive a URL for displaying the QR code about 2 days before your visit.
The QR code itself becomes visible from 0:00 on the day of your visit, so don’t worry if you can’t see it immediately after receiving the URL.
For entry, you can show the QR code on your phone, or bring a printed copy.
For tickets purchased via the official site, it’s stated that you can change the date/time up to 3 times as long as you do it at least 2 hours before your entry time—useful if you suddenly feel unwell or your schedule shifts.
Even if you’re late for your reserved time, it’s said you may still be able to enter on the same day within business hours.
However, you cannot enter earlier than your reserved time, so arriving too early won’t help.
Time slots are generally priced lower earlier in the day and higher later. That also explains why you can’t “buy a cheap early ticket and enter at a later time.”
Last entry is 1 hour before closing, so if you’re running late, keep the time limit in mind.
Conclusion
teamLab Planets TOKYO is built around the idea that you walk barefoot, step into water, and change what you see through your own movement.
To enjoy it smoothly, preparation comes down to two points: secure a timed online ticket, and wear (or bring) bottoms that can be rolled above the knee.
Since children getting wet comes up repeatedly in reviews, families should especially use these tips as a checklist before visiting.
Enjoy!
The Japanese version of this article is here.↓↓↓
