Ginza 2025 Press Kit

August 8, 9, & 10, 2025

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

or call: 312 943 7801

About MBT’s Ginza Holiday for 2025

Our 70th 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 8, 9, and 10 at 435 W. Menomonee Street in Chicago’s historic Old Town.

- August 8 hours: 5 pm – 8 pm
- August 9 hours: 11 am – 7 pm
- August 10 hours: 11 am – 4 pm

Once again MBT is honored to present the Waza, master artisans from Japan, creating handmade crafts originating over 300 years ago and passed down through generations. Ginza visitors will have the opportunity to meet the Waza and even purchase some of their crafts. In addition, Ginza hosts many local artisans who exhibit and sell items such as artwork, jewelry, textiles from Japan, kimonos, and t-shirts.

An abundance of traditional Japanese cuisine will be offered, including MBT’s famous grilled Chicken Teriyaki dinner, udon (Japanese cold noodles), grilled Corn on the Cob and Hawaiian Shave ice. For dessert, try the kintoki (Japanese snow cone topped with sweet azuki beans). Japanese beer will also be available.

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

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.

Sample Ginza Photographs

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