Translation guide
In Japanese, seasonal festivals are deeply tied to specific annual events and traditions. The most common general term is 行事 (gyōji), but many festivals have dedicated names. This guide covers how to refer to seasonal festivals in general and introduces key specific festivals.
Referring to any seasonal festival, event, or traditional observance in a broad sense.
The most common and versatile word for any scheduled event, function, or seasonal festival. It covers school events, community festivals, and traditional observances.
日本には四季折々の行事があります。
Japan has seasonal festivals throughout the year.
来月、町の行事に参加します。
Next month, I'll participate in a town festival.
Specifically refers to a festival, often with religious or community roots, featuring stalls, performances, and lively atmosphere. More concrete and event-focused than 行事.
夏祭りで花火を見ました。
We watched fireworks at the summer festival.
Literally 'annual events,' this term emphasizes the recurring, yearly nature of seasonal festivals. Often used in cultural or historical contexts.
お正月は日本の代表的な年中行事です。
New Year's is a representative annual event in Japan.
Referring to well-known Japanese seasonal festivals by their proper names.
Setsubun, the bean-throwing festival marking the beginning of spring (February 3rd).
節分には豆をまきます。
On Setsubun, we throw beans.
Hinamatsuri, the Doll Festival or Girls' Day (March 3rd).
Tanabata, the Star Festival (July 7th), celebrating the meeting of deities Orihime and Hikoboshi.
Obon, the Buddhist festival to honor ancestral spirits (mid-August in most regions).
Jūgoya, the moon-viewing festival (mid-autumn).
Emphasizing that a festival is tied to a particular season.
A natural phrase meaning 'seasonal event/festival.' Use this to highlight the seasonal aspect.
子どもたちに季節の行事を体験させたいです。
I want my children to experience seasonal festivals.
Literally 'festivals of the four seasons,' a more poetic or descriptive phrase.
この地域では四季の祭りが盛んです。
In this region, seasonal festivals are thriving.
行事 (gyōji) is a broader term covering any scheduled event, including school ceremonies, company events, and traditional festivals. 祭り (matsuri) specifically refers to lively festivals, often with religious origins, food stalls, and entertainment. Use 行事 for a general 'seasonal festival' in a cultural or educational context, and 祭り when emphasizing the festive, celebratory aspect.
学校の行事で遠足に行きました。
We went on a field trip as a school event.
地元の祭りで屋台が出ています。
At the local festival, there are food stalls.
ひな祭りにはひな人形を飾ります。
For Hinamatsuri, we display hina dolls.
七夕に短冊に願い事を書きます。
On Tanabata, we write wishes on strips of paper.
During Obon, families gather.
十五夜には月見団子を食べます。
On Jūgoya, we eat moon-viewing dumplings.