Like any major tourist attraction, Tokyo Skytree eventually becomes background noise — or somewhere to be avoided by locals. But there can be exceptions. Especially now for Madoka Magica fans.
Launched almost 15 years to the day of Puella Magi Madoka’s debut on Japanese screens, the Skytree is hosting a collaborative event in anticipation of the upcoming film, Puella Magi Madoka☆Magica -Walpurgisnacht Rising- (despite its release date, as of recently, being more unknown than ever). Officially titled “Tokyo Skytree × Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Moonlit Waltz”, the event will run through April 6th.
Tembo Deck
Skytree has two observation decks: Tembo Deck with 3 floors (340, 345, and 350m), and Tembo Galleria, which is the tower’s highest point at 450m. Two different ticket tiers are offered for each.
The latter is the main event venue, accessed through a themed elevator on the 350th floor. The Deck hosts the gift shop and cafe (note: once you leave Tembo Galleria, you can’t go back up! So make sure to only exit once you feel you’ve seen everything).
SKYTREE CAFE 340
With an abundance of options of the event’s limited edition items, I went with Madoka’s drink — strawberry-flavored Calpis (a popular Japanese yogurt-based soft drink) with peach jelly, topped with strawberry sauce, a strawberry slice and a Soul Gem wafer.
While it piqued my interest the most, like most of my experiences at theme cafés, the drink was a little too much on the sweet side for my tastes. But the fantastic view alone (and the karaage I ordered to feel like I was getting some kind of real sustenance) made partaking worth it.
The Gift Shop
The event’s official merch is on display outside the main gift shop area on Floor 345. Most feature original designs for the collab, with Skytree or its silhouette in some form.
With more available than I had been expected, I settled on a sticker pack for myself and a friend, an organizational file and, of course, could not resist the call of one of the many blind box items.
Hot tip: While the café staff don’t let you choose your complimentary coaster, there’s nothing stopping you from leaning over to the girl next to you with a plethora of Sayaka items and asking if she wants to swap (she did!).
SKYTREE ROUND THEATER
If you can, definitely time your visit for mid-to-late afternoon. That way, you can take your time moving through all the event spaces and catch the special panoramic screening. This takes place on Floor 350, at several intervals starting from around 6 p.m. (hours will be changing month-to-month, so check on the day). Projected against the windows of the Deck, the screening summarizes the original series and movies, before showcasing the trailer for Walpurgisnacht.
Tembo Galleria
The gallery walls of Tembo Galleria have been utilized, especially more recently, for several promotional events for anime mainstays like My Hero Academia and Demon Slayer, to major movies such as Toy Story.
However, given its structure, commemorating Madoka feels especially resonant.
Using the spiral ascension to trace through the story so far, up to and including Rebellion, made for a cleverly immersive experience. The journey is soundtracked by the franchise’s songs and score, following along from the elevator ride up, which featured the iconic Sis Puella Magica! theme.
While timeloops are one of my favorite devices of all-time (yes, even the Endless Eight arc — a story for another day), I am admittedly not as well-versed in Madoka’s intricate and winding lore. So, the exhibition also worked as a handy refresher as well as a trip down (or up!) memory lane. As well as each of the Holy Quintet, the exhibit also highlights some of the series’ most memorable witches.
Madoka Magica Photo Opportunities
There are three official photo spots.
The first is located in front of the elevator, at the start of the spiral gallery. I took part in a classic “can I take your picture so you take mine?” exchange with another solo visitor.
Right beside it is the Galleria’s permanent photo spot. As part of the event, you have the option of superimposing a Madoka character to the Tokyo backdrop. I debated who to pair up with (Mami, my best girl Who Haunts the Narrative™? Or Homura, my fellow tormented lesbian?). The staff member working the spot excitedly pointed out that I was wearing pink, and suddenly the answer was obvious.
While traveling up the Galleria, I made sure to stop and take a selfie with my favorite magical girl, Mami. Another personal highlight was the dedicated photo spot for Madoka/Homura, a formative early yuri ship.
Tower of Wishes
At the very top is the ‘Tower of Wishes’ area where, hilariously, visitors are offered the chance to make your own wish. I won’t reveal mine, but here’s hoping I don’t end up having to make some grand sacrifice down the line!
What I Missed Out On
There are a few things I missed: for one, Skytree’s official mascot, Sorakara-chan, in her Madoka cosplay. Despite hovering around the general area on Floor 350 as much as possible, we must have just missed each other. Her appearances are timed but evidently brief. So more planning may be needed to meet and snap a photo with her!
Secondly, a limited-edition calendar is included with each special ticket. But it must be purchased through Seven Eleven and printed in a convenience store, not at Skytree itself.
Closing Thoughts: Madoka Magica x Tokyo Skytree
Nowadays, Madoka’s infamous plot twists are likely what most people first learn about the series. Unlike its contemporary audience, who discovered in real-time that this wasn’t your average magical girl anime. Still, if the age range at the event is any indication, that hasn’t stopped younger generations from flocking to the series, which was really thrilling to see.
The whole experience overall felt balanced in catering to all kinds of fans. From those who may have drifted from the series after their first watch, to staunch diehards looking to partake in anything and everything related to the series. Whatever your Madoka mileage, it’s worth braving Skytree for.
The hellish journey back down to Earth, with only a handful of elevators for (what feels like) several hundred people, is not the ideal way to end an otherwise perfectly nostalgic, elaborate afternoon. But once all the way out, Skytree is there to see you off in all its 634-meter glory. And with special lighting designs inspired by each magical girl, if you visit on the right days.
Lastly, for all my grumbling, I’ve found some of my favorite merch at the main character shop floor at Solamachi (Skytree’s mall). In conjunction with the event, there is a new designated Madoka Magica shelf, offering more classic merch.