TeamLab Planets vs. TeamLab Borderless: My Honest Comparison 2026

Tokyo has no shortage of iconic, slightly surreal things to do, and the TeamLab exhibitions are very much part of that. During my month in Japan, they were easily some of the coolest and most memorable experiences I had in the city.

If you’re not familiar with them yet, TeamLab Planets and TeamLab Borderless are both immersive, interactive digital art experiences. You move through different rooms filled with light, sound, mirrors, giant floating balls, endless flowers, and even shallow water you walk through barefoot. It’s playful, a little mind-bending, and honestly just a lot of fun.

That said, Tokyo has two TeamLab exhibitions, which makes choosing a bit tricky. I ended up doing both on purpose so I could properly compare them and figure out which one is actually worth your time. In this guide, I’ll break down TeamLab Planets vs. TeamLab Borderless, share what I personally liked and didn’t like about each, and help you decide which one makes more sense for your trip. Let’s get into it.

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Teamlab Planets or Teamlab Borderless – My Quick Answer + Own Experience

As I mentioned earlier, I spent a full week in Tokyo and used that time to do both experiences: TeamLab Borderless and TeamLab Planets. And if you’re asking me which one is better, I’ll answer immediately and without hesitation: TeamLab Planets. No question.

When I visited, I honestly hadn’t done much research beforehand. I’d seen the usual Instagram photos, but that was about it. I started with TeamLab Borderless, and while it was visually impressive, I was a little disappointed. That’s probably on me more than anything, because my expectations were off. Borderless is largely projections, lights, LEDs, and visuals on walls and floors. It is cool, don’t get me wrong, but I was missing that physical, interactive element.

The next day, I went to TeamLab Planets (and yes, it was noticeably busier). And that’s when I had my “okay, this is it” moment. Planets felt bigger, bolder, and much more immersive. You start by walking through ankle-deep water, moving through different rooms and sections, which already makes it feel completely different. Then there are the giant floating balls, the hanging light installations, and later sections that still include those beautiful projections and visuals, similar to Borderless, but layered into a much more physical experience.

There are also a lot of playful, interactive elements throughout. Some are clearly kid-friendly, but honestly, I had just as much fun with them as an adult. One of my favorite moments was drawing a fish, having it scanned, and then watching it swim across the walls and “into the ocean.” Simple, but genuinely fun.

Overall, I really do think TeamLab Planets is the only one that’s truly worth your time. I don’t want to talk badly about TeamLab Borderless, you can tell an incredible amount of effort went into it, but if I came back to Tokyo and only had time for one, I’d choose TeamLab Planets every single time.

Click Here: Tickets for Teamlab Planets

TeamLab Planets vs. TeamLab Borderless: My Honest Comparison 2026

Teamlab Planets – What I Liked & Didn’t Like

What I Liked

The water feature: The very first experience completely caught me off guard, but in a good way. Walking barefoot through ankle-deep water for a large part of the exhibition was something I hadn’t expected at all, and it instantly made the whole thing feel different and immersive.

Interactivity: This was one of the biggest highlights for me. So many of the rooms are genuinely interactive, where you’re not just looking at art but actively becoming part of it. The drawing-a-sea-creature experience, where your artwork gets scanned and starts swimming around the walls, was especially fun.

Kid-friendly: I wasn’t traveling with kids, but one entire section felt like a giant, beautifully designed playground. There are loads of activities for children, which makes TeamLab Planets a fantastic option for families.

Food & drinks: There’s a surprisingly cozy outdoor area where you can grab food and drinks, and I honestly didn’t expect it to be this good. I ended up staying longer than planned and would definitely recommend taking a break here.

Photo opportunities: I’ll admit it, taking photos was a big part of the experience. And that’s totally normal here. The amount of incredible photo spots is insane, and almost every room feels designed with visuals in mind.

What I Didn’t Love

Crowds: TeamLab Planets was noticeably more crowded than Borderless when I visited. There was a long line at the entrance, and the locker area for the water section was pure chaos with so many people trying to change at the same time.

Confusing layout: I sometimes wished the experience flowed a bit more gradually. I know the maze-like layout is intentional, but I kept worrying that I might miss something or accidentally skip a room because everything feels a bit all over the place.

Click Here: Tickets for Teamlab Planets

Teamlab Borderless – What I Liked & Didn’t Like

What I Liked

Smaller crowds: I didn’t have to wait in line at all, and even once inside it never felt overcrowded. Teamlab Planets in comparison was way more crowded.

Amazing visuals: The projections and visuals are seriously impressive. The rooms flow into each other, the colors are intense, and I have to admit, I was super stunned by it.

Better location: TeamLab Borderless wins hands down when it comes to location. It’s inside a mall and much easier to reach than TeamLab Planets, which feels a bit out of the way. If you’re tight on time, this is a big plus.

Photo opportunities: Even though Borderless is mostly visual, there are still some great photo spots. The room with the silver balls and the hanging light chains was a highlight, and yes, a few experiences overlap with TeamLab Planets, which I liked.

What I Didn’t Like

Not interactive enough: This was my biggest downside. TeamLab Borderless is mostly projections and visuals on walls, floors, and ceilings. Don’t get me wrong, it’s beautiful, but I was expecting more variety and more hands-on interaction. Compared to TeamLab Planets, it just felt a bit passive, like you’re watching the art rather than being part of it.

Click Here: Teamlab Borderless Tickets

Verdict: Which Teamlab Should I Go to?

I feel like I sound a bit harsh after writing all this, so let me be clear: I don’t think TeamLab Borderless is bad at all. It’s still a really cool experience. That said, I honestly think TeamLab Planets is the better option, and it’s the one I would personally choose every single time if I had to pick just one.

For me, TeamLab Planets simply offers more. It feels more immersive, more varied, and more interactive, with experiences that go beyond just visuals on walls. Walking through water, interacting with installations, and having those playful, almost childlike moments made it feel like a full-on experience rather than just an exhibition.

That said, TeamLab Borderless definitely still has its place. If you’re staying nearby, for example in Ginza or close to Tokyo Station, and you’re short on time, Borderless can be a great option. There’s often little to no waiting time, it’s easy to fit into your day, and you can still get some of those iconic TeamLab photos.

So in short: if you only have time (or budget) for one, I’d go with TeamLab Planets. But if Borderless fits better into your itinerary, you’re not making a bad choice at all.

FAQs About Teamlab Planets vs Teamlab Borderless

Is Tokyo worth visiting?

Absolutely. After spending a whole month in Japan, Tokyo was easily one of my favorite cities. It’s intense, impressive, and endlessly interesting, with incredible culture, constant energy, and some of the best food I had anywhere in the country.

Is Tokyo expensive?

Honestly, yes, especially when it comes to hotels. I found Tokyo to offer pretty poor value for money in terms of accommodation. That said, food, activities, and public transport are surprisingly affordable, which helps balance things out.

What are the best things to do in Tokyo?

I loved eating sushi and ramen and just wandering around neighborhoods like Shinjuku and Shibuya. When it comes to actual activities, Shibuya Sky and TeamLab Planets were clear highlights for me and both are absolute must-dos in my opinion.

Is TeamLab Planets worth it?

Yes, 100%. It’s iconic, immersive, and one of the most memorable things I did in Tokyo. It’s especially great for families with kids, but honestly just as fun as an adult.

Is TeamLab Borderless worth it?

Personally, I’d say no, if you have to choose between the two. If you’re deciding between TeamLab Planets vs. TeamLab Borderless, I don’t think Borderless is worth it because Planets is simply the better experience in my opinion.

Final Thoughts on the Best TeamLab in Tokyo

I hope this guide comparing TeamLab Planets vs. TeamLab Borderless helped you decide which one is actually worth visiting. This is obviously just my honest opinion, and I don’t think Borderless is bad, it’s just that Planets offers so much more overall.

If I had to pick only one, I’d choose TeamLab Planets without hesitation. I hope this helps you plan your Tokyo trip, and I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time. Happy travels