In Shikoku Island in western Japan, a steep and vast mountainous area spreads in the center. Divided by these mountains, there are four prefectures. Each of these prefectures is very individual. If you travel Shikoku Island, you can enjoy 4 interesting worlds!
Table of Contents
Outline of Shikoku
On Tokushima in Shikoku, Awa Odori (Awa Dance) is showed every summer = shutterstock
Map of Shikoku = shutterstock
Points
Shikoku is one of the four islands in Japan. The Shikoku region is the smallest and least populous region among the four major islands in Japan. This island has been divided into four areas from long ago. “Shikoku” means four countries in Japanese.
In each of these four areas, a unique lifestyle culture has developed. In Tokushima Prefecture in the northeastern part of Shikoku, Awa Dance (Awa Odori), the most famous summer festival in Japan, is attracting tourists. Delicious udon (thick Japanese noodles) is popular in Kagawa prefecture located to the west of Tokushima. Ehime prefecture in the northwest has famous castles and hot springs. Meanwhile, in Kochi Prefecture spreading in the southern part of Shikoku, the landscape of the Pacific Ocean attracts tourists.
Shikoku mountains are spreading in the center of Shikoku Island, Japan = shutterstock
Access
There are airports in each of the four prefectures of Shikoku Region. If you move from Tokyo to Shikoku, you should use these airports.
The northern area of Shikoku is connected with Honshu with three big bridges. So, if you are traveling from Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima etc. to Shikoku, you should go to Okayama or Hiroshima first at Shinkansen, then cross the bridge to Shikoku from there.
Shinkansen is not operated in Shikoku. So, you will be traveling by regular JR train or bus. Since the four prefectures are divided by the Shikoku mountain range in the middle, it will take time to move inside Shikoku.
There are several passes available for efficient travel in Kyoto. >>Click here for details.
Climate of the Shikoku region
The climate of Shikoku is greatly different in the northern part and the southern part due to the influence of the Shikoku mountains located in the center.
The northern area is temperate and does not have much rain. There is not much damage from the typhoon. In contrast, the southern area is milder, rain often falls. Often receiving a direct hit by a typhoon, it is sometimes damaged by floods.
Welcome to Shikoku!
Now, please visit each area of the Shikoku region. Where would you like to go?
Tokushima Prefecture
Whirling waves in Naruto Channel, Tokushima, Japan = Shutterstock
Tokushima Prefecture is relatively close from Kobe and Osaka. This prefecture is famous for Awa Dance (Awa Odori). There are also other unique sights such as Naruto Whirlpools (Naruto Uzushio), Otsuka Museum of Art, Iya Kazura Bridge.
Kagawa Prefecture
Art of Yellow Pumpkin in Naoshima, Kagawa prefecture, Japan = Shutterstock
Kagawa prefecture is located in the northeastern part of Shikoku Island. Offshore islands in this prefecture have a wonderful museum. Kagawa prefecture is also very famous for delicious udon (thick Japanese noodles).
Ehime Prefecture
Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama, Japan. It is one of the oldest hot springs in the country = Shutterstock
Ehime prefecture is a large area spreading northwest of Shikoku Island. Many old Japanese are left here. The above picture is an old hot spring facility in Matsuyama city. Of course, you can enjoy bathing here!
Kochi Prefecture
Kochi castle tower, Kochi, Kochi, Japan = Shutterstock
Kochi Prefecture is located on the south side of Shikoku Island. Here are really beautiful rivers, wild capes, and beaches with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.
Thank you for reading to the end.
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