Japanese Cultural Festival Comes to Historic Old Town
Weekend of Friday August 8th to Sunday August 10th 2008
Public transportation directions

Enjoy a taste of Japan without leaving Chicago. The Midwest Buddhist Temple (MBT) presents its 53^rd Annual GINZA HOLIDAY FESTIVAL, a Japanese cultural event, held on the temple grounds at 435 W. Menomonee St. in Chicago's historic Old Town.

This is a weekend of Japanese entertainment, food, exhibits and demonstrations, including brush painting, calligraphy, flower arranging, classical and folk dances, martial arts, Japanese food, merchandise for sale and more.

All this for a donation of $4 for adults, $3 for senior citizens (65 years and older) and students, collected at the gate. Children under 12 admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

Special Internet Discount coupon for admission with stage program

Menu - This year beer. Due to popular request we will be selling Kirin beer and Bud Lite to all attendees of legal drinking age. Please bring legal proof of age.

Stage Program

Directions to Ginza Festival

Watch Waza (master craftsmen) from Japan use generations-old skills in creating crafts of the Edo Period. The MBT is privileged to have these master craftsmen during one of their limited exhibitions out of Japan. One will have an opportunity to watch their amazing skills and purchase their handmade items.

The astounding sounds of the taiko (Japanese drums) will enthrall visitors as they watch the performances of the popular taiko groups.

Traditional odori (Japanese classical and folk dances) will be performed by talented, disciplined dancers dressed in authentic attire, a sight to behold.

Self-defense tactics will be demonstrated by Aikido, Judo and Karate schools, while Kendo (Japanese fencing) will entertain the crowd with its presentation.

There will be no doubt as to the location of the festival as one takes a whiff of the tantalizing aroma wafting through the neighborhood of the MBT's famous chicken teriyaki being grilled over hot coals. Year after year, visitors look forward to dining on this mouth-watering chicken dish - a huge, half a chicken, chopped into serving pieces, accompanied by a scoop of rice and scrumptious cole slaw.

Also, for the hungry festival-goer, makisushi (seasoned rice with vegetables wrapped in seaweed), udon (Japanese cold noodles), kintoki (Japanese snow cone topped with sweet beans), iced tea, lemonade and soft drinks will be sold.

Stroll through the various booths selling Japanese books, pictures, T-shirts, jewelry, toys, kimonos and much, much more.

The temple will be open for guests interested in seeing the Hondo (main prayer hall) with its authentic Buddhist artifacts.

Alternate off-street parking can be found at the LaSalle School parking lot.

See you at Ginza!

For information, call Donna Ogura, 312-943-7801.

The Midwest Buddhist Temple would like to express their sincerest gratitude to all the prize sponsors for the 2008 Ginza Festival Raffle.

Anime artwork contributed by Robert Martinez