Planning a trip to Shikoku? Why not start by getting to know the “gateways” of each prefecture? This article highlights the busiest stations in the four prefectures of Ehime, Tokushima, Kochi, and Kagawa. We’ve compiled essential information you’ll want to know before your trip, including the atmosphere around each station, unique local souvenirs, and must-try local dishes. Reading this guide will surely make your Shikoku journey even more fulfilling!
Ehime Prefecture: Matsuyama Station
- Features: Although there is also JR Matsuyama Station, the Iyotetsu (Iyo Railway) Matsuyama Station is a bustling terminal located at the heart of the downtown area. It’s home to department stores and commercial facilities, making it the most vibrant spot. The station area is served by streetcars, making it very convenient for accessing tourist sites like Matsuyama Castle and Dogo Onsen.
- Souvenirs:
- Taruto: A famous Matsuyama sweet consisting of a sponge cake rolled with red bean paste.
- Jakoten: A fried fish cake made from small fish paste, perfect as a snack with drinks.
- Pon Juice: Ehime is famous for its mandarin oranges! The well-known juice and sweets made with it are also popular.
- Local Food:
- Taimeshi: There are two types: “Matsuyama Taimeshi,” which is rice cooked with sea bream, and “Uwajima Taimeshi,” which involves topping rice with fresh sea bream sashimi mixed with sauce.
- Nabeyaki Udon: Characterized by soft noodles and a sweet broth, served piping hot in an aluminum pot.
Tokushima Prefecture: Tokushima Station
- Features: Located in the heart of Tokushima City, the area around Tokushima Station is a bustling hub with numerous commercial facilities and restaurants. It serves as a major tourist base, with the Mt. Bizan ropeway and the Awa Odori Kaikan (Awa Dance Hall) located nearby.
- Souvenirs:
- Sudachi products: Tokushima’s specialty citrus, “sudachi,” is used in various sweets, juices, and seasonings.
- Awa Wasanbonto: A traditional, high-quality sugar with an elegant sweetness, often used in fine sweets.
- Naruto Wakame: Thick and flavorful seaweed that grows in the strong currents of the Naruto Strait.
- Local Food:
- Tokushima Ramen: Characterized by a sweet and savory pork-bone soy sauce broth, topped with simmered pork belly and a raw egg.
Kochi Prefecture: JR Kochi Station
- Features: JR Kochi Station is the main gateway to Kochi City and a major station where all limited express trains stop. In front of the station stands a large statue of the “Three Tosa Patriots,” including Ryoma Sakamoto, and there’s a tourist information center called “Tosa Terrace” to welcome visitors.
- Souvenirs:
- Imokenpi: Kochi is a sweet potato-producing region. There are many varieties of “imokenpi” (fried sweet potato strips), and you’ll find numerous specialty shops.
- Mire Biscuits: A beloved local snack that has been enjoyed in Kochi for many years.
- Gokkun Umajimura: A popular yuzu drink from Umajimura, a village famous for its yuzu citrus.
- Local Food:
- Katsuo no Tataki (Seared Bonito): The local style is to sear bonito over a straw fire to give it a smoky flavor, then eat it with condiments like garlic and green onions, with either ponzu sauce or salt.
Kagawa Prefecture: JR Takamatsu Station
- Features: As the busiest station in the entire JR Shikoku network, JR Takamatsu Station serves as the main gateway to Shikoku. With the opening of the directly connected commercial facility “TAKAMATSU ORNE,” it has become a lively hub for shopping and dining. Its proximity to the Kotoden Takamatsu-Chikko Station and ferry terminals also makes it a convenient transfer point for island hopping.
- Souvenirs:
- Sanuki Udon: Souvenir sets of udon noodles that let you enjoy the authentic chewiness and broth at home.
- Oiri: A traditional puffed rice cracker used for wedding gifts in Kagawa. It has a cute appearance and melts in your mouth.
- Kawara Senbei: A hard cracker shaped like a roof tile.
- Local Food:
- Sanuki Udon: Characterized by its strong chewiness and smooth texture. There are many convenient self-service restaurants to try it.
- Honetsukidori: A whole chicken leg seasoned with garlic and spices, then grilled. It’s a hearty and popular dish.
