The island of Shikoku, consisting of the four prefectures of Kagawa, Tokushima, Ehime, and Kochi, is blessed with a warm climate. The population is around 4.2 million.
Many ferries continue to ply the sea route.
On the plains of Kochi on the Pacific coast, eggplant, green peppers, cucumber, and other vegetables are grown in greenhouses. Winters are relatively warm and wet, and forestry is extensively carried out in the mountainous areas. The coast has great natural beauty, boasting coral and remarkable tropical fish. Map of the Shikoku region Photo courtesy of Honshu-Shikoku Bridge Authority.