The Sannai-Maruyama Site, located in Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture, Japan, is a significant archaeological site discovered in 1992 during a survey for a new housing development. It is considered one of the most important archaeological finds in Japan.
The site dates back to the Jomon period, which lasted from approximately 14,000 BC to 300 BC. It is believed to have been a large settlement of the Jomon people, known for their unique culture and way of life. The site covers an area of over 40 hectares and includes the remains of numerous dwellings, along with various structures and artifacts.
Visitors to the Sannai-Maruyama Site can explore the excavated remains of the settlement, including reconstructed dwellings and other structures. One of the most notable features is the large central plaza surrounded by the remains of important structures, such as a large ceremonial hall and a raised platform, suggesting that the settlement was a center of religious and social activity during the Jomon period.
The site also houses a museum which displays artifacts from the Jomon period and provides information about the history and culture of the people who lived there.
The Sannai-Maruyama Site is a designated National Historic Site of Japan and, since 2021, a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the “Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan”. It attracts visitors worldwide who are interested in the history and culture of Japan’s ancient peoples.
Getting there
By Bus from Aomori Station
- Take the Aomori City Bus or Aomori Shuttle Bus “Nebutan” bound for Sannai Maruyama Iseki
- Get off at “Sannai Maruyama Iseki” bus stop
- Travel time: About 30-40 minutes
- Fare: 310 yen
By Bus from Shin-Aomori Station
- Take the Aomori Shuttle Bus “Nebutan”
- Get off at “Sannai Maruyama Iseki” bus stop
- Travel time: About 15-20 minutes
By Car
- About 20 minutes from Aomori Station
- About 10 minutes from Shin-Aomori Station
- About 30 minutes from Aomori Airport
- About 5 minutes from Aomori IC on the Tohoku Expressway
Details
| Hours | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM June 1st to September 30th / 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Closed on Fourth Monday of every month. |
| Admission | Adults: 410 yen High school and university students: 200 yen |
| Phone | +81 17-766-8282 |
| Address | Maruyama-305 Sannai, Aomori, 038-0031 |
| Resources | https://jomon-japan.jp/en/learn/jomon-sites/sannai-maruyama |
