The name Shikoku comes from four provinces – Sanuki (now Kagawa), Awa (now Tokushima), Iyo (now Ehime) and Tosa (now Kochi).
Category: Shikoku Area
Welcome to Shikoku!!!
Shikoku is the smallest of Japan’s four main islands, located to the south of the main island of Honshu. It is surrounded by the Seto Inland Sea to the north and east, the Pacific Ocean to the south, and the Kii Channel to the west.
Key cities in Shikoku include Matsuyama in Ehime Prefecture, known for its historic castle and the Dogo Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest hot springs; Takamatsu in Kagawa Prefecture, famous for its Ritsurin Garden and the nearby art island of Naoshima; Kochi in Kochi Prefecture, home to Kochi Castle and renowned for its Yosakoi Festival; and Tokushima in Tokushima Prefecture, famous for its Awa Odori Festival and the Naruto whirlpools in the Naruto Strait.
Shikoku is known for its natural beauty, including rugged coastlines, mountain ranges, and scenic countryside. The island is also famous for its pilgrimage route, the Shikoku Pilgrimage (Shikoku Henro), which includes 88 temples associated with the Buddhist monk Kukai (also known as Kobo Daishi).
Although smaller and less densely populated than other regions of Japan, Shikoku offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life, with opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and hot spring bathing.