Shikoku

Smallest of the four main islands of Japan, south of Honshu, east of Kyushu; area 18,800 sq km/7,250 sq mi; population (2000 est) 4,154,000. This mountainous island consists of four prefectures, Kagawa, Tokushima, Ehime, and Kochi. The chief towns are Matsuyama and Takamatsu. The population is largely concentrated in the small coastal plains which front the Inland Sea. Agricultural products include rice, wheat, soybeans, sugar cane, and orchard fruits. Mineral products include salt and copper, while manufactured goods include petroleum products, textiles, wood pulp, and paper.

It has a mild climate, but there are frequent typhoons and heavy summer rains. The annual rainfall in the south can reach 266 cm/105 in. The highest point is Mount Ishizuchi (1,980 m/6,498 ft). There are few natural resources and little large scale industry, but this is expected to change following land reclamation.

A suspension bridge links Shikoku to Awajishima island over the Naruto whirlpool in the Seto Naikai (Inland Sea). A pilgrimage circuit, linking 88 temples, can be found on the island.