Shimizu, Hokkaido
Encyclopedia
is located at the base of the Hidaka Mountain Range
in the Kamikawa (Tokachi) District, Tokachi
, Hokkaidō
, Japan
. The name Shimizu is taken from the Ainu
word Pekerebetsu, which means bright clean river. This town of 10,243, (according to the towns 2011 census) primary source of income is through agriculture
. This town, like many others in Hokkaido, is decreasing. Though what draws the visitors to this town from near and far is it's modest, yet eye catching beauty, prime location for accessing world class ski hills in the winter, and country back roads for the cyclist in the summer.
of 10,243 and a density
of 25.6 persons per km². The total area is 402.18 km².
of Hokkaido
, Japan. The town lies at the base of the Hidaka Mountain Range
and has several towns nearby, including Shikaoi
to the North, Shintoku
to the West, Hidaka
to the South, and Memuro
to the East. The geography of the town of Shimizu is mostly flat, with a few low lying hills to the North and West.
s. It wasn’t until 1936 that Shimizu gained status as a town. In 1907 a railway connecting Kushiro
and Asahikawa
was built, thereby connecting Shimizu. At the time, two lines ran through the town: the Tokachi line, and the Tooru Hiraku line. Another improvement that helped put the town on the map was the opening of Nissho Toge
, a mountain pass running through the Hidaka Mountains
, which opened in 1965. This National Highway, route 274
, runs all the way to Hokkaidos capital city, Sapporo
.
In 1980, the towns cultural center opened, and is famous for the playing of Beethoven
’s 9th Symphony
. Every year, students from Shimizu High School practice singing the symphony, for an end of the year concert. The towns first swimming pool opened in 1983, and in 1990, both the towns library and local history museum were established.
, Memuro
, and capital city of Tokachi
, Obihiro
. Shimizu's station name is called Tokachi Shimizu
. There is also a bus which runs from Obihiro, and makes a stop in Shimizu, bringing passengers to the New Chitose Airport
in Sapporo.
If driving, route 274 National Highway runs through town from Kita-ku Sapporo
, going as far as Shibecha, Hokkaidō
in the Kushiro
Subprefecture
. The road runs a full length of 371.8 km (231.03 mi).
Another option for driving is taking the relatively new Dōtō Expressway
, which starts in the town of Shimukappu
, runs through Shimizu and ends in the town of Ashoro
.The Expressway is also a good option if wanting to take a trip to the popular ski town of Tomamu
, only a half-hour drive from Shimizu.
to the West, the stunning Daisetsuzan National Park
to the North, and the beautiful rolling prairies to the East, there is no lack of outdoor activities one can do. The town is in a prime location for skiers & snowboard enthusiasts alike in the winter, and becomes a cyclists & motorcyclists haven in the warmer months.
Also on the outskirts of town is Freude http://en.visit-hokkaido.jp/travelPlanner/details.php?code=6513002000394, a hotspring hotel, and restaurant.
began a sister city exchange program, where groups of 7th and 8th graders from Chelsea visit Japan and stay with a host family for just under two weeks. http://www.chelsea-shimizu.org/. The exchange program started in 1993 by Brian Oakley (CHS Class of 1986), and continues to this day.
Shimizu is also in connection with the JET Programme
, which contracts out two ALT's
to Shimizu. ALT's working for the towns board of education
are hired from Michigan
, and work at the towns elementary and junior high schools. JET's working for the towns high school, are hired through the Hokkaidō Prefectural Board of Education
, and are not in connection with the towns sister town.
Hidaka Mountains
Hidaka Mountains is a mountain range in southeastern Hokkaidō, Japan. It runs 150 km from Mount Sahoro or Karikachi Pass in central Hokkaidō south, running into the sea at Cape Erimo. It consists of folded mountains that range from 1500 to 2000 metres in height. Mount Poroshiri is the highest...
in the Kamikawa (Tokachi) District, Tokachi
Tokachi Subprefecture
is a subprefecture of Hokkaidō, Japan corresponding to the old province of Tokachi. As of 2004 its estimated population is 360,802 and its area is 10,830.99 km².Tokachi-Obihiro Airport is in the city of Obihiro.- Geography :-Towns and villages by district:...
, Hokkaidō
Hokkaido
, formerly known as Ezo, Yezo, Yeso, or Yesso, is Japan's second largest island; it is also the largest and northernmost of Japan's 47 prefectural-level subdivisions. The Tsugaru Strait separates Hokkaido from Honshu, although the two islands are connected by the underwater railway Seikan Tunnel...
, Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
. The name Shimizu is taken from the Ainu
Ainu people
The , also called Aynu, Aino , and in historical texts Ezo , are indigenous people or groups in Japan and Russia. Historically they spoke the Ainu language and related varieties and lived in Hokkaidō, the Kuril Islands, and much of Sakhalin...
word Pekerebetsu, which means bright clean river. This town of 10,243, (according to the towns 2011 census) primary source of income is through agriculture
Agriculture
Agriculture is the cultivation of animals, plants, fungi and other life forms for food, fiber, and other products used to sustain life. Agriculture was the key implement in the rise of sedentary human civilization, whereby farming of domesticated species created food surpluses that nurtured the...
. This town, like many others in Hokkaido, is decreasing. Though what draws the visitors to this town from near and far is it's modest, yet eye catching beauty, prime location for accessing world class ski hills in the winter, and country back roads for the cyclist in the summer.
Population
As of 2011, the town has an estimated populationPopulation
A population is all the organisms that both belong to the same group or species and live in the same geographical area. The area that is used to define a sexual population is such that inter-breeding is possible between any pair within the area and more probable than cross-breeding with individuals...
of 10,243 and a density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
of 25.6 persons per km². The total area is 402.18 km².
Geography
The town of Shimizu lies within the Tokachi SubprefectureTokachi Subprefecture
is a subprefecture of Hokkaidō, Japan corresponding to the old province of Tokachi. As of 2004 its estimated population is 360,802 and its area is 10,830.99 km².Tokachi-Obihiro Airport is in the city of Obihiro.- Geography :-Towns and villages by district:...
of Hokkaido
Hokkaido
, formerly known as Ezo, Yezo, Yeso, or Yesso, is Japan's second largest island; it is also the largest and northernmost of Japan's 47 prefectural-level subdivisions. The Tsugaru Strait separates Hokkaido from Honshu, although the two islands are connected by the underwater railway Seikan Tunnel...
, Japan. The town lies at the base of the Hidaka Mountain Range
Hidaka Mountains
Hidaka Mountains is a mountain range in southeastern Hokkaidō, Japan. It runs 150 km from Mount Sahoro or Karikachi Pass in central Hokkaidō south, running into the sea at Cape Erimo. It consists of folded mountains that range from 1500 to 2000 metres in height. Mount Poroshiri is the highest...
and has several towns nearby, including Shikaoi
Shikaoi, Hokkaido
is a town located in Katō District, Tokachi, Hokkaidō, Japan. The name "Shikaoi" means "Following deer".As of 2008, the town has an estimated population of 5,723 and a density of 14.52 persons per km²...
to the North, Shintoku
Shintoku, Hokkaido
is a town located in Kamikawa District, Tokachi, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2007, the town has an estimated population of 6,993 and a density of 6.98 persons per km². The total area is 1,063.79 km². Surrounding towns include Sahoro, Shimizu, and Shikaoi....
to the West, Hidaka
Hidaka, Hokkaido
is a town located in Saru District, Hidaka, Hokkaidō, Japan.-Geography:Hidaka town is divided into two wards, which coincide with the former towns of Hidaka and Monbetsu. Biratori lies between the two wards separating them. Hidaka lies in the Hidaka Mountains at a cross road leading to Sapporo,...
to the South, and Memuro
Memuro, Hokkaido
is a town located in Kasai District, Tokachi, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2008, the town has an estimated population of 19,315 and a density of 35.12 persons per km². The total area is 513.91 km²....
to the East. The geography of the town of Shimizu is mostly flat, with a few low lying hills to the North and West.
History
The town of Shimizu began to settle in 1898, with a population of 99 people, working as cultivating farmerFarmer
A farmer is a person engaged in agriculture, who raises living organisms for food or raw materials, generally including livestock husbandry and growing crops, such as produce and grain...
s. It wasn’t until 1936 that Shimizu gained status as a town. In 1907 a railway connecting Kushiro
Kushiro, Hokkaido
is a city located in Kushiro Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan. It is the capital city of Kushiro Subprefecture, as well as the most populous city in eastern Hokkaidō....
and Asahikawa
Asahikawa, Hokkaido
is a city in Kamikawa Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan. It is the capital of the subprefecture and the second-largest city in Hokkaido, after Sapporo. It has been a Core city since April 1, 2000...
was built, thereby connecting Shimizu. At the time, two lines ran through the town: the Tokachi line, and the Tooru Hiraku line. Another improvement that helped put the town on the map was the opening of Nissho Toge
Nissho Pass
is a mountain pass high at the north-end of the Hidaka Mountains of Hokkaidō, Japan. The roadbed traverses the pass through the Nisshō Pass Tunnel is at . The pass is long. The road is wide with a maximum grade of 6.2%. The minimum curve radius is . Snow is possible on the pass from October to...
, a mountain pass running through the Hidaka Mountains
Hidaka Mountains
Hidaka Mountains is a mountain range in southeastern Hokkaidō, Japan. It runs 150 km from Mount Sahoro or Karikachi Pass in central Hokkaidō south, running into the sea at Cape Erimo. It consists of folded mountains that range from 1500 to 2000 metres in height. Mount Poroshiri is the highest...
, which opened in 1965. This National Highway, route 274
Route 274 (Japan)
National Route 274 is a national highway of Japan connecting Kita-ku, Sapporo and Shibecha, Hokkaidō in Japan, with a total length of 371.8 km ....
, runs all the way to Hokkaidos capital city, Sapporo
Sapporo, Hokkaido
is the fourth-largest city in Japan by population, and the largest city on the island of Hokkaido. It is the capital of Hokkaidō Prefecture, located in Ishikari Subprefecture, and an ordinance-designated city of Japan....
.
In 1980, the towns cultural center opened, and is famous for the playing of Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven was a German composer and pianist. A crucial figure in the transition between the Classical and Romantic eras in Western art music, he remains one of the most famous and influential composers of all time.Born in Bonn, then the capital of the Electorate of Cologne and part of...
’s 9th Symphony
Symphony
A symphony is an extended musical composition in Western classical music, scored almost always for orchestra. A symphony usually contains at least one movement or episode composed according to the sonata principle...
. Every year, students from Shimizu High School practice singing the symphony, for an end of the year concert. The towns first swimming pool opened in 1983, and in 1990, both the towns library and local history museum were established.
Economy
Shimizu has roughly 440 farmers, and 14,500 ha of farmland. Dairy farming, cattle farming, and sugar beet cultivation are some of the main types of agriculture that take place in Shimizu and the surrounding area. Many people claim that there are more cows in town than people!Transportation
The town has several means of transportation for getting in and out of town. A train line runs through town connecting neighboring towns ShintokuShintoku, Hokkaido
is a town located in Kamikawa District, Tokachi, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2007, the town has an estimated population of 6,993 and a density of 6.98 persons per km². The total area is 1,063.79 km². Surrounding towns include Sahoro, Shimizu, and Shikaoi....
, Memuro
Memuro, Hokkaido
is a town located in Kasai District, Tokachi, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2008, the town has an estimated population of 19,315 and a density of 35.12 persons per km². The total area is 513.91 km²....
, and capital city of Tokachi
Tokachi Subprefecture
is a subprefecture of Hokkaidō, Japan corresponding to the old province of Tokachi. As of 2004 its estimated population is 360,802 and its area is 10,830.99 km².Tokachi-Obihiro Airport is in the city of Obihiro.- Geography :-Towns and villages by district:...
, Obihiro
Obihiro, Hokkaido
is a city located in Tokachi, Hokkaidō, Japan. Obihiro is the only city in the Tokachi area. The next most populous municipality in Tokachi is the town of Otofuke, with less than a third of Obihiro's population. The city has approximately 500 foreign residents . The city contains the headquarters...
. Shimizu's station name is called Tokachi Shimizu
Tokachi-Shimizu Station
is a train station in Shimizu, Kamikawa District, Hokkaidō, Japan.-Adjacent stations:...
. There is also a bus which runs from Obihiro, and makes a stop in Shimizu, bringing passengers to the New Chitose Airport
New Chitose Airport
, is an airport located south southeast of Chitose and Tomakomai, Hokkaidō, Japan, serving the Sapporo metropolitan area. By land area, it is the largest airport in Hokkaidō....
in Sapporo.
If driving, route 274 National Highway runs through town from Kita-ku Sapporo
Kita-ku, Sapporo
is a ward of Sapporo composed of residential neighborhoods mostly arranged in grid patterns, and each built surrounding a train station, broken up by areas of farmland and some light-industrial areas. Kita-ku is located in the northern part of Sapporo. With 260,000 people, it is the most...
, going as far as Shibecha, Hokkaidō
Shibecha, Hokkaido
is a town located in Kawakami District, Kushiro Subprefecture, Hokkaidō of Japan. As of March 31, 2008 it has an estimated population of 8,567 and an area of 1,099.41 km²....
in the Kushiro
Kushiro, Hokkaido
is a city located in Kushiro Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan. It is the capital city of Kushiro Subprefecture, as well as the most populous city in eastern Hokkaidō....
Subprefecture
Subprefecture
Subprefecture is an administrative division of a country that is below prefecture or province.-Albania:There are twelve Albanian counties or prefectures, each of which is subdivided into several districts, sometimes translated as subprefectures.-Brazil:...
. The road runs a full length of 371.8 km (231.03 mi).
Another option for driving is taking the relatively new Dōtō Expressway
Doto Expressway
The is a 2-laned national expressway in Hokkaidō, Japan. It is owned and operated by East Nippon Expressway Company.-Overview:...
, which starts in the town of Shimukappu
Shimukappu, Hokkaido
-External links:* *** in English and Japanese...
, runs through Shimizu and ends in the town of Ashoro
Ashoro, Hokkaido
is a town located in Ashoro District, Tokachi, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2008, the town has an estimated population of 8,254 and a density of 5.93 persons per km². The total area is 1,408.09 km²....
.The Expressway is also a good option if wanting to take a trip to the popular ski town of Tomamu
Shimukappu, Hokkaido
-External links:* *** in English and Japanese...
, only a half-hour drive from Shimizu.
Recreation
With the turquoise Hidaka MountainsHidaka Mountains
Hidaka Mountains is a mountain range in southeastern Hokkaidō, Japan. It runs 150 km from Mount Sahoro or Karikachi Pass in central Hokkaidō south, running into the sea at Cape Erimo. It consists of folded mountains that range from 1500 to 2000 metres in height. Mount Poroshiri is the highest...
to the West, the stunning Daisetsuzan National Park
Daisetsuzan National Park
, or Taisetsuzan is located in the mountainous center of the northern Japanese island of Hokkaidō. At 2267.64 square kilometers, Daisetsuzan is the largest national park in Japan....
to the North, and the beautiful rolling prairies to the East, there is no lack of outdoor activities one can do. The town is in a prime location for skiers & snowboard enthusiasts alike in the winter, and becomes a cyclists & motorcyclists haven in the warmer months.
- Skiing/Snowboarding
- Several ski hills are within a half-hour drive, including TomamuShimukappu, Hokkaido-External links:* *** in English and Japanese...
Ski Hill, Shintoku Ski HillShintoku, Hokkaidois a town located in Kamikawa District, Tokachi, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2007, the town has an estimated population of 6,993 and a density of 6.98 persons per km². The total area is 1,063.79 km². Surrounding towns include Sahoro, Shimizu, and Shikaoi....
, Sahoro ResortMount Sahorois located in the Hidaka Mountains, Hokkaidō, Japan. It is the site of the Sahoro Ski Resort.There are two routes up the mountain:* Karikachi Pass route* Sahoro Ski Resort route-References:...
, and Memuro's Arashiyama Ski Hill. The first two are easily accessible by train.
- Cycling/Motorcycling
- There are many different ways to see this part of the islandIslandAn island or isle is any piece of sub-continental land that is surrounded by water. Very small islands such as emergent land features on atolls can be called islets, cays or keys. An island in a river or lake may be called an eyot , or holm...
, but none better than on two wheels. Peaceful country roads twist and turn through the low lying foothillsFoothillsFoothills are geographically defined as gradual increases in elevation at the base of a mountain range. They are a transition zone between plains and low relief hills to the adjacent topographically high mountains.-Examples:...
and prairies. One can easily find well paved roads, some with very narrow shoulders. Cyclists riding at night should be extra careful and make sure to have proper equipment for night riding.
Places to Visit
Just a few minutes drive outside of the town center is the Tokachi Millennium Forest http://www.tmf.jp/index_en.html, which is a good place to spend a relaxed afternoon viewing the beautiful gardens, trying out some of the local produce, and local cheese, which can be tasted within a small cheese factory/store within the park. There are also several restaurants and giftshops within the park.Also on the outskirts of town is Freude http://en.visit-hokkaido.jp/travelPlanner/details.php?code=6513002000394, a hotspring hotel, and restaurant.
Education
Shimizu has several educational institutions in town including public schools grades 1-12, and a High School of Arts:- High School:
- Shimizu High School, Hokkaido (prefectural)
- High school of arts, Hokkaido
- Junior high:
- Two schools (Shimizu, Mikage)
- Elementary school
- Two schools (Shimizu, Mikage)
International Exchange
In 1993, Shimizu and the town of Chelsea, MichiganChelsea, Michigan
Chelsea is a city in Washtenaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 4,398 at the 2000 census, at which time it was a village....
began a sister city exchange program, where groups of 7th and 8th graders from Chelsea visit Japan and stay with a host family for just under two weeks. http://www.chelsea-shimizu.org/. The exchange program started in 1993 by Brian Oakley (CHS Class of 1986), and continues to this day.
Shimizu is also in connection with the JET Programme
JET Programme
or is a Japanese government initiative that brings college graduates—mostly native speakers of English—to Japan as Assistant Language Teachers and Sports Education Advisors in Japanese kindergartens, elementary, junior high and high schools, or as Coordinators for International Relations in...
, which contracts out two ALT's
Assistant Language Teacher
Assistant Language Teacher is a term that was created by the Japanese Ministry of Education at the time of the creation of the JET Programme as a translation of the term 外国語指導助手 or literally "foreign language instruction assistant." The terms AET , ELT and NESA Assistant Language Teacher (ALT)...
to Shimizu. ALT's working for the towns board of education
Board of education
A board of education or a school board or school committee is the title of the board of directors or board of trustees of a school, local school district or higher administrative level....
are hired from Michigan
Michigan
Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
, and work at the towns elementary and junior high schools. JET's working for the towns high school, are hired through the Hokkaidō Prefectural Board of Education
Hokkaido Prefectural Board of Education
Hokkaido Prefectural Board of Education is a governmental agency that mainly oversees public schools in Hokkaidō in Japan.The board directly oversees high schools and provides educational services in Hokkaidō.-Abashiri:...
, and are not in connection with the towns sister town.
External links
- Official website in Japanese
- Hidaka MountainsHidaka MountainsHidaka Mountains is a mountain range in southeastern Hokkaidō, Japan. It runs 150 km from Mount Sahoro or Karikachi Pass in central Hokkaidō south, running into the sea at Cape Erimo. It consists of folded mountains that range from 1500 to 2000 metres in height. Mount Poroshiri is the highest...
About Hidaka Mountains - Japan National Route 274 About Route 274
- http://joeygoertz.smugmug.com/Travel/ Pictures of Shimizu and surrounding area
- Mount SahoroMount Sahorois located in the Hidaka Mountains, Hokkaidō, Japan. It is the site of the Sahoro Ski Resort.There are two routes up the mountain:* Karikachi Pass route* Sahoro Ski Resort route-References:...
Mount Sahoro - Doto ExpresswayDoto ExpresswayThe is a 2-laned national expressway in Hokkaidō, Japan. It is owned and operated by East Nippon Expressway Company.-Overview:...
Doto Expressway