2023 - Annual Ginza Holiday Festival (Japanese Cultural Festival: Japanese Food, Martial Arts, Unique Crafts..)NEW

The Annual Ginza Holiday Festival, a large Japanese cultural festival, will be presented by the Midwest Buddhist Temple in August for 3 days.

Features of Ginza Holiday 2023
* Famous Charcoal-grilled Chicken Teriyaki, Udon noodles, fresh Corn on the Cob and other menu items
* Pre-Ordering of food items will be available
* Waza Artisans from Japan displaying crafts handed down through generations
* Performances on our main stage by Minyo dancers, Taiko drumming, and other groups
* Many Asian themed Craft Vendors
* Tours of MBT’s Chapel and brief talks about Shin Buddhism

Dining: Enjoy our delicious menu options
(Full menu with prices and Pre-Ordering information to come)
* Charcoal grilled Chicken Teriyaki
* Grilled vegetarian plate
* Cold Udon Noodles
* Fresh Corn on the Cob
* Hawaiian Shave Ice
* Soft drinks, beer on tap and more!

COMING SOON! Guests can PRE-ORDER Food and Refreshments
* Pre-Ordering will be available in late July
* Unfortunately, sushi will not be available this year

Entertainment: Taiko, Minyo, Kendo, Hula & more
(full line-up and schedule to come)

The WAZA: Authentic Japanese Craftworks
(Slideshow depicts some Waza crafts exhibited at Ginza over the years - this year’s Waza participants are introduced below)
Modern artisans mastering ancient crafts
The Midwest Buddhist Temple is honored by its long relationship with The Waza from Japan. 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. Using ancient techniques today’s Waza master craftsmen create unique, handmade items that embody simple beauty through meticulous craftsmanship. Each item is carefully made through processes developed and refined over a span of centuries. And yet, every item has a timeless quality that is comforting in today’s world. Ginza visitors will have the unique opportunity to purchase affordable works that are made with the same care and precision as those that are typically available only through private shops or the most exclusive department stores in Japan.

This year, we welcome back Waza ceramist Eiji Kinoshita from Kyushu Oita Prefecture, Masahiro Kawakami, a third-generation maker of tenugui (hand-painted Japanese cotton) from Asakusa Tokyo Prefecture, and Meisho Yamasaki, an award-winning Ichimatsu Ningyo (child-like dolls) artist. Making her first appearance at Ginza is calligrapher Shihoko Watanabe from Kyushu Oita Prefecture.

Festival Date
August 11 - 13, 2023 (3 Days) 

Festival Time
Friday:     5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Saturday: 11:30 am - 8:30 pm 
Sunday:   11:30 am - 4:30 pm 

Admission
$5 donation is requested of each guest (no donation requested of children under 12 when accompanied by an adult)

Individuals under 16 must be accompanied by an adult

Crafts, Vendors..

More Details 



Midwest Temple Culture Festival

Obon Festivals & Practices  

Obon Festivals  Obon Practices Map 

See Japanese Event Festivals  

All Japanese Festivals Events Map

Celebrate the Japanese Culture food, performances and dancing.
(Please always confirm date & times, the schedule could change)


Festival Location
Midwest Buddhist Temple, 435 West Menomonee Street, Chicago, IL 60614 

Festival Title
Annual Ginza Holiday Festival (Japanese Cultural Festival - Japanese Food, Martial Arts, Unique Crafts..)