Do you want to be in nature, but it’s way too cold outside? I’m guessing you probably want to see something beautifully artistic too. Why not combine beauty, art, and nature in a captivating indoor immersive environment this winter at Kyoto’s newest attraction, teamLab Bio-Vortex?
If you’ve read any of my past articles, you already know that I love traveling to Kyoto and going to just about any event there. Kyoto always feels special to me, and I’m never bored when I’m there. If you’re looking for more Kyoto inspiration, you can check out some of my past adventures here:
✨Oh My Maiko! Kyoto Maiko and Geisha Performance and QA Experience
✨7 Unique Kyoto Experiences/Eateries for YOU!
You can imagine how happy I was to introduce myself (and now you) to one of the newest and biggest attractions in Kyoto. This one instantly shot to the top of my must-see list.
You may or may not have heard of TeamLab, but if you love immersive art, digital installations, and interactive experiences, then this name is about to become very familiar to you.
TeamLab creates riveting, multi-sensory art experiences that exist both indoors and outdoors. They have permanent and pop-up locations all around the world, including Abu Dhabi, Macao, and multiple locations throughout Japan. I’m also proud to say there’s even a TeamLab in Georgia. Shoutout to the ATL where I’m from haha. ♥️
The best way I can describe TeamLab is this: it’s where art, nature, science, technology, and the five senses all mix together to create something magical that both kids and adults can enjoy.
Fun fact: The TeamLab Bio-Vortex in Kyoto is currently the largest TeamLab installation in the world. ✨✨✨
Tickets: Please, please heed my advice here: buy your tickets at least one month in advance. Tickets for TeamLab Bio-Vortex Kyoto sell out very quickly, and trying to buy same-day tickets is honestly a waste of time. This place is popular for a reason. 😉
Reserve early to secure your spot. I personally bought my ticket online here, and the process was super easy.
Access: This beautiful, massive building is located about a 10-minute walk from Kyoto Station, which makes it incredibly accessible. It’s so big that you honestly can’t miss it.
Once you enter, you’ll put your belongings into a locker, show your ticket, and then download the teamLab app. The app is actually super helpful, it tracks the areas you’ve visited, allows you to interact with certain artworks, and provides a map so you don’t miss anything.
And trust me, this place is huge. You could easily spend the entire day here and still not see everything unless you rush. I definitely recommend taking your time and really soaking it all in.
The underground level feels like a maze, so I highly recommend checking the app as soon as you enter. Some of the most beautiful displays are down here.
If you’re a fan of anything floral, this level is basically heaven. Flowers sway as if moved by the wind, colors shift around you, and the art feels alive. It honestly feels like the displays are reaching out toward you.
As you move up to the next floor, light becomes your best friend. This level really lets you experience nature in a different way.
The moss area was hands-down my favorite. The glowing flower displays lighting up the moss were unreal. And don’t even get me started on the smell, it was sooooo good. Every room had its own scent, but this one was my absolute favorite during my entire visit.
You’ll be able to interact with sculptures, play with light, and maybe even see the rain fall down onto the moss. 😉
The Athletics Forest is honestly any child’s dream. It’s a place where you can create, run around, jump, and burn off all that extra energy. Even though this area is designed with kids in mind, adults will absolutely have fun here too.
I had so much fun drawing and then sending my artwork up onto the big screen to watch it swim around. Please meet my beautiful jellyfish: ツンデレ (Tsundere).
Jumping on the mushrooms and playing a little Super Mario was also a highlight for me— I fully embraced my inner child haha.
Shoes: This place honestly runs like a theme park. You’ll be walking, jumping, and participating in interactive activities. Avoid open-toed shoes, platform heels, or anything that makes movement difficult—especially if you plan to visit the Athletics Forest.
Raincoats: In one of the main attractions, the bubble room, you’ll be offered a raincoat for purchase. If you don’t want your clothes to get wet, I highly recommend either buying one or bringing your own.
I personally dove right into the bubbles without a raincoat and didn’t worry about the consequences… but I don’t recommend it. You’ll feel a litle cold afterward until you dry off completely.
Eat: My biggest piece of advice: eat before you go and bring some snacks. I only had a nikuman beforehand and was starving during the experience. Even my friend, who ate more than I did, was hungry by the end.
You can expect to spend at least three hours inside, so snacks and hydration are key. We were absolutely starving by the time we left haha.
Overall, this was such a wonderful experience, and I feel like I barely even scratched the surface. I really hope you can go and experience teamLab Bio-Vortex Kyoto for yourself.
This was truly special for me. You all know I’m always chasing my magical movie moments, and this place delivered. Sitting with the art, breathing in the scents, and being able to create along the way was incredibly inspiring.
I hope you can enjoy the same sense of wonder and inspiration when you go.
Until my next article, please stay happy, safe, and excited for what life brings.
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