Shikoku Region

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General Information

Shikoku, which literally means “four countries”, got its name from the four provinces that made up the island in the past: Awa, Iyo, Sanuki, and Tosa. It has a population of approximately 4.1 million and consists of four prefectures: Ehime, Kagawa, Kochi, and Tokushima. Shikoku is divided into northern and southern sub-regions by mountains, with most of the population residing in the north. Shikoku is famous for its Shikoku Pilgrimage, the 88 temple pilgrimage of Shikoku by Buddhist monks. The Shikoku region is also famous for its variety of noodle dishes including the Sanuki udon.

Tokushima Prefecture

Tokushima Prefecture

Tokushima is best known for its Awa Odori, the most famous dance festival in Japan during Obon season. Every summer, over 1 million tourists from all over Japan gather to watch the famous dance.

Where To Go In Tokushima

  • Dodoro Falls
  • Iya Valley
  • Kazura-bashi
  • Mt. Bizan
  • Mt. Tsurugi
  • Naruto Whirlpools
  • Tokushima
  • Udatsu Old Street

Naruto Whirlpools

Naruto Whirlpools

Unique sight created by water movement between high and low tides

Iya Valley

Iya Valley

The Iya Valley region is one of the large

Tokushima

Tokushima

Capital of Tokushima Prefecture; origin of Awa Odori

Kagawa Prefecture

Kagawa Prefecture

Kagawa Prefecture is located in the Shikoku region and is the smallest prefecture in Japan. In its capital Takamatsu City is Ritsurin Koen, a beautiful landscape garden.

Where To Go In Kagawa

  • Angel Road
  • Benesse Art Site Naoshima
  • Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum
  • Konpira Grand Theatre - Kanamaru-za
  • Kotohira
  • Marugame Castle
  • Olive Park
  • Ritsurin Garden
  • Shodoshima
  • Takamatsu
  • Yashimaji Temple

Takamatsu

Takamatsu

Capital of Kagawa Prefecture; home to Ritsurin-koen, Japan's largest garden

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Ritsurin Garden

Ritsurin Garden

One of the best gardens in Japan

Kotohira Konpira Shrine

Kotohira Konpira Shrine

Famous for Kompirasan, Shikoku's most popular shrine

Yashimaji Temple

Yashimaji Temple

84th of 88 temples of Shikoku PIlgrimage

Ehime Prefecture

Ehime Prefecture

Ehime Prefecture is located in the Shikoku region and its capital Matsuyama City is home to the famous Matsuyama Castle and Dogo Onsen.

Where To Go In Ehime

  • Dogo Onsen
  • Ishiteji Temple
  • Matsuyama
  • Matsuyama Castle
  • Shikoku Karst
  • Shimanami Kaido - Nishiseto Expressway
  • The streets of Unomachi
  • Towel Museum
  • Uwajima

Matsuyama

Matsuyama

Center of Ehime; Home to Matsuyama Castle

Ishiteji Temple

Ishiteji Temple

51st of the 88 temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage

Dogo Onsen

Dogo Onsen

Japan's oldest and most famous hot spring

Uwajima

Uwajima

Small historic city, situated deep inside Uwajima Bay

Kochi Prefecture

Kochi Prefecture

Kochi Castle dominates the center of the city, and Harimaya-bashi Bridge is famous for its red lacquer railings, which are retained to this day.

Where To Go In Kochi

  • Ashizuri Cape
  • Chikurinji Temple
  • Katsurahama Beach
  • Kitagawa Village - Monet's Garden Marmottan
  • Kochi Castle
  • Ryu-ga-do
  • Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum
  • Shimanto River
  • Tatsukushi

Tatsukushi

Tatsukushi

Famous for its rock formations and fossils of footprints

Ashizuri Cape

Ashizuri Cape

Cape in Shikoku part of Ashizuri-Uwakai National Park featuring 80 m high cliffs

Katsurahama Beach

Katsurahama Beach

Scenic beach with Ryoma Sakamoto statue

Shimanto River

Shimanto River

Forty Thousand and Ten River

Shikoku Region | Movie

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