The Shikoku region of Japan contains four of Japan’s prefectures: Ehime, Kagawa, Kochi, and Tokushima.

Ehime
Ehime Prefecture contains Shikoku’s largest city, Matsuyama. Matsuyama is home to one of Japan’s few remaining original castles, Matsuyamajo. First built over a twenty-six year period from 1602 to 1628, the five-storied castle was eventually destroyed by lightning and rebuilt in 1820. What stands today is a three-storied version, situated atop a steep hill, which can be reached by travel through ropeway. Just outside of Matsuyama is one of Ehime’s other popular attractions, Dogo Onsen. Dogo Onsen is one of Japan’s oldest hot spring resorts, dating back to 1894.

Kagawa
Kagawa Prefecture is the smallest prefecture in Japan. Its capital, Takamatsu, is famous for having one of the most beautiful historical gardens in Japan, located in Ritsurin Park. Built over more than one hundred years during the Edo Period, Ritsurin Park contains many ponds, pavilions, a tea house, and even a museum about local folk art. The remains of Takamatsu Castle, built adjacent to the sea in the year 1590, can also be found in Kagawa’s capital city. In a much smaller city, Kotohira, Shikoku’s most popular shrine, Kompirasan, can be found.

Kochi
Kochi Prefecture is the largest but least populous of Shikoku’s four prefectures. Its capital city of the same name, Kochi, is the birthplace of a style of dance called Yosakoi. The dance, which originated in 1954, combines modern music with traditional Japanese dance movements. Every year in August, the Yosakoi Festival is held in Kochi City. Kochi Prefecture is also home to Kochi Castle, as well as Katsurahama, a beach that is known for its statue of local hero Sakamoto Ryoma, who was assassinated at a young age after playing a part in the Meiji Restoration.

Tokushima
Tokushima Prefecture is famous for its annual Awa Odori Dance Festival, which is held in Tokushima City. The festival lasts several days and is known for its Dance of Fools, which welcomes spirits of dead ancestors back to the earth. Tokushima Prefecture also contains Iya Valley, whose old vine bridges and mountainous views make it a popular tourist destination, as well as a favorite location for whitewater rafting.