noun
Shikoku region
Refers to the region comprising Tokushima, Kagawa, Ehime, and Kochi prefectures on the island of Shikoku.
四国地方は四つの県からなっています。
The Shikoku region consists of four prefectures.
四国 refers specifically to the island of Shikoku, while 四国地方 is the broader regional designation including the surrounding areas and administrative context.
Compound of 四国 (Shikoku, the island) and 地方 (region, area).