Two hours further west from Kansai, you arrive in Hiroshima prefecture. This is western Honshu, influenced by the Setonaikai (Insland Sea)--the scene of many fierce battles during the feudal period. The climate is also milder, with less wind and rain. Hiroshima is a regional city and very international, with a message for the world...Hiroshima also has mountains, small towns, and superb oysters in winter, cooked a dozen ways. Hiroshima dialect is spoken here, but so is standard Japanese.
...Shikoku means "four countries" or districts, which make up the smallest of Japan's main islands. From the northeast corner, they are Kagawa, Tokushima, Kochi, and Ehime. Shikoku is rural, with a slower pace, leaving time to enjoy the mountains, gorges, rivers, and beaches. Resident Americans and other English-speakers are active in their communities, producing English newsletters, radio programs, and websites. Many universities have native English speakers on the teaching staff.
(excerpt from p. 205)