Yebisu Garden Place’s annual outdoor cinema returns this summer to the roofed Center Plaza, offering 15 free screenings on astroturf with food trucks on site. Held on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until July 5, Picnic Cinema combines film, food and fitness into one ultimate urban picnic experience.
Open-air mobile theatre company Kino Iglu is organising and curating this year’s film selection, offering something for just about every kind of moviegoer. Expect everything from coming-of-age stories like 'Lady Bird' (2017) and nostalgic classics such as 'Melody' (1971), to acclaimed dramas including 'Past Lives' (2023) and 'Still Walking' (2008). There are also crowd-pleasing picks like 'The Truman Show' (1998) and 'Galaxy Quest' (1999), plus action-packed Hong Kong newcomer 'Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In' (2024). While shows start at 7.30pm, we recommend arriving early to secure a good spot to lay down your mat. Check the event website for the full list of films.
Popular restaurants from the Ebisu area – all winners of the local ‘Best Dish to Pair with Yebisu Beer’ gourmet contest – including Japanese comfort food favourite Taishu Kissa Tsubaki, will be setting up stalls at Clock Square for the ‘Foodies’ Picnic’ held alongside the outdoor cinema. Grab a bite and unwind with great food and drinks on the spacious artificial grass lawn at the central plaza. Food trucks serving smaller, easy-to-eat snacks will also be on-site.
For fitness-minded folk, morning and evening yoga sessions are also held on the aforementioned lawn. Slots are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Check the event website for details.