Our Teamlab Borderless Review

We recently visited Japan, spending a week in Tokyo as a family of 5 (1 adults, 2 teens and a 7 year old), and one of the places to visit on our bucket list after hearing so many good things about it, was Teamlabs Borderless.  The teamLab Borderless museum in Tokyo, technically known as the MORI Building Digital Art Museum, has been all over Instagram for a few years now and honestly, I wasn’t sure if it would live up to the hype.

Spoiler alert: it did. And then some. Here is our Teamlab Borderless review of our visit…

Getting There

TeamLab Borderless has now reopened in a new location in Azabudai Hills, after closing its original Odaiba location in 2022, but it’s still run by the same creative geniuses. We booked our teamLab Borderless tickets online via Klook several weeks before flying out – which I’d definitely recommend as the slots can fill up fast, especially during school holidays.

We took the Tokyo Metro (navigating it with three kids is an experience in itself – think Amazing Race meets Mario Kart), and the museum was relatively easy to find within the building, with signs and helpful staff pointing the way. We used Google Maps like we do back in the UK to get around, and bought eSims for internet access when out and about (this is a good guide to the internet options available whilst in Japan). 

What Exactly Is Teamlab Borderless?

If you’ve never heard of it, Teamlab Borderless is not your average art museum. Forget hushed rooms and paintings behind velvet ropes – this is art you walk through, climb into, and interact with. It’s a maze-like world of projection mapping, sound, light and movement. The art is alive, shifting constantly, and you’re right in the middle of it.

We stepped through the doors and into darkness (so be warned if you have younger children who get frightened of the dark). Then, BAM. Light. Colour. Movement. All around us. It was like walking straight into some kind of psychedelic dream! Even our 14-year-old and 13 year old were wide-eyed, which was what we were aiming for (it can be hard to find city break activities that suit us all these days!). It was definitely a sensory overload!

Teamlab Borderless review: Our Favourite Rooms (Though It’s All Pretty Magical)

The best thing about the Borderless digital art museum is that there’s no set route. You just wander, explore, and stumble into surprises. It felt like a choose-your-own-adventure book brought to life. Just be warned – it’s quite easy to get lost here, so make sure if you’re going as a family, that you all stick together!

1. Forest of Resonating Lamps
This one is all over social media – for good reason. You walk into a room filled with hanging glass lamps that light up in response to your movement. It’s warm, immersive, and strangely calming (especially if you’ve been juggling Google Maps and three children all day). Tip: you only get a minute or two inside, so take it in before you start snapping!

2. Crystal World
It’s like stepping into a shimmering tunnel made of stars. The lights shift in time with music and the effect is totally hypnotic. Our 7-year-old was pretending to be a space explorer, while our teens were testing the limits of their phone cameras.

3. En Tea House
This one was a surprise gem. You’re served tea, and as you sip, digital flowers bloom in your cup and spill onto the table. Yes, really. It’s such a gentle moment in contrast to the dazzling visuals of the rest of the museum. Plus, the tea was actually delicious – always a bonus.

4. Athletic Forest
Our 7-year-old could have stayed here all day. This area combines digital art with physical activity – think bouncing on glowing trampolines and climbing through neon-lit tunnels. It’s the perfect space for kids who need to move after all that visual stimulation.

5. Sketch Ocean

Possible our favourite as a family! You colour in a fish on paper and then watch it magically come to life on the giant digital ocean wall, swimming alongside sea creatures drawn by other visitors. All of our kids were buzzing to spot their fish darting around (and yes, you can feed them too by tapping food bags on the screen!). Sometimes, the fish even leave the room and swim into other parts of the museum – it’s wild! I have to admit that I was pretty pleased to see my own Turtle (complete with bikini!) travel around the room, haha!

Tips for Visiting with Kids (Especially Teens and Younger Ones!)

Take your time: There’s no time limit inside, so you can explore at your own pace. We were there for about 2.5 hours.

Prepare for sensory overload: It’s dark, loud, and constantly changing. You might want to take a short break outside before heading back in. If you’ve got neurodivergent kids, just be mindful that it can be intense.

Wear comfy shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking and some areas have uneven flooring or gentle slopes.

Charge your phone/camera: You’ll want to take photos – trust me. Even our teens were on board with the family selfies here!

Snack beforehand: There’s a café, but it’s more of a tea and chill-out spot. We made sure we had lunch before we visited.

Teamlab Borderless Review – Our Verdict

From the grown-up perspective, it was a totally unforgettable experience. Art that all five of us enjoyed together? That’s rare magic. It’s more than just a museum – it’s an immersive, shared journey through beauty, imagination, with a bit of digital wizardry thrown in. The MORI Building Digital Art Museum isn’t something you just see – it’s something you feel, walk through, and remember. All 3 children really loved it, and we spent longer there than I thought (one of the children had to be practically dragged out!), and if we ever ended up back in Tokyo, I would 100% book tickets to come back. Worth the hype!

It’s the perfect family experience – mesmerising enough for teens, interactive enough for little ones, and calming enough for parents who’ve spent two weeks juggling Japan planning, train timetables and eating out!

FAQs About Visiting TeamLab Borderless with Kids

Where is TeamLab Borderless located now?
teamLab Borderless is now located at Azabudai Hills in Tokyo, having moved from its original Odaiba site. The new space is still part of the MORI Building Digital Art Museum, and it’s just as breathtaking – if not more!

How do I buy TeamLab Borderless tickets?
You can buy TeamLab Borderless tickets online in advance via the official teamLab website or trusted platforms like Klook. I recommend booking ahead, especially during weekends or school holidays. You select a timed entry but can stay as long as you like once inside.

Is TeamLab Borderless suitable for young children?
Yes! Our 7-year-old loved it. Some areas are dark and intense, so prepare your little one for that. The Athletic Forest is especially great for kids with energy to burn.

Can I bring a buggy/stroller?
While you technically can, we wouldn’t recommend it. There are steps, slopes and tight corridors. A baby carrier is much easier to navigate with.

How long should we plan to spend at the Borderless digital art museum?
We spent around 2.5 hours and could easily have stayed longer. It depends on your pace and how much your kids are enjoying the different rooms.

Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the venue is wheelchair-friendly, though some interactive areas (like the Athletic Forest) may be limited.

Is TeamLab Borderless worth the price for a family?
In our opinion – 100% yes. It’s not cheap, but it’s unlike anything else, and it’s something all ages can enjoy together. Think of it as an experience rather than just an activity.

What’s the difference between teamLab Borderless and teamLab Planets?
TeamLab Planets is another digital art experience in Tokyo, but it involves water and bare feet! It’s more of a sensory/body experience. TeamLab Borderless is more expansive and maze-like, with more variety, making it better for longer visits and families with younger children.

So if you’re planning a trip to Tokyo with your family, don’t miss the Borderless digital art museum experience and read this Teamlab Borderless review. From the moment you walk in, it feels like stepping into another universe – one where art moves, reacts, and surrounds you completely. It’s creative, immersive, and unforgettable. And best of all? It’s something the whole family can genuinely enjoy.

Liked this TeamLab Borderless review? See more of my Japan travel posts here!

Looking for other things to do with kids in Japan?

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Visiting Tokyo DisneySea

How to spend New Year in Tokyo as a Family

Christmas Dinner in Japan

Feeding the Deer in Nara

How to use a PASMO card

Avatar Robot Cafe Tokyo Review

Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.