When planning a trip to Tokyo, experiencing the futuristic digital art universes created by the visionary art collective “teamLab” is an absolute must. These revolutionary venues present distinct concepts and immersive environments that represent the pinnacle of contemporary Japanese creativity. However, with recent major relocations causing confusion among international travelers, many ask: “Which museum should I choose, and how do I prepare?” This definitive guide breaks down everything you need to know to craft your perfect Tokyo itinerary.

Venue & Location Update: Don’t Go to the Wrong Place!

The most critical piece of information for travelers is the recent relocation of teamLab Borderless. The original, wildly popular venue in Odaiba closed its doors and has officially reopened as a permanent exhibition in the sophisticated, futuristic Azabudai Hills development in central Tokyo (directly connected to Kamiyacho Station). Meanwhile, due to overwhelming global demand, the sensory-focused teamLab Planets in Toyosu (near the Toyosu Fish Market) has extended its run. Make sure to double-check your tickets, as these two venues are in completely different parts of the city and feature entirely different concepts.

teamLab Planets: A Barefoot Sensory Journey in Toyosu

Built strictly around the concept of “Body Immersion,” teamLab Planets offers an intense, tactile experience where visitors literally become part of the artwork. The journey begins with the symbolic act of removing your shoes and walking completely barefoot. The highlights include wading through a knee-deep digital lake where projected Koi fish turn into scattering autumn flowers upon contact, navigating a dark waterfall, and lying flat on your back in a massive dome filled with floating seasonal blooms. Because floors are mirrored and water spaces are deep, travelers must wear pants that easily roll up above the knees and avoid short skirts (though free rental shorts are available).

teamLab Borderless: A Mapless World of Discovery at Azabudai Hills

Unlike the linear route of Planets, teamLab Borderless has no set path or map. True to its name, digital artworks seamlessly flow across rooms, interact with one another, and react dynamically to your presence. Key highlights include the iconic Forest of Resonating Lamps, a massive central waterfall mountain that responds to your touch, and the Athletics Forest—a highly interactive zone where you can draw sea creatures that instantly come to life inside a giant digital aquarium. It also houses the EN TEA HOUSE, a dark, peaceful room where digital flowers beautifully bloom and ripple directly inside your cup of hot matcha or chamomile latte.

How to Maximize Your Visit: Travel Expert Pro-Tips

To get the most out of your teamLab experience, timing and preparation are key. Booking timed-entry tickets weeks in advance is mandatory, as popular slots sell out quickly. For a more peaceful and contemplative atmosphere, we highly recommend booking a weekday morning slot to avoid the peak weekend crowds. Both venues provide free lockers for your bags, so pack light. Most importantly, wear comfortable sneakers—especially for the uneven, moving terrains inside the Borderless Athletics Forest—and prepare to lose yourself in wonder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nestled in the quiet greenery of Inokashira Park in Mitaka, Tokyo, the Ghibli Museum welcomes visitors into the dreamlike world of master animator Hayao Miyazaki. This isn’t just a traditional museum—it’s a portal into the enchanting universe of Studio Ghibli, where magic and imagination come to life. Only 30 minutes away from central Tokyo, this whimsical destination transports fans of all ages into a warm, nostalgic world packed with references to Japanese culture and animation history.

A Space of Wonder: Must-See Highlights of the Museum

As Hayao Miyazaki himself envisioned, this museum is a “space of wonder and excitement” where traditional static exhibits are replaced by immersive experiences. From the moment you approach, you will feel like you’ve stepped directly into a Ghibli film, greeted by a giant Totoro at the entrance. Inside, you can watch exclusive animated short films at the Saturn Theater, let children play on a giant furry Cat Bus, explore rotating special exhibitions showcasing the studio’s creative process, and climb up to the rooftop garden to meet a life-sized Robot Soldier from Castle in the Sky.

The Ghibli Ticket Dilemma: Why Booking is So Difficult

While the museum is an absolute must-visit for any Ghibli fan, securing tickets is notoriously difficult for international travelers. To ensure an optimal, uncrowded visitor experience, the museum strictly limits daily admission using designated timed-entry slots. Because the vast majority of tickets are allocated for residents of Japan, the international online pool via Lawson sells out almost instantly. Tickets go on sale on specific dates for the following month, making it incredibly hard to align with specific travel dates if you are booking from overseas.

Guarantee Your Entry: Our Hassle-Free Ticket Services

The good news is that as seasoned Japan travel experts, we can personally secure your entrance to the Ghibli Museum during your stay. This exclusive ticket service is available to all travelers who book a package tour with us. To reserve your spot, simply submit your request before the 9th of the month before your intended visit (e.g., order by October 8th for a November 5th visit). We will need the full name of the main booker (matching your passport exactly), your preferred dates/times, and the ages of everyone in your party.

Essential Terms, Prices, and Visitor Information

Please note that all Ghibli Museum ticket orders are final, non-changeable, and non-refundable. At the entrance, staff will check your physical ticket alongside your passport, so screenshots or copies will not be accepted. You can choose to pick up your physical tickets at our Tokyo office for free, or have them safely delivered to your hotel for an additional $8 shipping fee.

• Location: 1-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo (Within Inokashira Park)
• Access: A pleasant 15-minute walk from Mitaka Station (JR Chuo Line) or a 5-minute ride on the local community bus.
• Museum Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)

Q&A: Your Ghibli Museum Questions Answered

Located in Tokyo’s bustling business district surrounded by skyscrapers, Hamarikyu Gardens is a historic Japanese landscape garden that offers a peaceful escape from the urban hustle. This garden served as a falconry ground for the Tokugawa shogunate and later developed into the “Hama Goten” (Beach Palace). Featuring a seawater pond that changes with the tides and two duck hunting grounds, it’s designated as both a Special National Place of Scenic Beauty and a Special Historical Site.

Garden Highlights

The Seawater Pond
The garden’s unique seawater pond, filled from Tokyo Bay, changes its appearance with the tides. As the last remaining tidal pond in Tokyo, it preserves the atmosphere of the Edo period. The pond is home to saltwater fish like striped mullet and sea bass, creating a precious natural environment in the heart of the city.

Duck Hunting Grounds
The garden contains two preserved duck hunting grounds where the shoguns once practiced “kamo-gari” (duck hunting) using hawks and nets. These facilities remain in excellent condition, allowing visitors to imagine the scenes of historical hunting practices.You can find two duck hunting sites in the garden. It was one of the shoguns’ hobbies to hunt ducks using hawks or a net from behind mounds.

Caede’s Personal Tip: 
*”For the most magical experience, I love visiting around 3 PM – you’ll enjoy the garden in daylight, watch the sunset behind the skyscrapers, and see the evening lights create beautiful reflections in the tidal ponds. The contrast between traditional garden and modern cityscape is absolutely breathtaking! Afterward, I recommend walking to the nearby* Tsukiji Outer Market for some fresh sushi – it’s the perfect cultural combination.”

Seasonal Flowers

Visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers throughout the year: rape blossoms, cherry blossoms, and azaleas in spring; Japanese iris and hydrangeas in summer; bush clover and autumn leaves in fall; and camellias and narcissus in winter. The spring landscape with over 300 rape blossom plants offers unexpected tranquility in the city center.

FAQ: Your Questions About Hamarikyu Gardens Answered

Caede’s Special Insight: 
“My personal favorite is timing my visit with the tides. At low tide, the pond reveals its muddy bottom—like traveling back in time. At high tide, the water reflects the surrounding skyscrapers spectacularly. Check tide tables when planning! After Hamarikyu, seeing Tokyo from Tokyo Tower or Rainbow Bridge offers another wonderful perspective on the city’s relationship with water.”

Visitor Information

• Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM)
• Admission: Adults ¥300, Seniors (65+) ¥150
• Access: 7-minute walk from Toei Oedo Line “Tsukijishijo Station”, 12-minute walk from JR “Shimbashi Station”
• Water Bus: Direct access from Asakusa and Odaiba

Caede’s Advice
“I highly recommend arriving by water bus! The 35-minute ride from Asakusa offers wonderful views of Tokyo’s waterways before you even enter the garden. After exploring the gardens, walking to Tsukiji Outer Market for fresh seafood completes my perfect Tokyo day. For another beautiful garden experience, consider visiting Rikugien Garden to compare different gardening styles.”

Hamarikyu Gardens offers a precious space that combines historical significance with natural beauty right in central Tokyo. It’s the perfect place to rest tired feet after sightseeing while enjoying a moment of peaceful contemplation amidst the bustling city.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like the Hamarikyu Gardens. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country. Japan is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Ueno Park (Ueno Koen) is one of Tokyo’s most beloved destinations, attracting both locals and tourists with its unique mix of world-class museums, historic temples, and stunning natural beauty. As one of Japan’s first public parks established in 1873, this 133-acre space in Taito Ward offers something for everyone throughout the year.

Historical Significance

The park’s history dates back to the Edo period when it was part of the extensive Kaneiji Temple complex, one of Tokyo’s most important temples. After the Battle of Ueno in 1868 during the Boshin War, the area was transformed into Japan’s first public park. Today, visitors can still feel the echoes of history throughout the grounds, much like the historical atmosphere found at Asakusa’s Sensoji Temple, another iconic Tokyo destination.

Caede’s Historical Insight: 
“What many visitors miss is the incredible story behind the park’s transformation. While most come for the museums and cherry blossoms, I always recommend taking a moment to appreciate how this space represents Japan’s journey from feudal to modern times – similar to the fascinating history you can discover at Tokyo’s Imperial Palace.”

Must-See Attractions

Museums & Cultural Institutions:

• Tokyo National Museum: Japan’s largest and most comprehensive art museum
• National Museum of Nature and Science: Perfect for families with interactive exhibits
• National Museum of Western Art: Designed by Le Corbusier, featuring European masters
• Ueno Royal Museum: Rotating contemporary art exhibitions
• Shitamachi Museum: Preserving the culture of old downtown Tokyo

Caede’s Museum Tip:
“If you’re short on time, I recommend focusing on the Tokyo National Museum – it’s absolutely worth half a day. For a different art experience, consider the teamLab Borderless digital art museum too!”

FAQ: Your Questions About Ueno Park Answered

A: This depends on your interests. For a quick visit focusing on cherry blossoms or a leisurely stroll, 2-3 hours is sufficient. If you plan to visit even one major museum, allocate at least half a day. To explore multiple museums and attractions thoroughly, consider dedicating a full day. The park pairs well with exploring the nearby Asakusa area for a full day of traditional Tokyo culture.

Caede’s Helpful Reminder: 
“Ueno Park is more than just a collection of attractions—it’s a living part of Tokyo’s community. Don’t hesitate to simply wander and discover your own favorite spots. Whether it’s watching locals practice tai chi by the pond or finding a quiet bench under ancient trees, sometimes the best moments are the unplanned ones. And if you enjoy Ueno’s cultural atmosphere, you might also appreciate the artistic vibe of Tokyo’s museum district in other areas!”

Natural Beauty & Seasonal Highlights

Ueno Park truly shines during cherry blossom season (typically late March to early April), when over 1,000 cherry trees create a breathtaking pink canopy. The park becomes the epicenter of hanami (cherry blossom viewing) parties, attracting millions of visitors.

Caede’s Seasonal Advice: 
“For the best cherry blossom experience, visit on a weekday morning to avoid the crowds. If you’re looking for other great cherry blossom spots, check out our guide to the best cherry blossom viewing locations in Tokyo.”

Practical Information

Location: Ueno Park, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0007
Access:
・2-minute walk from Ueno Station (JR Lines, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Hibiya Line)
・Multiple bus routes available
Hours: Open 24 hours (museums and facilities have individual operating hours)
Admission: Park entry free; individual attractions charge separate fees

Nearby Attractions:
・Ueno Zoo: Japan’s oldest zoo, home to giant pandas
・Ameyoko Shopping Street: Vibrant market street south of the park

Caede’s Final Recommendation: 
“Start your day early at Ueno Park to beat the crowds. I suggest beginning with the cultural sites in the morning, then exploring the museums in the afternoon. If you’re planning more Tokyo exploration, our complete Tokyo travel guide has plenty of other great suggestions for your itinerary!”

Ueno Park Area Map

History of Shinjuku Gyoen

The park was formerly the residence of a feudal lord during the Edo period. Then, when the Meiji era arrived, it first became a botanical garden. And later, became a garden for the use of the Imperial Family. Often when important people from abroad visited Japan, the area was used as a recreation area.

In 1906 the design of the complex was completed. Unfortunately, the complex was almost totally destroyed by the bombing by US forces in 1945. After the war, the place was gradually rebuilt and passed into the hands of the government. Therefore in 1949, the Shinjuku Gyoen National Park was inaugurated. Although the park became public property, its name is literally preserved as ‘Imperial Gardens’. In 1989, the funerary rites of Emperor Hirohito were held in this park.

Park Layout

The park today has three sections. A Japanese-style garden with a beautiful lake and a bridge make for a beautiful photo postcard. Then there is a spectacular French-style garden and finally an exquisite English garden. The park has an area of 58.3 hectares with a circumference of 3.5 km. In the gardens, there is a traditional Japanese tea house.

The garden has 1500 cherry trees that adorn with their bright colors at the end of March or the beginning of April. In cherry blossom season, the park is one of the favorite places of the public to perform the traditional hanami picnic. Hanami literally means ‘see the flowers’, it is a centuries-old tradition in Japan. Normally you go as a group or as a couple and have a picnic while watching the wonderful landscape created by the blossoms.

To see the whole park takes about two or three hours, and it is much better if you go on a sunny day. A curious fact for fans of anime is that Shinjuku National Park Gyoen was the main stage of the movie ‘The Garden of Words’. And in real life, you can visit the locations on which the anime was based.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like Shinjuku. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country. Japan is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Shinjuku Gyoen Area Map

For those who love Japanese-style landscape gardens, Tokyo is a paradise. Having been the country’s political capital during the Edo period, Tokyo isn’t lacking in beautiful gardens that once belonged to feudal lords. Most of them are now open to the public, and Rikugien near Komagome station in Tokyo is one of the prettiest gardens in the city.

History

Rikugien was created in 1702 by feudal lord Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu. Its name -riku- (roku means 6 in Japanese) refers to the Waka poems that were inspired by Chinese poetry. Those poems are divided into six categories. The garden covers 8.7 hectares, with a central lake. From the entrance itself, a path leads around the lake. The path leads to a 35m high promontory that offers a spectacular view of the garden. The garden is a typical example of the gardens of the Edo period.

In the Meiji period, the garden was owned by the Iwasaki family, who were the founders of Mitsubishi Corporation, as a second home. Subsequently it was donated to the city of Tokyo in 1938. In nearby Ueno, you can visit the residence of the Iwasaki family, Kyu Iwasakitei.

Rikugien Nowadays

After it was donated to the city, the garden was opened up to the general public. It is a pretty large garden, and it will take around an hour to walk the full course. There are trails that will take you through gardens, forests, and lanes, and there are several tea houses that you can enter. In one of the tea houses, you can drink a cup of matcha tea and take a rest with a beautiful view.

The best time to go to Rikugien is the autumn when the leaves are changing colors. The optimal time for this is mid-November to early December. They even do a light-up event during which they stay open until later in the evening. Spring is also beautiful with the blooming cherry trees in early April and azaleas in April-May.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like Tokyo. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country. Japan is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Access Information

Hours: open daily from 9 am – 5 pm
Entrance fee: 300 yen for people between 12 and 65, 150 yen for people aged 65+, free for kids under 12