Shikoku

Shikoku is the smallest and least populous of the four main islands of Japan. It is located south of Honshu and is separated from it by the Seto Inland Sea. The island is divided into four prefectures: Ehime, Kagawa, Kochi, and Tokushima.

Geography

Shikoku's geography is characterized by its mountainous terrain, with the Shikoku Mountain Range running east to west across the island. The highest peak is Mount Ishizuchi, which is also the highest mountain in western Japan. The island is also known for its rivers, including the Shimanto River, often referred to as "Japan's last clear stream" due to its pristine waters.

Economy

The economy of Shikoku is largely based on agriculture, fishing, and small-scale industry. The island is known for its production of citrus fruits, such as yuzu, sudachi, and mikan. It is also a major producer of sake and paper.

Culture

Shikoku is famous for the Shikoku Pilgrimage, a 1,200-kilometer route that circles the island and covers 88 Buddhist temples. The pilgrimage is associated with Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. Shikoku is also known for its traditional Awa Odori dance festival, which takes place in Tokushima every August.

Cuisine

Shikoku's cuisine is diverse and heavily influenced by its agricultural and marine resources. Notable dishes include Sanuki udon, a type of noodle dish from Kagawa, and Katsuo no tataki, a lightly seared and sliced bonito dish from Kochi.

Transportation

Shikoku is connected to Honshu by three expressways, which are part of the Honshu-Shikoku Bridge Project. The island's internal transportation is serviced by the Shikoku Railway Company, and there are also numerous ferry routes connecting Shikoku with the other islands of Japan.

See also

• List of regions of Japan
• List of islands of Japan