Shikoku Region of Japan Travel Guide Information

Shikoku is the smallest of the four main islands in Japan, surrounded on 3 sides by Honshu and Kyushu. Shikoku is quiet and still has a natural atmosphere without being swallowed up by modern culture Shikoku is divided into north and south by steep mountains. To the north, there is little rainfall and there are industrial cities along the line. The southern Pacific Ocean is a wilderness.

The weather is warm and a lot of rainfall. The weather on the island is warm and comfortable in early spring also during the beginning of autumn, too. Another interesting highlight is Shikoku is connected to Honshu by the Seito-Ohashi Bridge which is a seesaw bridge using 5 small islands as a connection point with a length of 12.3 kilometers. This bridge is one of the two-story bridges that are longer than other bridges.

Shikoku consists of 4 provinces which are:

1. Kagawa

Kagawa is located on Shikoku Island. Takamatsu is the provincial capital. Which is a city famous for udon and has a bonsai garden near this city.

2. Tokushima

Tokushima is located on Shikoku Island. The capital city is Tokushima, featured in Awa Odori Festival (a kind of dance in Japan). There is a handicraft village here. And known The Naruto whirlpool that occurs in the Naruto Strait Which is between Tokushima prefecture and Awachi Island in Hyogo prefecture.

3. Ehime

Ehime is located on Shikoku Island and has Matsuyama as the capital city. Is an important shipbuilding source, including the textile, paper, packaging and oil drilling industry. And has oranges as a well-known product

4. Kochi

Kochi is in the southern part of Shikoku. With Koji as the capital Famous for the Yosakoi festival (One kind of Japanese dance) is home to the Anpanman Museum and was the birthplace of Sakamoto Ryoma, samurai and political reformer in the Tokugawa Shogunate period.

Where to go, see and visit:

1. Matsuyama Castle

Matsuyama Castle is located on Katsuyama Mountain With a height of about 132 meters, the castle is located in the middle of Matsuyama city. Built in 1603 is a large castle with a height of five floors. It is another city viewpoint since it can see almost all the places in the city.

2. Naruto Whirlpools

Naruto Whirlpools (Onaru Kyo Bridge) is a bridge that crosses Awachi Island to Shikoku. At a height of 450 meters above the bridge has made a walkway called Usunomichi. You will walk to watch Naruto and some parts will be made into mirrors so everyone can see Naruto clearly.

3. Iyotetsu Takashimaya Department Store

Iyotetsu Takashimaya Department Store is the largest department store in Shikoku. That sells products for both domestic and international brands all types of products. There is also a restaurant open for business as well.

4. Dogo Onsen hot spring Main Building

Matsuyama City is known for its hot springs that are more than 3,000 years old especially the sound of Dogo Onsen is one of the oldest hot spring in Japan. This hot spring has appeared in ancient Japanese legends such as the Pelicans and other legends about many hot springs.