MORE GINZA FAQs
Accessibility
Outside (for all attractions): Ginza attractions including concession booths, dining area, stage program, the Waza, shopping and other exhibits, takes place outside on the Temple grounds. The grounds are flat with no steps or curbs so wheelchairs can navigate freely.
Inside (for access to the Chapel): The temple building is handicap accessible if you wish to visit the MBT Chapel. Enter the temple building through the West door at the Menonomee St. entrance. Follow the signs to the stairs up to the Chapel or for guests needing an accessible option, the elevator is located down the first hallway on the right.
Ginza Festival Map
To help you find your way around Ginza we’ve create this map. To enlarge the map click the map image or this link Festival Map.
Purchasing Food & Beverages
NEW in 2024: We have eliminated Food Tickets and the Food Ticket Booth. Guests will now purchase food and beverages at each individual concession booth (see our menu). Also, this year there is no Online Pre-Ordering of Ginza food items, guests will make their purchases at each concession booth on the day they visit Ginza.
Alcoholic Beverages
Beer, Sake and Japanese Plum Wine are available to those of legal drinking age. Ginza is a family friendly event so we ask guests to consume responsibly.
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- Guests can only purchase alcoholic beverages at the Beer Booth by presenting proof of legal age with a valid ID.
- Quantity restrictions will apply and Ginza Holiday reserves the right to refuse alcohol to individuals who may have over-consumed.
- No outside alcoholic beverages are allowed.
Credit cards
Credit Card purchases are accepted at the entry Gates, Concession (Food) booths, the Shop MBT booth, the Beer booth and for purchases from the Waza. Other Craft vendors are independent merchants so it is advisable to check with them directly.
Tour MBT Chapel
During Ginza the MBT Hondo (chapel) will be open for viewing with MBT members present to answer questions (more info). Additionally, on Saturday and Sunday during stage intermissions, our minister will give brief talks about our Temple and Shin Buddhism. Enter the MBT building through the west door on Menomonee street. There will be signs to the stairs (or elevator) leading up to the chapel.
Restrooms
There are portable toilets, including two handicap accessible facilities and three standard facilities, located outside near the South gate.
First Aid and Safety Personnel
There is a nurse and safety personnel on duty. If assistance is needed, ask any of the Ginza staff at either entrance Gate or the Stage.
Directions to Ginza – 435 W Menomonee Street, Chicago, 60614
Public Transportation: MBT is close to several CTA Bus lines and the Elevated Brown line. During the busy summer we suggest checking public transportation options from the CTA or RTA. https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/ https://www.rtachicago.org/riders/how-to-ride.
Driving: Use the Google Map for directions from your location. With construction on the Kennedy expressway, you may want to seek alternate routes.
Parking: Parking around Ginza is very difficult and we recommend you consider alternatives such as ride-sharing. If you decide to drive note that MBT is located in a residential neighborhood that has Resident Parking restrictions in effect at 6 pm every evening. That means after 6 pm, a resident sticker must be displayed or a ticket (and possibly towing) may occur. If you plan to park your car beyond 6 pm we suggest seeking metered parking or a commercial parking lot (apps like ParkChicago or SpotHero may be useful).
