Shikoku

Shikoku しこく (四国) is the smallest of Japan's four main islands. About 4 million people live there, fewer than on any of the other main islands.

The island lies south of Honshu and east of Kyūshū across the Kanmon Strait. A bridge connects it to the Honshu. Farming is a very important business in Shikoku. Citrus fruits are an important product here. Shikoku is the home to the 88 Temple Pilgrimage of the Shingon sect of Buddhism.

Regions

Shikoku region covers the entire island.

The name Shikoku literally means "four countries" in Japanese. Shikoku was made of four old "countries" or provinces that are now prefectures. In other words, each prefecture has a modern name and an old provincial name. The old names are still used sometimes, especially for foods, music, or art.

Ehime, formerly Iyo Province – to the west
Kagawa, formerly Sanuki Province – to the north
Kōchi, formerly Tosa Province – to the south
Tokushima, formerly Awa Province – to the east

Cities

Kōchi – home of "Yosakoi" and many local sights
Matsuyama, Ehime – is best known for the old hot springs at Dogo Onsen
Takamatsu, Kagawa – the largest city in Shikoku
Tokushima – home of the Awa Odori festival in August
Uwajima – has a fertility shrine and wrestling bulls
Naruto – the east gate of Shikoku.

Points of interest

Cape Ashizuri – a scenic cape at the southernmost point of Shikoku
Iya Valley – a remote but beautiful mountain valley
Kotohira – the site of the Kompira-san shrine
Mount Ishizuchi – the tallest peak in Shikoku

Castles

There are twelve original castles that are left in Japan and Shikoku is home to four of them.

Marugame Castle, Marugame
Kōchi Castle, Kochi
Matsuyama Castle
Uwajima Castle, Uwajima.

Temples and Shrines

The 88 Temple Pilgrimage is a famous but difficult 1,647-kilometer circle around the entire island. Serious pilgrims may choose to complete the 88 Temple Circuit on foot. Other people uses buses.