How to Pronounce Shikoku

Meaning and Context

Shikoku (四国), the smallest and least populous of Japan's four primary islands, is a region of profound cultural resonance and breathtaking natural diversity. Located south of Honshu and east of Kyushu, it is administratively divided into four prefectures—Ehime, Kagawa, Kochi, and Tokushima—each offering distinct landscapes from the dramatic Pacific coastline and the verdant mountains of the Shikoku Mountains to the serene Seto Inland Sea. The island is globally renowned for the Shikoku Pilgrimage (Shikoku Henro), a 1,200-kilometer circuit of 88 temples associated with the Buddhist monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi). This transformative journey, undertaken by thousands of pilgrims and travelers annually, is a cornerstone of Shikoku tourism, blending spiritual enlightenment with deep immersion in the island's historical significance. Beyond the pilgrimage, Shikoku is celebrated for its vibrant festivals like Tokushima's Awa Odori, its pristine natural beauty including the Iya Valley and Naruto Whirlpools, and its unique culinary delights such as Kagawa's sanuki udon and Kochi's katsuo no tataki, making it an essential destination for those exploring Japan's islands beyond the typical tourist trails.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The standard romanization "Shikoku" is consistent and widely accepted, though minor variations can occur due to transliteration systems. The most common potential error is a simple typographical misspelling: "Shikoku" is sometimes incorrectly written as "Shikuko," swapping the 'o' and 'u'. Another less frequent error is "Shikouku," an unnecessary insertion of a 'u' after the 'o'. In the Japanese writing system, the name is consistently represented by two kanji characters: 四 (shi, meaning "four") and 国 (koku, meaning "country" or "province"), literally translating to "four provinces." It is important not to confuse Shikoku with the similarly named Shikotsu (as in Lake Shikotsu in Hokkaido) or with the term "shogun." When searching for information, using the correct Japanese spelling "四国" or the precise romanization "Shikoku" will yield the most accurate results related to the island, its culture, and its famous pilgrimage route.

Example Sentences

Many travelers begin their journey across Shikoku in Tokushima Prefecture, home to the first several temples of the revered 88-temple pilgrimage.

The island's rugged interior, particularly the Iya Valley, offers stunning hikes through steep gorges and past historic vine bridges.

While Kagawa Prefecture is famously the smallest in Japan, it boasts a rich culinary reputation as the udon capital of the country.

After completing the Shikoku Pilgrimage, pilgrims often feel a profound sense of accomplishment and spiritual renewal.

The Setouchi Triennale, a contemporary art festival held on various islands in the Seto Inland Sea, has also increased international visibility for Shikoku's northern coastal regions.

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