Written by Dana
If you’re seeking an escape from crowded city scenes, combined with the unique experience that only teamLab can provide, this is the place for you. Located along the coast in Ibaraki Prefecture, around 3 hours north of Tokyo by public transportation, the new, permanent exhibition is called teamLab: Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces — and it turns into an interactive art space of trees and fields reminiscent of rice paddies, when the sun goes down.
What to expect
Unlike the other teamLab experiences, teamLab: Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces comes alive only at night. Open from sunset, the hours vary by season — check the official site for the most up-to-date times.
You’ll walk through deep forest scenes that have been turned into artworks — without disturbing the natural setting — via light and interactive digital media. This is part of teamLab’s project, called Digitized Nature, which seeks to explore how nature can become art.
Within the exhibition are different areas, each with its own vibe and light show, including revitalized marshland that was once an expanse of rice terraces, which are tiered, step-like areas that hold rice paddies and give the experience its name.
Things to note
The location is outside, so you’ll want to dress for the weather and the environment. With the exhibition being part of a forest and former rice terraces, there may be spots with water, uneven terrain and bugs. It’s advisable to wear long, protective clothes, use insect repellent, and wear comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
Where to stay
As it’s a nighttime event, there is a glamping space located alongside teamLab’s art exhibition (organized by Sohki Co., Ltd.) called Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces Hot Spring — Izura. Booking a stay here includes tickets to the exhibition. These are given to you at check-in, so make sure you stop by the front desk first.
Entry
Exhibition only
- Adults, high-school students and above: ¥2,200
- Children, elementary and junior-high school students: ¥800
- Preschool children: Free
- Visitors with disabilities, available for holders of a disability certificate and up to one accompanying person: ¥1,100
You can reserve tickets in advance through the teamLab site. Tickets may be available on-site for an extra ¥200.
Overnight stay
Rooms start at ¥18,700 and vary based on number of occupants, added meal options and general availability. There are pretty standard hotel pricing variations.
Access
You can easily get to teamLab: Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces by train, highway bus or car.
Train
From Tokyo: Isohara Station on the JR Jōban Line Limited Express, then 15 minutes by taxi.
From Sendai: Nakoso Station on the JR Jōban Line Limited Express, then 11 minutes by taxi.
Bus
From Tokyo: Take the Shin Jōban Kotsu Iwaki-go bus and get off at the Kita Ibaraki IC bus stop, then 15 minutes by taxi.
From Sendai: Take the Ibaraki Kotsu Sendai-Yamagata Line and get off at the Kita Ibaraki IC bus stop, then 15 minutes by taxi.
Car
15 minutes from Kita Ibaraki IC on the Jōban Expressway. Parking is available for ¥500.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change.
Children: ¥800
