[[Image:Matsuyama.jpg|frame|right|The City of Matsuyama]]'''Shikoku''' (四国) is the smallest of [[Japan]]'s four main [[island]]s, with a land area of 18,800 square kilometers. One of the least visited of all the islands, the majority of travelers consist of [[Buddhist]] pilgrims, visiting the 88 [[shrine]]s found on the island. The largest city is [[Matsuyama]], renowned for [[ Matsuyamajo]], one of the last original [[castle]]s left in [[Japan]], completed in 1628.<ref>[http://www.japan-guide.com/list/e1107.html Shikoku Travel Guide]</ref>
It is also the native birthplace of the [[Shikoku dog]] (四国犬), which was recognised as a "National Living Monument" by the [[Japanese Crown]] in 1937.
== External links ==
*[http://www.japan-guidecity.commatsuyama.ehime.jp/listeng/e1107frame.html ShikokuMatsuyama City] Travel Guide.
== References ==
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[[Image:Matsuyama Castle.gif|frame|left|Matsuyama Castle]]
[[Category:Japan]]
[[Category:Islands]]