The newest museum from teamLab art group: TeamLab Botanical Garden Osaka
The teamLab Borderless: MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM was the first museum created by the technologist art group TeamLab and the world’s first digital art museum. Since its opening, it has been a great success and is one of the most popular places in Tokyo among locals and tourists.
For those who may have heard of teamLab but don’t know many details yet, teamLab is an ultra-technologist art group where various specialists—artists, programmers, engineers, CG animators, mathematicians, and architects—work together to create incredible and beautiful digital art experiences.
If you like teamLab museums, we have good news! The teamLab Borderless and teamLab Planets are not the only museums of the group in Japan. Outside Tokyo, you can visit teamLab Osaka and teamLab Fukuoka, teamLab Forest Fukuoka, and recently a new one in Ibaraki, teamLab: Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces Hot Spring.
In this article, I will introduce you to the teamLab Osaka, teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka!
<<Book the teamLab Garden Osaka tickets now!!>>
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teamLab Botanical Garden
teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka, sometimes called teamLab Osaka, is the most recent opening of the teamLab group, and one of the most different in concept. Both the two teamLabs in Tokyo and the teamLab in Fukuoka are in enclosed spaces, with rooms created for them. But the teamLab Osaka is in an open-air park!
Nagai Park is one of the largest urban parks in Osaka, with a total of 240,000-sqm in the center of the city. The park was opened in 1944 and includes facilities such as a baseball stadium and a huge long center. There is also Nagai Botanical Garden, an open-air botanical garden. In 2022 Nagai Park underwent a renovation project and as part of that project, a new teamLab has been built inside the botanical garden. The new teamLab uses the natural elements of the park to build a new digital museum concept!
The exhibition is based on teamLab’s art project Digitized Nature, which explores how nature can become art without harming it. They have made other similar exhibitions in the past, but always on a temporary basis. This is the first permanente teamLab museum with that theme and it’s also the first designed for nighttime exhibition. During the day is a beautiful botanical garden, and at night is transformed to an art space.
The teamLab Botanical Garden is the perfect place to finish after a day of sightseeing in the city, and before going to enjoy the nightlife. Let’s see more about the wonderful experience that teamLab Osaka offers to its visitors!
Sculptures of Dissipative Birds in the Wind
This area is one of the most popular and spectacular of the museum. As they explain on their own website, the giant sculptures reflect the energy of the environment, mainly the birds flying around. When the birds are flying, it affects the energy of the place, such as the wind. If the birds are not flying around the sculptures, they will turn back to normal and disappear into the darkness.
Resonating Microcosms in the Common Camellia Garden
The ovoids that change color when touched are one of teamLab’s most famous recent works. They were first used in temporary outdoor exhibitions, and have now become a classic in museums. In the teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka they have a camellia garden filled with ovoids that transform from day to night and change color, divided into three areas and each area has its own peculiarity.
Floating Resonating Lamps on Oike Lake
In the Oike Lake we found autonomously floating lamps that change color when they notice the presence of people nearby or when the wind blows. Then the light of that lamp spreads to nearby lamps, as they resonate with the same tone.
If there are no people nearby or no wind blowing, the lamps blink slowly.
Various artworks
The teamLab Osaka has a total of 6 areas with various works of art that mix in with the flora and fauna of the garden, making a beautiful digital art while respecting and protecting the animals and plants living there.
Amazing, isn’t it? The teamLab museums are definitely one of the hottest attractions today and a must in your list of things to do in Japan!! Osaka is along with Kyoto, the second most touristic city in Japan so I recommend to buy the tickets in advance.
-teamLab Botanical Garden Tickets
Tickets: 1,600 yen (Adult)/ 500 yen (Elementary & Junior High School Students)
You can buy a ticket of teamLab Garden OSAKA online in this link below!
<<Book your teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka tickets now!>>
-teamLab Botanical Garden Information
Access | 10-12 mins walk from Nagai Station (Osaka Metro Midosuji Line/JR Hanwa Line) |
---|---|
Address | 1-23 Nagaikoen, Higashisumiyoshi-ku, Osaka |
Business Hours | 18:00 - 21:00 (from Nov. 11 ~ Dec. 31 2024) |
Closed | Dec.2, 16 2024 |
Price | 1,800 yen (Adult)/ 500 yen (Elementary & Junior High School Students) |
Official Website | https://www.teamlab.art/e/botanicalgarden/ |
Nearest station | Nagai Station |
Tourist Reviews of teamLab Botanical Garden
You might be wondering if visiting teamLab Osaka is worth it or which teamLab is better—Tokyo or Osaka. To help you decide, here are some reviews from travelers who have already experienced teamLab Osaka.
The TeamLab Botanical Garden in Osaka receives a mix of reviews across major platforms, reflecting diverse visitor experiences. On Google, the attraction holds a solid rating of 4.1 out of 5 from over 1.7K reviewers, indicating a generally positive reception. However, on Tripadvisor, opinions seem more varied, with one listing showing a 3.5 out of 5, and another boasting a higher 4.5 out of 5 from over 4K reviews. These ratings highlight that experiences can vary, depending on visitor expectations and conditions at the time.
One visitor noted the spacious layout, appreciating that
“the exhibits are quite spread out, so you don’t feel crowded. A great experience to see art and nature come together. As you walk around, there’s music to go with the displays. About 1.5 hours to experience it at a leisurely pace.”
– from Klook
This review points to the harmony between art and nature that makes the TeamLab Botanical Garden unique.
Another reviewer recommended paying attention to weather conditions, especially since the installations are outdoors:
“Recommend. Highly recommend that you check the weather before booking since this is outdoors.”
– from Get Your Guide
This practical tip is essential for visitors looking to make the most of the experience.
On the other hand, some visitors expressed a desire for more variety in the installations, with one Tripadvisor reviewer sharing that it was
“something very different to do while visiting Osaka. Very cool to have this in a botanical garden and to experience it outdoors and at night. Mostly foreign visitors with some unruly kids but that is no fault of the staff. The installations were interesting but a bit repetitive. It would have been nice to have more variety of interactive art and maybe without kids destroying the vibe.”
– from Tripadvisor
This feedback captures both the novelty and areas where some visitors feel the experience could be enhanced.
Overall, reviews of the TeamLab Botanical Garden highlight its peaceful and immersive setting, though visitors might benefit from checking weather conditions and being prepared for a slightly varied experience depending on crowd dynamics and expectations for interactive art.
Nagai Park
Nagai Park, where teamLab Osaka is located, is a large public park located in Osaka. Spanning over 65 hectares, it features beautiful gardens, walking paths, and various sports facilities. The park is known for its serene environment, making it a popular spot for picnics, jogging, and relaxation.
One of the highlights of Nagai Park is the Osaka Flower Park, which showcases a variety of seasonal flowers and plants. Additionally, the park is home to the Nagai Botanical Garden, where visitors can explore diverse plant species.
Nagai Park is an ideal destination for families, nature lovers, and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Popular Tourist Attractions in Osaka
Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Osaka. This theme park features various areas, such as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Nintendo World, offering exciting rides and immersive experiences based on iconic movies and video games. Visitors can enjoy live shows, meet beloved characters, and thrill-seeking roller coasters, all within a vibrant and entertaining atmosphere. With something for everyone, it’s a must-visit destination for entertainment lovers.
Read more: 10 Best Rides at Universal Studio Japan
Osaka Castle
Built in the late 16th century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi the Osaka Castle is a historic landmark in Osaka. It symbolizes Hideyoshi’s power, and it served as a military headquarters during the unification of Japan. The castle features stunning architecture, including a distinctive multi-tiered structure adorned with gold leaf.
The castle has been rebuilt multiple times due to destruction from battles and World War II. The present structure, completed in 1931, features a museum with artifacts from its history and the samurai era. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and a park, Osaka Castle remains a popular tourist attraction
Read more: Osaka Castle: the Symbol of Warring States Period
Umeda Sky Building
Umeda Sky Building is an iconic structure in Osaka, completed in 1993. It consists of two towers connected by a unique floating observatory, known as the Floating Garden Observatory, which offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Osaka. Situated at 173 meters high, it features both indoor and outdoor viewing areas, allowing visitors to experience the city from different perspectives. The building also includes a glass-enclosed Sky Walk and a rooftop garden, adding to its appeal.
▶︎Umeda Sky Building & Kuchu Teien Observatory Ticket
Other Popular teamLab Museums in Japan
teamLab Planets
teamLab Planets is an immersive art installation in Tokyo that invites visitors to explore a world of stunning digital art. One of the highlights is the Garden of Flowers, where visitors can walk through a vibrant landscape of blooming flowers that react to movement. As you step into this enchanting space, the flowers change and adapt, creating a dynamic and interactive experience. The artwork creates a sense of connection with nature, allowing guests to feel as though they are part of the living landscape. This captivating exhibit embodies teamLab’s philosophy of blending art, technology, and the natural world, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
Check out the following article for more information.
▶ TeamLab Planets Tokyo in Toyosu
teamLab Borderless: MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM
teamLab Borderless is a groundbreaking digital art museum located in Tokyo’s Odaiba district. Recently opened in a new facility, it offers a boundaryless experience where artworks flow seamlessly from one space to another, captivating and inspiring visitors with its ever-changing displays. One of its standout exhibits is the Forest of Light, where vibrant light installations create an enchanting environment that seems to come alive as visitors explore. The artworks shift in response to movement, allowing guests to wander through immersive landscapes where colors and shapes are constantly evolving.
Check out the following article for more information.
▶ MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM: teamLab Borderless
teamLab: Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces Hot Spring
Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces Hot Spring is the latest permanent installation by teamLab, celebrating the beauty and intricacies of rice terraces through immersive digital art. This unique experience blends nature and technology, allowing visitors to engage with the artwork in an interactive way. As guests explore the space, they encounter stunning visuals that depict the cycles of agriculture, reflecting the changing seasons and the delicate balance of nature.
The installation creates a serene atmosphere, encouraging reflection and appreciation for the traditional farming landscapes. By incorporating elements of light and sound, Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces Hot Spring invites visitors to connect with the natural world and discover the hidden beauty within rice terraces.
Check out the following article for more information.
▶ teamLab: Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces
▽Check the list of best teamLab Spots around Japan!▽
Hope you liked it! Osaka is one of the most funnies cities in Japan, with a wide variety of activities, delicious food and a lively nightlife. If you want to know the best things to do in the area, or other teamLab activities available now in Japan, check out these articles too 🙂
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Written by
From Barcelona to Tokyo. Coffee & Adventure lover🌏☕️
I started to like Japan because of the anime, music and doramas, but after my first trip to the country I found what I love the most: traveling around, the culture and history. I have travelled a lot in Japan, but I still have many places to discover that I want to share with you🙋🏼♀️ Let’s discover Japan together!
Also, as a foreigner living in Japan for over 6 years I understand what kind of things are difficult when you move here and I want to help other people in the same situation that I have in the past.