I. INTRODUCTION
Shikoku literally means "four lands“ and it indeed consists of four prefectures, conveniently arranged around the compass points. Each prefecture also has an old provincial name, still often found in place names.
Ehime (Iyo) — to the west
Kagawa (Sanuki) — to the north
Tokushima (Awa) — to the east
Kochi (Tosa) — to the south
II. TRANSPORTATION
Shikoku literally means "four lands“ and it indeed consists of four prefectures, conveniently arranged around the compass points. Each prefecture also has an old provincial name, still often found in place names.
Ehime (Iyo) — to the west
Kagawa (Sanuki) — to the north
Tokushima (Awa) — to the east
Kochi (Tosa) — to the south
II. TRANSPORTATION
There are highways linking Shikoku with Honshu
1) the Akashi Kaikyo and Onaruto Bridges between Kobe and Tokushima
2) the Seto Ohashi Bridge between Okayama and Kagawa
3) the Setouchi Shimanami Kaido Bridge between Imabari and Onomichi
However, tolls are extremely expensive!
Shikoku is also well connected by air with Japan's major airports. Prefecture capitals Takamatsu, Matsuyama, Kochi and Tokushima all have small regional airports.
1) the Akashi Kaikyo and Onaruto Bridges between Kobe and Tokushima
2) the Seto Ohashi Bridge between Okayama and Kagawa
3) the Setouchi Shimanami Kaido Bridge between Imabari and Onomichi
However, tolls are extremely expensive!
All trains from Japan's main island Honshu to Shikoku depart from Okayama and cross the Seto Inland Sea via the Seto-Ohashi bridge.
Shikoku Railway Company operates intercity rail services in the four prefectures on the island of Shikoku in Japan.
Shikoku Railway Company operates intercity rail services in the four prefectures on the island of Shikoku in Japan.
Shikoku is also well connected by air with Japan's major airports. Prefecture capitals Takamatsu, Matsuyama, Kochi and Tokushima all have small regional airports.There are several ferry routes, connecting Shikoku with Honshu and Kyushu.
III. 88 TEMPLES PILGRIMAGE
• Shikoku is known for the pilgrims that come to visit the eighty-eight temples on the island in a set order each year. The pilgrimage was originated by the Buddhist priest Kukai.
• The standard motives for doing the pilgrimage are 1) to pray for safety in the hom
e and 2) remembrance of ancestors. However, in the case of walking pilgrims, who might do it for such reasons as mentioned above might also the pilgrimage for ascetic training, just to walk it or for a spiritual reason such as to "find oneself" or "to soothe one's soul" or for personal training.
• Shikoku Tradition
• The Shikoku Pilgrims wear white vest, hat, gloves, leg band, and carry a Kongo staff.
• Many pilgrims receive full satisfaction from this journey and the one thing that impresses them all is the number of gifts they receive from residents as they walk by.
• Many residents will give food to the pilgrims cause of their long journey and will also give them gifts for the gods as they go to each temple.
• The standard motives for doing the pilgrimage are 1) to pray for safety in the hom
e and 2) remembrance of ancestors. However, in the case of walking pilgrims, who might do it for such reasons as mentioned above might also the pilgrimage for ascetic training, just to walk it or for a spiritual reason such as to "find oneself" or "to soothe one's soul" or for personal training.• Shikoku Tradition
• The Shikoku Pilgrims wear white vest, hat, gloves, leg band, and carry a Kongo staff.
• Many pilgrims receive full satisfaction from this journey and the one thing that impresses them all is the number of gifts they receive from residents as they walk by.
• Many residents will give food to the pilgrims cause of their long journey and will also give them gifts for the gods as they go to each temple.
IV. Ehime’s Festivals, Attractions and Celebrations!
Niihama Taiko Festival
Niihama Taiko Festival (also known as "The Man Festival") is the center of annual drunken partying. Is a harvest festival held over three days in October every year. Each of 45 neighborhoods in Niihama has its own . The annual Taiko float, which consists of decorations.
Inside the float, a drummer beats a taiko drum, providing the rhythm that guides 150 men below. Men and boys begin the festival before sunrise on its first day by carrying all of the floats up a hill near Yamane Park in south Niihama. For three days straight, they carry the floats in parades all over the city and park them for display, drinking lots and lots of sake!
Niihama Taiko Festival (also known as "The Man Festival") is the center of annual drunken partying. Is a harvest festival held over three days in October every year. Each of 45 neighborhoods in Niihama has its own . The annual Taiko float, which consists of decorations.
Inside the float, a drummer beats a taiko drum, providing the rhythm that guides 150 men below. Men and boys begin the festival before sunrise on its first day by carrying all of the floats up a hill near Yamane Park in south Niihama. For three days straight, they carry the floats in parades all over the city and park them for display, drinking lots and lots of sake!
Matsuyama’s Fall Festival
Also known as the Mikoshi Festival; Mikoshi is a transportable shrine.
The mikoshi are brought to a main shrine so that the kami-sama (god) can enter the mikoshi. Then the mikoshi are carried around the neighborhood; this brings good fortune to locals.
A large mikoshi
battle! In the morning, many mikoshi gather in a large open area. Each mikoshi has a team; with 60 or so drunk men carrying the mikoshi and another 60 drunk teammates cheering them on…the team leader usually stands on top of the mikoshi while it’s being carried. The men break out barrels of sake and toast before dueling. As the teams raise mikoshi up onto their shoulders, they charge at each other and smash into one another as they attempt to push one team past a certain point. Someone is usually killed at this annual festival due to the crazy amount of people and trampling!
Also known as the Mikoshi Festival; Mikoshi is a transportable shrine.
The mikoshi are brought to a main shrine so that the kami-sama (god) can enter the mikoshi. Then the mikoshi are carried around the neighborhood; this brings good fortune to locals.
A large mikoshi
battle! In the morning, many mikoshi gather in a large open area. Each mikoshi has a team; with 60 or so drunk men carrying the mikoshi and another 60 drunk teammates cheering them on…the team leader usually stands on top of the mikoshi while it’s being carried. The men break out barrels of sake and toast before dueling. As the teams raise mikoshi up onto their shoulders, they charge at each other and smash into one another as they attempt to push one team past a certain point. Someone is usually killed at this annual festival due to the crazy amount of people and trampling! Matsuyamajo Castle
Matsuyamajo was constructed from 1602 to 1628 by Katosama-no-suke Yoshiaki.
In 1635 the castle was controlled by the Matsudaira family, relatives of the Tokugawa, until the end of the feudal era. The current castle tower was constructed in 1820 after the original five storied one was destroyed by lightening. In giving “new light” to the castle, the Ninomaru Historical Garden was built. Two gardens that were built are known as the Sokaen and the Ryusuien gardens. The Sokaen garden in the front and the Ryusuien garden in the back of the castle. Many gates of the Matsuyamajo Castle have been built and rebuilt over time.
Matsuyamajo was constructed from 1602 to 1628 by Katosama-no-suke Yoshiaki.
In 1635 the castle was controlled by the Matsudaira family, relatives of the Tokugawa, until the end of the feudal era. The current castle tower was constructed in 1820 after the original five storied one was destroyed by lightening. In giving “new light” to the castle, the Ninomaru Historical Garden was built. Two gardens that were built are known as the Sokaen and the Ryusuien gardens. The Sokaen garden in the front and the Ryusuien garden in the back of the castle. Many gates of the Matsuyamajo Castle have been built and rebuilt over time.
Dogo Onsen Hot Springs
Completed in 1894. On its Centennial in 1994, it was designated as an important cultural asset, the first hot springs to earn the award in all of Japan.
Ishiteji Temple
Ishiteji, meaning "stone hand temple", is number 51 of the 88 temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage and Matsuyama’s most famous temple. Claims a restoration by Kukai, the founder of Shingon Buddhism . Famous for its Niomon Gate. Its main hall and three storied tower symbolized important cultural properties referring to Saint Kobo and Saburo Emon (founder of the Shikoku pilgrimage).
Completed in 1894. On its Centennial in 1994, it was designated as an important cultural asset, the first hot springs to earn the award in all of Japan.
Ishiteji Temple
Ishiteji, meaning "stone hand temple", is number 51 of the 88 temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage and Matsuyama’s most famous temple. Claims a restoration by Kukai, the founder of Shingon Buddhism . Famous for its Niomon Gate. Its main hall and three storied tower symbolized important cultural properties referring to Saint Kobo and Saburo Emon (founder of the Shikoku pilgrimage).
V. Kagawa’s Festivals, Attractions, and Celebrations!
Sanuki Takamatsu Festival
This is one of the four big summer festivals in Shikoku, the biggest in Kagawa.
Features parades, shows, western Japan's first class fireworks display, and the Big Folk Dance Parade involving thousands of residents along the main street of Takamatsu, the largest city in Kagawa.
This is one of the four big summer festivals in Shikoku, the biggest in Kagawa.
Features parades, shows, western Japan's first class fireworks display, and the Big Folk Dance Parade involving thousands of residents along the main street of Takamatsu, the largest city in Kagawa.
Kotohira Shrine
Located on the side of Mount Zozu, the shrine stands with 785 steps to the main shrine and a total of 1,368 steps to the inner shrine.
Shikoku’s most popular shrine is the Kompirisan.
The shrine has a Heian period statue of the eleven-faced Kannon Bosatsu praising the last classical division of Japanese literature.
Who is Kannon Bosatsu? “Lord of compassion, Goddess of mercy” in Japan.
Located on the side of Mount Zozu, the shrine stands with 785 steps to the main shrine and a total of 1,368 steps to the inner shrine.
Shikoku’s most popular shrine is the Kompirisan.
The shrine has a Heian period statue of the eleven-faced Kannon Bosatsu praising the last classical division of Japanese literature.
Who is Kannon Bosatsu? “Lord of compassion, Goddess of mercy” in Japan.
Shodo Island
Shōdoshima translates to “Island of Small Beans”.
Tonoshō and Shōdoshima are the two main towns forming Shodo Island.
the first area of Japan to successfully grow olives, and is sometimes known as "Olive Island".
home to Dobuchi Strait, the world’s narrowest strait (9.93 meters at its narrowest point)
setting for the antiwar novel Twenty-Four Eyes written by Sakae Tsuboi
Shōdoshima translates to “Island of Small Beans”.
Tonoshō and Shōdoshima are the two main towns forming Shodo Island.
the first area of Japan to successfully grow olives, and is sometimes known as "Olive Island".
home to Dobuchi Strait, the world’s narrowest strait (9.93 meters at its narrowest point)
setting for the antiwar novel Twenty-Four Eyes written by Sakae Tsuboi
Takamatsu Castle 
Also known as Tamamo Castle, and was built in 1590; founded by Ikoma Chikamasa.
The Ikoma Clan ruled from the castle for 54 years, then the castle was reassigned to the Matsudaira Clan, relatives of the Tokugawa Clan, who stayed there for the rest of the Edo period.
Also known as Tamamo Castle, and was built in 1590; founded by Ikoma Chikamasa.
The Ikoma Clan ruled from the castle for 54 years, then the castle was reassigned to the Matsudaira Clan, relatives of the Tokugawa Clan, who stayed there for the rest of the Edo period.
Ritsurin Park
Meaning Chestnut Grove, In 1625, a feudal lord known as Ikoma Takatoshi began building Ritsurin, including a garden around the South Pond with Mt. Shiun at the western border.
Meaning Chestnut Grove, In 1625, a feudal lord known as Ikoma Takatoshi began building Ritsurin, including a garden around the South Pond with Mt. Shiun at the western border.
VI. Tokushima’s Festivals, Attractions, and Celebrations
Awa Odori Dance
Beginning in 1587, the dance is held every year in the time of the Bon festival in Tokushima.
When the Tokushima Castle was completed in 1587, awa odori may have been called elegant dances performed by dancers to entertain the upper class samurais
Beginning in 1587, the dance is held every year in the time of the Bon festival in Tokushima.
When the Tokushima Castle was completed in 1587, awa odori may have been called elegant dances performed by dancers to entertain the upper class samurais
Tokushima Castle Garden
In 1586, Tokushima Castle was built, with the intention to use it as a stronghold. In commemoration, a ban on traditional Bon festival dances was lifted, which is said to have led to the Awa folk dance.
Kochi Castle
Built in 1603 by Kazutoyo Yamanouchi.
Kochi Castle was ruled by the Yamanouchi family for sixteen generations until 1869 when it was handed over to the Emperor Meiji.
In 1586, Tokushima Castle was built, with the intention to use it as a stronghold. In commemoration, a ban on traditional Bon festival dances was lifted, which is said to have led to the Awa folk dance.
VII. Kochi’s Festivals, Attractions, and Celebrations!
Yosakoi Matsuri
Annual midsummer festival that has been held for more than 40 years in Kochi City, celebrating the energetic spirit of the Tosa people.
Annual midsummer festival that has been held for more than 40 years in Kochi City, celebrating the energetic spirit of the Tosa people.
Doronko Matsuri
The Doronko Matsuri is a rice-planting festival held at Wakamine Hachimangu Shrine. Women chase men around trying to paint the men’s faces with mud. If you get caught, it’s said that one will be in good health all year.
The Doronko Matsuri is a rice-planting festival held at Wakamine Hachimangu Shrine. Women chase men around trying to paint the men’s faces with mud. If you get caught, it’s said that one will be in good health all year.
Kochi Castle
Built in 1603 by Kazutoyo Yamanouchi.
Kochi Castle was ruled by the Yamanouchi family for sixteen generations until 1869 when it was handed over to the Emperor Meiji.
Godaisan
Standing on this widely known hill is the Chikurinji Temple and the Makino Botanical Gardens.
Putting forth the efforts of Dr. Tomitaro Makino, the garden displays over 1500 kinds of plant life.
Standing on this widely known hill is the Chikurinji Temple and the Makino Botanical Gardens.
Putting forth the efforts of Dr. Tomitaro Makino, the garden displays over 1500 kinds of plant life.
VIII. Food
In Koch
i Sawachi is a popular item that many people like to eat. The colorful presentation of Sawachi represents the heart and soul of Tosa. It is an arrangement of sashimi, tataki, sushi, and other seasonal foods presented in a colorful way. Sawachi is typically made for parties and special occasions . Sanuki Udon is very popular in Takamatsu. Residents eat it on various occasions and there is at least one family member that is able to prepare this dish. There are all sorts of Sanuki Udon. One of the dishes is called Udon-Ski. This dish consists of sanuki udon and then combining all sorts of seafood with it as well. Niitaka Pear is another item many like to eat in Shikoku. The difference between this pear and all others is that it weighs as much as 1 kilogram and sometimes more. The aroma and taste is very refreshing, and the inside of the fruit is off-white in color and a little softer than the regular Japanese pear. This somen has five colors; yellow from egg, green from powdered green tea, brown from buckwheat powder, red from plum, and white. This five-colored Japanese vermicelli, colored by all natural ingredients, looks like a silky thread and takes pride in its tradition. This vemicelli is produced all by hand and made into thin but strong noodles, and brings coolness when eaten particularly in summmer
i Sawachi is a popular item that many people like to eat. The colorful presentation of Sawachi represents the heart and soul of Tosa. It is an arrangement of sashimi, tataki, sushi, and other seasonal foods presented in a colorful way. Sawachi is typically made for parties and special occasions . Sanuki Udon is very popular in Takamatsu. Residents eat it on various occasions and there is at least one family member that is able to prepare this dish. There are all sorts of Sanuki Udon. One of the dishes is called Udon-Ski. This dish consists of sanuki udon and then combining all sorts of seafood with it as well. Niitaka Pear is another item many like to eat in Shikoku. The difference between this pear and all others is that it weighs as much as 1 kilogram and sometimes more. The aroma and taste is very refreshing, and the inside of the fruit is off-white in color and a little softer than the regular Japanese pear. This somen has five colors; yellow from egg, green from powdered green tea, brown from buckwheat powder, red from plum, and white. This five-colored Japanese vermicelli, colored by all natural ingredients, looks like a silky thread and takes pride in its tradition. This vemicelli is produced all by hand and made into thin but strong noodles, and brings coolness when eaten particularly in summmer 
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