Translation guide
In Japanese, the most common way to refer to an annual festival is 例祭 (reisai) for shrine festivals or 年祭 (nensai) for anniversaries. The general word 祭り (matsuri) is used for festivals, but it does not inherently mean 'annual'—context or modifiers like 毎年 (maitoshi, 'every year') are added to specify recurrence.
A yearly festival held at a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple, often featuring processions, food stalls, and rituals.
The standard term for a shrine's annual grand festival. It is a formal, traditional event.
This shrine's annual festival is held every October.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'annual customary festival'. Used in casual or explanatory contexts.
The annual festival is coming up.
A grand festival, often annual but can also refer to special occasional festivals. More formal and less common than 例祭.
Many worshippers visit during the grand festival.
A yearly event marking an anniversary, such as a founding day, death anniversary, or historical event.
Any yearly festival, such as a music festival, food festival, or community event.
The word 祭り (matsuri) simply means 'festival' and does not specify frequency. To convey 'annual', you must add a time expression like 毎年 (maitoshi, 'every year') or use a specific term like 例祭 (reisai).
例祭 is specifically for shrine/temple annual festivals, while 年祭 is for anniversaries (e.g., founding, death). Using the wrong one can cause confusion.
Our town's annual festival attracts many tourists.
We set off fireworks as an annual commemorative event.
We hold a music festival as an annual event.