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.
この神社の例祭は毎年10月に行われます。
This shrine's annual festival is held every October.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'annual customary festival'. Used in casual or explanatory contexts.
毎年恒例の祭りが近づいてきた。
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.
大祭には多くの参拝者が訪れる。
Many worshippers visit during the grand festival.
A yearly event marking an anniversary, such as a founding day, death anniversary, or historical event.
Used for annual memorial services or anniversary events, often with a number (e.g., 五十周年記念年祭).
今年は創立百周年の年祭が行われます。
This year, the centennial anniversary festival will be held.
A general phrase for 'annual commemorative event'. Flexible and can be used for various types of anniversaries.
毎年の記念行事として花火を打ち上げる。
We set off fireworks as an annual commemorative event.
Any yearly festival, such as a music festival, food festival, or community event.
A straightforward way to say 'a festival held every year'. 祭り can be replaced with フェスティバル for modern events.
この町では毎年開催される祭りが有名だ。
This town is famous for its annual festival.
Literally 'once-a-year event'. Common for modern, non-traditional festivals.
年一回のイベントとして音楽祭を開いている。
We hold a music festival as an annual 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.
私たちの町の毎年恒例の祭りは多くの観光客を引きつけます。
Our town's annual festival attracts many tourists.