Crystal Universe at teamLab Planets in Tokyo, Japan
I had my most ambitious day yet on this particular Monday with back to back events starting with teamLab’s Planets, teamLab’s Borderless, and dinner at Tempura Kondo. I had heard plenty about Borderless, the new digital art museum at the Mori Building, but not so much about Planets.
The difference between Planets and Borderless:
- Planets is an immersive space with installations and experiences.
- Borderless is primarily made up of digital projections, some with interactive displays.
- Planets has a linear foot path map, whereas Borderless is like a “maze” and open for you to explore.
- Most of the digital displays in Borderless changes so you could walk into the same room twice and experience something different.
- No shoes allowed in Planets as you will be walking in water.
- Planets was previously the headliner exhibit a few years ago and is back for two years. Borderless launched in 2018 and will be permanent.
- Both have two similar rooms that can be seen at both museums: infinitive crystal universe and the big ball room.
What you need to know ABOUT PLANETS:
- No shoes are allowed and lockers are provided.
- You will be walking in up to one foot of water. Wear pants that can be rolled up to your knees. (I heard shorts can be provided.)
- A waterproof case is provided to wear around your neck.
- There are rooms with mirrors on the ground (I wore shorts underneath my skirt.)
- Buy tickets online in advance as they are often sold out. Tickets are based on time-slots.
- Planets is opened until Fall of 2020.
- More rules and information on their site.
The Personal Experience
As you join the line at Planets, a plastic cover case for your phone will be provided, and you make your way through the entrance to watch an informational video. You are asked to go bare feet and place your personal belongings in free of charge lockers. When you come back to your locker, don’t put on your shoes right away! I forgot and an employee reminded me to take my shoes to the exit.
It was a refreshing start to walk up light particle waterfall. After walking from my hostel in Ginza to the fish market and to exhibit (oh, yes I did!) my feet were sore. The cold water kicks off your senses as you head into the next room.
The soft black hole or the “bean bag” floor room as I call it was a good resting area for anyone who just wants to lay around. I found my cozy corner and sank into the soft black hole with support hugging all my curves and corners. It felt amazing. Most people quickly stumble through this room as if that interaction was enough but take a moment and let your thoughts sink in. Besides, when was the last time you walked through an unstable floor?
Looking at the mirror floor to take in the ceiling and surroundings of the teamLab Crystal UniverseFrom darkness you enter the infamous Crystal Universe room and where 85% of my pictures are of this room. The lights are constantly changing with the music – I could not get enough. The room is broken into mostly “halls” with a large corner room for more pictures. Despite the crowd, your pictures will look amazing.
Next is another IG-favourite: the “ball” room. Get ready to smack some balls around and get squished between balls. I am reminded of those lamps that turn colours.
Bouncing balls is fun but what about walking through a room filled with water and digitally projected animations? Koi fishes swim around as children try to catch them and flower petals glide across the room. The room has mirrors all along the walls so it looks a lot larger than it really is. My sore feet loved this experience. When you exit, someone will present you with towels to wipe your wet feet off.
And in what I thought would be the last room – “Floating in the Falling Universe of Flowers”- you have another chance to lay down on the floor and take in what feels like a three-dimensional experience.
Somewhere along the path I missed the “Cold Life” room and had not realized this until I began writing this path. I hear it’s a little off the path so keep an eye out!
Quick summary of the experiences (missing one – it was off the beaten path):
Overall experience
I liked the interaction between two physical elements and encountering water in ways I had yet to experience. The digital aspects were nice but I preferred Planets over Borderless. Other than the lantern room at Borderless, it was mainly projections onto walls, ceilings, or floors. However, I do think bringing your drawings to life was so freakin’ cool and really fun for the kids (there’s even a play area for kids at Borderless). Planets may be better for those who are short on time but want to check out a teamLab exhibit.
