teamLab "Onden Ato" © teamLab
teamLab, Water Mirror Path through the Hidden Rice Terraces, 2024, Interactive Digital Installation © teamLab, courtesy Pace Gallery
Hidden deep within the forests of Kitaibaraki lies a new sanctuary for art lovers: "teamLab: Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces." Since its opening in 2024, this mystical world has been captivating visitors.
When people think of "teamLab," they often imagine a museum. However, this location is unique—it's connected to "Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces Hot Spring – Izura," allowing guests to enjoy art right from their accommodation. This time, FUN! JAPAN staff traveled a little farther from the city center to experience this one-of-a-kind blend of art, hot springs, and glamping. As there’s still little information available online, we’ll share a full report revealing every detail of this special place.
*By purchasing or reserving products introduced in this article, a portion of the sales may be returned to FUN! JAPAN.
What is "teamLab: Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces"? – The Fusion of a Hidden Terraced Rice Field and Art
What is teamLab?
"teamLab" is an art collective active worldwide, creating immersive works that combine light, sound, and visuals using cutting-edge digital technology. Their pieces are not just for viewing—you can step into them, touch them, and interact with them so that your own movements influence the art and cause it to change. This interactive nature is one of their trademarks. Well-known locations include "teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM" in Tokyo and "MORI Building Digital Art Museum: Epson teamLab Borderless," both of which enjoy massive popularity not only in Japan but across the globe.
Read other "teamLab# facility experience reports
👉 【Tokyo Toyosu】Visiting teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM: A Full Report on This Trending Tokyo Art Spot!
The History and Concept Hidden in "Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces"
"teamLab: Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces" was created as part of teamLab’s "Digitized Nature" project, where "nature becomes art without being harmed."
As the name suggests, it was built on the remains of a "hidden rice field"—a place where, long ago, people secretly cultivated rice to avoid paying taxes. Even the unique name itself carries a certain air of mystery.
Facility Overview
At "teamLab: Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces," you can explore the "Night Forest Museum," an outdoor exhibition of teamLab works. The site also includes "Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces Hot Spring – Izura," which features 2 cottages and 20 tents—22 accommodations in total—along with a spa building where you can enjoy hot springs, and a fire pit for gathering around the flames.
Before the facility was built, the natural hot spring here was simply flowing unused into the sea. That sparked the idea: why not make the most of this rich natural environment and its hot springs? From there, the concept of a facility combining three elements—hot springs, art, and glamping—was born.
teamLab Night Forest Museum – A Mystical Experience Where Nature Becomes Art
When the sun sets, the vast forest transforms into the "Night Forest Museum," an immersive art space by teamLab. Based on the concept of "nature becomes art without being harmed," 11 artworks are scattered throughout the grounds, surrounding the accommodations.
Visitors who are not staying overnight can still tour the museum, but overnight guests receive an admission ticket upon check-in.
Top 3 Recommended Works!
Here are the pieces that left the strongest impression on us, ranked entirely based on the personal and subjective opinions of the FUN! JAPAN staff who visited on-site!
On the day we visited, it was raining and misty, which made some works harder to see, yet their charm still came through clearly. The music flowing from each piece combined not only with the visuals but also with the sounds of nature and the fresh scents in the air, creating an even richer and more immersive experience.
1st Place: Water Mirror Path through the Hidden Rice Terraces
In "Water Mirror Path through the Hidden Rice Terraces," lights float above the terraced fields, creating a photogenic scene as you walk through. The experience of moving through the open, dreamlike terraces while feeling the coolness and texture of the water is truly extraordinary. The gentle sounds of frogs and flowing water are soothing to the soul. With each step, the next foothold is illuminated by light, making it possible to capture beautiful videos.
2nd Place: Resonating Universe in the Tabunoki Tree
"Resonating Universe in the Tabunoki Tree" features countless glowing orbs floating around towering trees, making it seem as if the trees themselves are breathing. When you bring your hand close, the colors of the orbs change in response, one after another, creating a breathtaking sight. The sacred atmosphere allows you to experience a deep sense of unity between nature and art.
3rd Place: Cut Out Continuous Life
In "Cut Out Continuous Life," scattered particles of light in the darkness slowly gather together, eventually creating the illusion that the forest itself has been cut out by light. If you walk into the forest as the lights converge, you’ll feel a mysterious sensation, as if you’re being drawn into the woods. This is a work that could only be realized in a forest setting, perfectly embodying the facility’s theme of "the fusion of nature and art."
Other Must-See Works!
Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces: Countless lights float over the terraced fields beyond the deep forest, creating a mystical scene. On the misty day of our visit, the atmosphere was even more ethereal.
- Flowers Bloom When the Waves Rise – Sea of Izura: Unfortunately, due to the mist, we couldn’t see its full glory this time, but on a clear day, you can enjoy a stunning view where the Sea of Izura meets art.
- Traces of Continuous Life: Beams of light fly through the forest, connecting with one another.
- Resonating Secret Valley and Forest: The lights of the forest shift in response to your movements and those of your surroundings.
- Concrete and Abstract: Lines of light gather and spread, until you suddenly realize you’ve become part of the work itself.
- Cognitive Solidified Spark: Take a close look at the floating spheres of light in the forest—what could they be?
- Continuous Trajectories: "Spatial Calligraphy," a theme continued by teamLab since its founding, creates the sight of brush strokes being drawn in the air.
- Bamboo Forest of the Secret Valley: Depending on your walking speed and pace, a variety of musical experiences unfold.
💡FUN! JAPAN Tip: Since "Water Mirror Path through the Hidden Rice Terraces" involves walking through water, we recommend sandals or footwear you don’t mind getting wet. Although the water depth is said to be around 3 cm, during our visit—possibly due to the rain—it felt a little deeper.
Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces Hot Spring - Izura – An Open-Air Bath that Becomes One with Art
Relax in the Indoor Bath with Free-Flowing Hot Spring Water
"teamLab: Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces" is home to the hot spring accommodation facility "Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces Hot Spring - Izura." The hot spring here is directly connected to the former terraced rice field site itself.
Because it’s located near the sea, the spring water has a slight salty taste. It flows freely from the source, with a natural temperature of 60.9°C, so it’s adjusted by adding water to make it comfortable for bathing.
The indoor bath area features shower booths and a large public bath. The shower booths are stocked with cleansing products, body soap, shampoo, and conditioner.
Outdoor Bath in Swimwear – An Infinity Onsen that Merges with Art
One highlight of "Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces Hot Spring - Izura" is the mixed-gender outdoor bath that becomes one with the art installations. Designed to feel like an infinity bath, this open-air onsen offers a one-of-a-kind bathing experience where teamLab’s works, nature, and yourself merge together.
You can change into swimwear in the indoor changing rooms before heading to the bath, and surprisingly, smartphones are allowed! Smartphone covers are available for rent, so you can take as many memorable photos and videos as you like in this dreamlike space where art and hot springs blend together.
When we actually bathed here, it felt as if we had become part of the artwork itself. The illuminated trees in front of us added to the magical atmosphere, making it a deeply relaxing experience.
In the women’s changing area, you’ll also find a SALONIA hair dryer, facial cleansers for hands and face, toner, and moisturizer, so you can come empty-handed without worry.
Stay in Cottages or Go Glamping – A Luxurious Retreat Immersed in Nature
Cottages – Enjoy a Private Onsen and Artistic Space (Only 2 Units Available)
The accommodation at "Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces Hot Spring - Izura" includes two exclusive cottages.
The sleek, all-black rooms come with semi-open-air baths fed directly from the source, so you can enjoy the hot spring anytime during your stay.
If you choose a meal-inclusive plan, you can savor a BBQ on the balcony equipped with a grill and table.
On the second floor, there’s a dedicated teamLab art space, giving you the sensation of being inside a kaleidoscope. Waking up in bed to an art installation right in front of you is a truly extraordinary experience. The space transforms throughout the morning, afternoon, evening, and night, so you can capture plenty of photogenic shots.
Capacity: 6 guests
- Size: 80㎡
- Price: From ¥35,000 per person (room only)
Vanaheim Tent – Open-Air Glamping (Recommended for Couples)
These spacious, large cotton tents feel like an expansive living room. They use tents from the well-known Norwegian outdoor brand "Nordisk," ensuring exceptional comfort. With high ceilings and plenty of small windows, they also have excellent ventilation.
They offer a closer connection to nature compared to the cottages and are more affordable. However, toilets, washrooms, and baths are not included in the tent and require a short walk to shared facilities.
- Capacity: 4 guests
- Size: 40㎡
- Price: From ¥25,000 per person (room only)
Midgard Tent – Unique Design Perfect for Families (Recommended for Families)
This unique design combines a large cotton tent with a smaller tent, with hideout-like spaces at both ends that children are sure to love. Like the Vanaheim tents, toilets, washrooms, and baths are located in separate facilities.
- Capacity: 4 guests
- Size: 30㎡
- Price: From ¥25,000 per person
Bonfire Area
Near the glamping and cottage area, there’s a bonfire space where you can enjoy a fire after sunset. You can also purchase a bonfire set for a fee to enjoy a private fire at your own accommodation.
Cuisine – Savor BBQ with North Ibaraki’s Seafood and a Nutritious Breakfast
Both breakfast and dinner are prepared in advance and placed in your room’s refrigerator, so you can enjoy your meals at any time you like. Dinner should be finished by 9:00 PM and breakfast by 9:00 AM, after which you return the dishes to the box outside your room.
For dinner, you can also order special items like Hitachi beef, Japanese spiny lobster, and abalone for an extra charge (advance reservation required by 11:00 PM two days before your stay).
Dinner: Luxurious BBQ with Seafood and Steak
Every room comes equipped with a BBQ grill, so you can enjoy fresh seafood unique to North Ibaraki, grilled chicken, and juicy beef steaks.
The cooking instructions are clearly explained in a booklet in the room, making it beginner-friendly. Even for two people, the portions are generous, and the plentiful vegetables make it a nutritionally satisfying meal.
Breakfast: Heartwarming Samgyetang
Breakfast is a nourishing samgyetang (Korean ginseng chicken soup), perfect for starting the day in a healthy way.
Just like dinner, cooking instructions are provided in the room booklet. The soup was more richly flavored than expected, stimulating the appetite and providing plenty of morning energy.
Sightseeing Spots Around "teamLab: Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces" and "Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces Hot Spring - Izura"
Finally, here are three attractive sightseeing spots located near the facility.
Choshoji Temple
About a 5-minute drive from Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces. Founded in the late Heian period, this temple is also known for its connection to Tenshin Okakura, a prominent art administrator of the Meiji era.
It preserves items of significant historical value, allowing visitors to feel the weight of history, and its "goshuin" temple stamps—whose designs change with the seasons—are also popular. The friendly, talkative head priest warmly welcomes visitors, creating a pleasant and inviting atmosphere.
From February 15 to April 8 each year, during the "Choshoji Hina Akari" event, visitors can try on gorgeous traditional kimono and transform into an "Ohinasama" doll for free.
- Address: 1466 Otsu-cho, Kitaibaraki City, Ibaraki Prefecture
- Reception hours: 9:00–16:00
- Admission: Free for worship, Goshuin: ¥500
- 👉 Click here for the head priest’s Instagram
Ibaraki Tenshin Memorial Museum of Art, Izura
About a 2-minute drive from Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces. The museum displays personal belongings of Tenshin Okakura and works by Japanese painters such as Taikan Yokoyama, Kanzan Shimomura, Shunso Hishida, and Buzan Kimura, who followed him to settle in Izura. As a museum specializing in modern and contemporary Japanese paintings, it is especially recommended for those interested in Japanese art.
- Address: 2083 Tsubaki, Otsu-cho, Kitaibaraki City, Ibaraki Prefecture
- Opening hours: 9:30–17:00 (last entry 16:30)
- Closed: Mondays (or the following weekday if Monday is a public holiday or substitute holiday), year-end/New Year holidays (Dec. 29–Jan. 1)
- Admission: Varies by exhibition
- 👉 Click here for the official website
Rokkakudo (National University Corporation Ibaraki University Izura Institute of Art and Culture)
Rokkakudo (National University Corporation Ibaraki University Izura Institute of Art and Culture)
About a 2-minute drive from Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces. This building was personally designed by Tenshin Okakura as a place for contemplation, after using dynamite to blast the rocks on the site. From its location, you can enjoy sweeping views of the grand Izura coastline—perhaps the very scenery that inspired Tenshin’s creative work.
- Address: 727-2 Izura, Otsu-cho, Kitaibaraki City, Ibaraki Prefecture
- Opening hours: [April–September] 8:30–17:30, [October, February, March] 8:30–17:00, [November–January] 8:30–16:30 (last entry 30 minutes before closing)
- Closed: Mondays (in principle)
- Admission: ¥400 for high school students and older
- 👉 Click here for the official website
Experience Art and Relaxation in the Hidden Paradise of Ibaraki – Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces
"teamLab: Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces" and the attached "Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces Hot Spring - Izura" beautifully combine three elements—art, hot springs, and glamping—offering visitors a unique chance to break free from the everyday and become one with nature.
Part of the charm lies in its "hidden paradise" feel—there’s still little information online, and it’s far from the hustle and bustle of urban areas.
Leave behind the noise of the city, awaken your senses, and surrender yourself to nature and art. If you want to enjoy such a luxurious moment, this is the place to visit. It will surely leave you with unforgettable memories.
teamLab: Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces, Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces Hot Spring - Izura
Address: 2132 Otsu-cho, Kitaibaraki City, Ibaraki Prefecture
- Access: 15 min by taxi from Isohara Station, 11 min by taxi from Nakoso Station
- Opening hours: Vary by season
- Closed: 1st Tuesday of the month (in principle)
👉 Click here for the official website of "teamLab: Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces"
👉 Click here for the official website of "Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces Hot Spring - Izura"
👉 Reserve your stay at "Jalan"
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