Ehime Prefecture, Prefecture on Shikoku island, Japan
The territory sits on the northwestern section of Shikoku island, with most of its cities lining the shores of the Seto Inland Sea. The interior rises into forested mountains, while narrow plains run along the coast and hold most of the populated areas.
The area became a formal administrative division during the Meiji reforms of 1871, when Japan reorganized its old provinces into modern territories. Before then, it was known as Iyo Province and had maintained its own regional identity for centuries.
Twenty-six Buddhist temples here form part of the traditional Shikoku pilgrimage route, drawing walkers from many countries. Visitors often see pilgrims dressed in white clothing carrying walking staffs along the routes.
The Shimanami Kaido bridges connect the region to the main island of Honshu, offering routes for cars and cyclists alike. Public transport between the larger coastal towns runs regularly, while the interior is less accessible.
Terraced fruit groves cover many hillsides and provide most of the mandarins grown across Japan. The orchards shape the landscape in much of the coastal region.
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