Sannai-Maruyama Special Historical Site

The Sannai-Maruyama special historical site is a journey back in time. This, Aomori’s archaeological wonderland, was actually only discovered in 1992 when the area was being surveyed with plans for opening a new baseball stadium. Excavation of the site led to the discovery of pit-dwellings, adult burial pits and burial jars for children, building pillars, storage pits, clay mining pits, and remains of roads all giving a brand new insight into Jomon Period villages in Japan.

Sannai-Maruyama Special Historical Site

The Jomon Period was a time of great cultural evolution, rich with pottery, tools and jewellery, the era excites many history buffs given its sophistication within a primarily hunter-gathering context.

Sannai-Maruyama Special Historical Site

Since its discovery, the area has been designated as a special historical site by the Japanese government. Alongside similar discoveries in Hokkaido, Iwate and Akita prefectures, it’s currently under consideration to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sannai-Maruyama Special Historical Site

Sannai-Maruyama Special Historical Site

The best way to get to the area is by catching a 20 minute, 310 yen bus from Aomori Station to Sannai-Maruyama-Iseki-mae bus stop. It is also an easy five-minute stroll from the Aomori Museum of Art. If you do plan on visiting it’s recommended to visit during spring, summer or autumn, when the grounds are not covered in snow. Though the area is open all year round so if you’re not afraid of doing a little bit of your own archeological digging through layers of Aomori snow any time of year is fine.

Sannai-Maruyama Special Historical Site

Following the excavation of the area, many items have been reburied in the name of preservation, however a few buildings have been restored, giving visitors insight into the largest and one of the most comprehensive and well preserved Jomon Period villages in Japan. Visitors are able to enter the reconstructions, and explore a few of the exposed original excavation sites dotted around the grounds.

If you’re interested in learning more about the site and people who lived during the Jomon Period visit the Jomon Jiyukan located adjacent to the excavation location. The hub exhibits items uncovered in the area. Entry is free and you can also try on period clothing, and try making handicrafts and toys with tools of the era. The Jomon Jiyukan is open from 9:00am to 5:00pm daily (or until 6:00pm during June through September), and admission ends 30 minutes prior to closing time. Visitors can ask the front desk staff for a tablet device that explains the exhibits and offers an augmented reality view of the ruins site outside. If that has only increased your appetite for exploration, daily free tours guided by volunteers are available in English and Japanese.

Special Historical Site Sannai-Maruyama Site

Aomori Pref. Aomorishi Sannai Maruyama

0177668282

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