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, Hokkaido 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. Recreation The town is in a prime location for skiers & snowboard enthusiasts alike in the winter, and becomes a haven for cyclists and motorcyclists in the warmer months. Skiing/Snowboarding Several ski hills are within a half-hour drive, including Tomamu Ski Hill and Memuro's Arashiyama Ski Hill. 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, Michigan 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. 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 town's board of education are hired from Michigan, and work at the town's elementary and junior high schools. JET's working for the town's high school, are hired through the Hokkaidō Prefectural Board of Education, and are not in connection with the town's sister town. Mascots Shimizu's mascots are and . Ut-chan is a tomboyish Japanese bush warbler who loves to play ice hockey and do skiing. She also attends matsuri festivals. She is unveiled in 1990. Hataraku-kun is a water alien who is Ut-chan's assistant. His name comes from the Ainu word "pekerebetsu" meaning a bright and pure river. He is unveiled in 2010. Notable people from Shimizu Miho Oki, former racing cyclist Shota Sakaki, football player See also Hidaka Mountains Japan National Route 274 Mount Sahoro Doto Expressway References