Vacation in Japan - Shikoku

Rural, mountainous Shikoku, Japan

The island of Shikoku is the smallest and most rural of Japan's main islands.  Most of the island's 4.5 million inhabitants live in the north, and all but one of the island's larger cities are located there.

The abundant forests supply the pulp and paper manufacturing industry.  There is also some copper mining and an abundance of hydroelectric power.  But this is primarily an agricultural area, particularly on the eastern end of the island.

A great deal of fruit, such as citrus, persimmons, peaches and grapes are grown in this area, together with rice, winter wheat and barley.

The area's mild winters have led to a lot of truck farming - which means growing out-of-season vegetables under plastic coverings as is shown in the photo below.

Roadside Agriculture

I assume most American tourists don't know about Shikoku and stick to the major cities.  My co-worker Jon visited the island with his family because his brother Brendon lives there.

Poor Brendon.  He has to live in this gorgeous place!

Islands in the mist

Mount Ishizuchi  (6,503 feet) is the highest mountain on the island.  The mountains shown above are just midgets in comparison.

I think Shikoku is home to some fabulously beautiful scenery!

Family Reunion (minus 2)

Here is Jon's family.  Jon is on the far right.  In addition to his parents, you see his brother Brendon and his sister Shelley. (I also work with Jon's dad.)

Isn't that a great photo?  I'm sure it's difficult having a loved one live in such a far away place.  How great that they were able to visit him.

Again, thanks for sharing your photos, Jon!  We have a few more places to visit in Japan before we're done.

Stay tuned for the continuing Japanese adventures of my friend Jon and his family.