Shikokuchuo, Industrial metropolis in Ehime Prefecture, Japan
Shikokuchuo is a city in Ehime Prefecture on the island of Shikoku with a population of around 83,000 people. The settlement spreads across a flat plain surrounded by forested hills and crossed by rivers that once fueled its industrial growth.
The region has been inhabited for more than 12,000 years, as excavations confirm. During medieval times a fortress was built to watch over the valley, and the modern administrative structure took shape in the 20th century.
The reconstructed castle sits on a hill and recalls the fortifications that once protected the valley below. Visitors today can walk through the grounds and look out over the rooftops toward the mountains beyond.
The city is accessible by train through several rail lines that link the center with other towns across Shikoku. Visitors who want to explore on foot should be aware of the flat terrain in the urban area and the steeper paths in the surrounding hills.
Papermaking has shaped the region since the mid-18th century and remains a major industry today. In some neighborhoods small workshops still preserve traditional techniques while also producing modern paper goods.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
