Ginza 2026 Press Kit

August 7, 8, & 9, 2026

Midwest Buddhist Temple
435 W. Menomonee Street
Chicago, Ill 60614

or call: 312 943 7801

About MBT’s Ginza Holiday for 2026

Our 71st Annual Ginza Holiday Festival, a Japanese cultural festival featuring handmade crafts, food, and entertainment, will be presented by the Midwest Buddhist Temple (MBT) on August 7, 8, 9 at 435 W. Menomonee Street in Chicago’s historic Old Town.

- FRIDAY AUGUST 7th hours: 5 pm – 8 pm
- SATURDAY AUGUST 8th hours: 11 am – 8 pm
- SUNDAY AUGUST 9th hours: 11 am – 4 pm

MBT is honored to announce that The WAZA will again participate in Ginza Holiday. The WAZA is a federation of Japanese artisans dedicated to the continuation of traditional crafts handed down generation by generation dating back to Japan’s Edo period 300 years ago. In 2026 you can see four Waza artisans showcasing the arts of ceramics, cloth-works, candle making and bamboo crafted items. Learn more about The WAZA artisans appearing at Ginza 2026 by visiting our website: ginzaholiday.com/#waza

As always, Ginza features an abundance of traditional Japanese cuisine including MBT’s famous grilled Chicken Teriyaki dinner, Corn on the Cob and Udon noodles. Japanese beer and a variety of soft drinks will also be available. For dessert, we have Hawaiian Shave Ice and we invite you to try Kintoki (snow cone topped with sweet azuki beans).

Throughout the festival there will be ongoing stage performances featuring Taiko Drumming, Minyo Folk Dancing, demonstrations of Martial Arts, and more.

Additionally, Ginza hosts many local artisans who exhibit and sell items such as artwork, jewelry, textiles from Japan, kimonos, and t-shirts.

The MBT chapel will be open for visitors who are interested in observing the place of worship and learning the basics of Shin Buddhism. During stage intermissions, our minister will deliver brief talks on Buddhism.

A Benefit Donation will be requested at entry Ginza Holiday.

Sample Ginza Photographs

Note: these images can only be used in promotion of MBT’s Ginza Holiday Festival.