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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 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
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
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
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
