Tokyo is a sensory overload on a good day, but if you really want to fry your brain cells with some digital art, TeamLab Borderless is where it’s at. Or so they say. Here’s everything you need to know before you commit to this trippy experience, including some slightly jaded insights from someone who’s been there, done that, and lived to blog about it.
Contents
Booking: Plan Ahead, Way Ahead
You can book your tickets here. Prices are around 3,200 yen for adults (about $30 USD) and 1,000 yen for kids (around $9 USD). But hey, what’s a little cash when you’re about to dive headfirst into an Instagrammer’s paradise?
Let’s start with the basics. If you’re even considering visiting TeamLab Borderless, you better be ready to plan like a military strategist. Book your tickets at least two months in advance – or as far out as humanly possible. Trust me, tickets disappear faster than a Tokyo rush hour train.
Address: 1-3-8 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0064, Japan
Arrival: Don’t Get Your Hopes Up
Pro tip: don’t bother showing up early. They won’t let you in before your designated time slot. We tried. We failed. So plan your day accordingly because you’re not getting in a minute before.
The Rooms: The Good, the Overhyped, and the Redundant
The Light Room: This is what you’re here for. A room filled with lights that make you feel like you’re floating through a futuristic dreamscape. It’s also at TeamLab Planets, so if you’ve been there, brace yourself for a serious case of déjà vu.
The Drawing Room: Another overlap with Planets. Here, your doodles come to life and interact with the environment. It’s charming and all, but once you’ve seen it, you’ve seen it.
The Ball Reflection Room: Imagine a room full of glowing balls that reflect light in all directions. Yep, you guessed it, also at Planets. If I had known this beforehand, I might have skipped Borderless altogether.
Exclusive to Borderless: The Crowds
Now, let’s talk about what makes Borderless… Borderless. The rooms that are unique to this location are nearly impossible to photograph without a swarm of people in the background. You’ll spend more time waiting for that perfect shot than actually enjoying the art.
On the bright side, Borderless is generally less crowded than Planets. So, if you’re allergic to crowds but still want your digital art fix, this might be a slightly better option. Slightly.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, if you’ve got a TeamLab itch to scratch and don’t mind battling it out for a good photo, Borderless can be worth a visit. Just manage your expectations, plan ahead, and maybe bring a book to pass the time while you wait for your time slot. And remember, the best rooms are also at Planets. So, choose wisely. We still had fun but it’s a good thing we went to this first then Planets after.
Happy digital art hunting!
