Sannai-Maruyama Archaeological Site Aomori
Explore one of Japan's largest Jomon period settlements, with reconstructed dwellings and a museum filled with ancient treasures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Catch fall colors & fewer crowds
Sannai-Maruyama Archaeological Site Aomori
Best Time
Catch fall colors & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore one of Japan's largest Jomon period settlements, with reconstructed dwellings and a museum filled with ancient treasures.
"An amazing collection and display of history and treasure of how ancient Japanese lived over 5000 years ago."
🎒 Coin Lockers Available
Generous coin lockers (100 yen, refundable) are available for all sizes, even suitcases!
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the expansive outdoor site, so comfortable footwear is a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Reconstructed Jomon Dwellings
Open-air site
Step back in time by exploring the impressive reconstructions of Jomon period homes, offering a glimpse into ancient Japanese life.
Artifacts and Exhibits
Museum
Discover a vast collection of well-preserved pottery, tools, and other treasures that reveal the sophistication of this ancient civilization.
Large Pillar Structures
Open-air site
Marvel at the remnants of massive pillar structures, hinting at the advanced architectural and spiritual practices of the Jomon people.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Fall Foliage
Allocate Ample Time for Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎒 Coin Lockers Available
Generous coin lockers (100 yen, refundable) are available for all sizes, even suitcases!
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the expansive outdoor site, so comfortable footwear is a must.
🗣️ Utilize Translation Apps
Google Translate can add humor and enhance communication with staff and fellow visitors.
🤝 Join Guided Tours
Engage with knowledgeable guides, especially if you can join a university student group for insights.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎒 Coin Lockers Available
Generous coin lockers (100 yen, refundable) are available for all sizes, even suitcases!
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the expansive outdoor site, so comfortable footwear is a must.
🗣️ Utilize Translation Apps
Google Translate can add humor and enhance communication with staff and fellow visitors.
🤝 Join Guided Tours
Engage with knowledgeable guides, especially if you can join a university student group for insights.
🎨 Try Hands-On Crafts
Participate in craft activities and even take home kits to recreate Jomon-inspired items.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Sannai-Maruyama Archaeological Site for its incredibly insightful and well-designed museum, showcasing well-preserved Jomon period artifacts. The reconstructed dwellings and large pillar structures offer a tangible connection to ancient Japanese life, with many appreciating the ongoing research and the potential for future discoveries. While the site is a bit remote, the educational value and the unique glimpse into early civilization make it a highly recommended visit.
"Date of enjoyment: 17/4/25
An amazing collection and display of history and treasure of how ancient Japanese lived over 5000 years ago. The preservation of the architecture and buried pottery needs to be seen in life to be appreciated. This is an open air museum but does have an indoor section, best to come here along with the Art museum next door. Allow at least 90mins here to explore."
Jay Cao
"Incredibly insightful and well-designed museum. All of the artifacts and exhibits are very well preserved and/or reconstructed, and the displays provide easy-to-digest and informative narratives. There's quite a bit to see, so it's definitely worth a short trip."
Terrance Zhang
"Perfect, they have coin lockers that are all 100¥ even big ones (you can easily fit a suitcase) and it's only lending, which means they give you your coin back afterwards. When I came there was still snow so I couldn't see everything but it was very interesting, especially handcrafts which you can learn to do by yourself with someone's help, and they even have kits to teach you how to do your own thing at home which is simply incredible, definitely recommend, I spend 2 to 3 hours and don't regret it at all, the staff is also extremely nice"
Océane Lésiak
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The site is accessible via public transport. You can take the P51 bus from downtown Aomori and return via the A1 bus. It's a worthwhile trip even though it's a bit remote.
Yes, it's well-signposted and accessible by bus, making it relatively easy to reach from Aomori city.
The site is an open-air museum, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. You'll be exploring on foot to see the reconstructions and exhibits.
The Aomori Museum of Art is located next door and is often visited in conjunction with the archaeological site.
While possible, it's best enjoyed as part of a longer stay in Aomori to fully appreciate its historical significance and surrounding region.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The site generally opens around 9 AM and closes at 5 PM, but it's always best to check the official website for the most up-to-date hours, especially during different seasons.
Admission to the Sannai-Maruyama Archaeological Site is typically free, making it an accessible historical experience.
No advance booking is usually required as admission is free. You can typically walk in and explore at your own pace.
The site often hosts special exhibitions and hands-on craft workshops, particularly during peak seasons. Check their official schedule for details.
Spring (April-May) and Autumn (October-November) offer pleasant weather for exploring the outdoor site. Autumn is particularly beautiful with fall foliage.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore reconstructed Jomon period dwellings, large pillar structures, and an indoor museum filled with artifacts like pottery and tools. 
Most visitors find that 2 to 3 hours is sufficient to explore the site and museum thoroughly.
Yes, children can find the reconstructed dwellings and artifacts fascinating. The hands-on craft activities are also a hit with younger visitors.
Yes, guided tours are often available, and some visitors have had wonderful experiences joining groups led by knowledgeable guides.
Sannai-Maruyama is one of the largest and best-preserved Jomon period sites, offering unique insights into a peaceful society with high technical skills and spirituality.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in the outdoor areas and the museum, but it's always good to check for any specific restrictions on certain exhibits.
The reconstructed dwellings, the large pillar structures, and the scenic views of the surrounding landscape during autumn are excellent photo opportunities.
Drone usage is typically restricted at archaeological sites to protect the artifacts and structures. It's best to assume drones are not permitted.
Capture the unique Jomon pottery and tools in the museum, and the impressive scale of the reconstructed dwellings.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful shadows and highlight the textures of the site. Autumn mornings offer vibrant colors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The site's open-air nature means kids can run around and explore safely, making it a great place for active learning. Don't miss the hands-on craft activities, where children can try their hand at Jomon-style crafts, providing a fun and memorable takeaway.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Pack your own snacks and water to save on food costs, although there are facilities available. The extensive outdoor area provides plenty of space for a picnic. Remember to bring comfortable walking shoes as there are no rental options on-site.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Unearthing the Jomon Period
The Jomon people were known for their sophisticated pottery, often decorated with cord patterns (hence 'Jomon,' meaning 'cord-marked'). What makes Sannai-Maruyama particularly fascinating is the evidence of a peaceful and organized society. Visitors can explore reconstructed dwellings that offer a tangible sense of daily life, as well as the imposing large pillar structures, whose purpose remains a subject of ongoing research and speculation.
The site's continuous excavation means there's always more to discover, highlighting the dynamic nature of archaeological research. The museum at Sannai-Maruyama houses an impressive collection of artifacts unearthed from the site. These include intricately decorated pottery, stone tools, jade accessories, and even preserved organic materials.
It's a place where you can truly feel a connection to Japan's ancient past.Navigating Your Visit: Practicalities and Insights
Comfort is key for exploring the expansive outdoor grounds. Wearing comfortable shoes is highly advised, as you'll be walking extensively between the reconstructed dwellings and various points of interest.
To make the most of your visit, consider allocating 2 to 3 hours for thorough exploration.
For deeper understanding, engaging with guided tours can be incredibly beneficial, offering insights that might otherwise be missed. 
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