Shikoku

Shikoku is the smallest of Japan's four main islands, located to the south of Honshu across the Seto Inland Sea. It covers about 18,800 square kilometers and has a population of roughly 4.4 million. The island is divided into four prefectures—Kagawa, Ehime, Tokushima, and Kochi—with Takamatsu serving as the prefectural capital of Kagawa and Matsuyama as the largest city on the island.

Geographically, Shikoku is largely mountainous, with a rugged interior and a coastline that faces both the Seto Inland Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. The island is known for regional products such as citrus fruits in Ehime and olives on Shodoshima in Kagawa, as well as its traditional crafts and regional festivals.

Culturally, Shikoku is renowned for the Shikoku Pilgrimage, a circuit of 88 temples traditionally associated with the monk Kūkai (Kobo Daishi). Other notable sites include Dōgo Onsen in Matsuyama and Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu, along with various historic castles and coastal towns that attract visitors.

Transportation and economy are centered on connectivity and diversification. The Seto Ōhashi Bridge network, part of the Great Seto Bridge project, links Honshu and Shikoku across the Seto Inland Sea. Regular ferries and air services connect Takamatsu, Matsuyama, and Kochi. The economy is multifaceted, with agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, and tourism contributing to regional activity.