teamLab

“teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM.com” is teamLab’s ultra-massive immersive space—an evolution of “DMM.PLANETS Art by teamLab,” which was held in Odaiba, Tokyo in 2016 and closed after just 47 days with wait times exceeding six hours. The previous venue was Odaiba, but this time the project has relocated to Shin-Toyosu.

Also, in what may cause some confusion, at exactly the same time, in Odaiba (nearest stations: Tokyo Teleport or Aomi), Mori Building and teamLab are running a project called “Borderless.” The contents are entirely different, so please take care not to mix them up.

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teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM.com

teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM.com is a limited-time project running through autumn 2020. The content is largely the same as the 2016 iteration (though because the building is different, hardware-side staging and presentation differ in detail).

The venue is a one-minute walk from Shin-Toyosu Station.

This is an event where you wade in water up to your knees. Dress accordingly!

“Waterfall of Light Particles at the Top of an Incline”

You enter through the entrance next to the lockers.

Unlike “Borderless,” at this “Planets” facility visitors move through the works in sequence along a set route.

The approach is dreamlike, and you proceed with a sense of anticipation. The cool air feels wonderful. In the height of midsummer, entering the venue is a real relief. The heatwave of 2018 was truly brutal…

Water flows down from above like a stream, splashing onto your feet. The surface is treated to prevent slipping, so you can advance without stress—but the identity of that pillar of light draws you in.

Soft Black Hole – Your Body Becomes a Space that Influences Another Body

Wiping your water-soaked feet with a towel, you move on.

This time the floor is soft and springy, and the sensation underfoot changes. So much fun!

Ahead of that lies yet another work that tests our sense of touch.

The Infinite Crystal Universe

As you continue, eyes acclimated to darkness are reawakened by an encounter with a work made of light.

Drawing on the Water Surface Created by the Dance of Koi and People – Infinity

This is an area where you interact with koi swimming in cold water. So vast that you lose sight of the exit.

When a koi collides with a person, it seems to scatter into flowers. An interactive work.

Between the coolness of the water and the pleasing sights, you lose track of time.

Expanding Three-dimensional Existence in Transforming Space – Free Floating, 12 Colors

This piece was not part of the previous edition. The colors of the light shift here as well.

Essentially, it is a room of “big balloons.” For me personally, it was the area where I spent the least time.

Floating in the Falling Universe of Flowers

Last time you could lie down and view the work, but this time the setup encouraged sitting instead. Personally, I felt more immersion last time. The illusion that your brain has drifted off somewhere is delightful. I’m including both the official video and one I filmed myself.

Summary

The ticket price has gone up from last time. 3,200 yen is not cheap. This price is the same as “Borderless”, which is running at the same time in Odaiba. Visitors who experience both are likely to raise an eyebrow. Clearly, “you spend more time inside Borderless.” (Whether you enjoy each is a personal matter, so I’ll refrain from commenting on that.)

For me, this was my second visit since 2016, so I inevitably compared it to the previous experience and to “Borderless”—but tickets are available on the day of the visit, so if you have never experienced teamLab’s work, starting here might be a solid option.

Overview

teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM.com
https://planets.teamlab.art/jp/
Address: teamLab Planets TOKYO, 6-1-16 Toyosu, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Period: July 7, 2018 – autumn 2020
Hours: Weekdays 10:00–25:00, Weekends and holidays 9:00–25:00 (Last admission 24:00)
Total site area: 10,000 sqm
Organizer: PLANETS Inc.

Pricing:
■July “Opening Weekday Discount Ticket” *Excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays
Adult (18 and over) Regular ticket: 2,400 yen / Priority Lane ticket: 5,000 yen
Youth (12–17) Regular ticket: 2,000 yen / Priority Lane ticket: 4,300 yen
Child (4–11) Regular ticket: 1,500 yen / Priority Lane ticket: 3,200 yen
Senior (60 and over) Regular ticket: 2,000 yen / Priority Lane ticket: 4,300 yen
Disability Discount Regular ticket: 1,200 yen / Priority Lane ticket: 2,600 yen
■Standard Price
*Opening day July 7, July weekends and holidays, August onward
Adult (18 and over) Regular ticket: 3,200 yen / Priority Lane ticket: 6,000 yen
Youth (12–17) Regular ticket: 2,700 yen / Priority Lane ticket: 5,100 yen
Child (4–11) Regular ticket: 2,000 yen / Priority Lane ticket: 3,800 yen
Senior (60 and over) Regular ticket: 2,700 yen / Priority Lane ticket: 5,100 yen
Disability Discount Regular ticket: 1,600 yen / Priority Lane ticket: 3,100 yen