| − | '''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 [[shrines]] 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. | + | '''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 [[shrines]] 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> |
| − | <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. |
| | The other three principal Japanese islands are [[Honshu]], [[Kyushu]] and [[Hokkaido]]. | | The other three principal Japanese islands are [[Honshu]], [[Kyushu]] and [[Hokkaido]]. |