Sannai-Maruyama Site Archaeological Site

Address: Sannai‑Maruyama, Aomori 038-1232, Japan

Website: https://sannaimaruyama.pref.aomori.jp/

Hours: Daily 9:00am-5:00pm (museum/site hours may vary seasonally)

Admission: JPY 800-1,000 (museum/park complex admission; local rates may vary)

The Sannai-Maruyama Site is a large Jomon-period archaeological site in Aomori Prefecture on northern Honshu, Japan, and is one of the most important prehistoric settlement sites in the country. It was rediscovered in 1992 and has been developed as an archaeological park and museum.

Excavations since the site’s 1992 discovery revealed sustained occupation during the Jomon period and a complex settlement with varied dwelling types and ritual features. The site has been conserved and interpreted for the public, with protective covers over key excavation areas and reconstruction of representative buildings.

The site lies in Aomori Prefecture in northern Honshu, not far from the city of Aomori, and is presented as an archaeological park accessible to visitors from the region.

• Discovery date: First uncovered during construction work in 1992, extensive excavations turned the site into one of Japan’s foremost Jomon-period parks.
• What to expect: Open-air displays and reconstructions make it possible to see both in-situ features and curated finds in the museum.

What to See#

• Archaeological park: An outdoor archaeological park with excavated house-plots, roofed excavation areas and walking paths that present the settlement layout.
• Museum / exhibition hall: A museum and exhibition building that houses finds from the site and explanatory displays about Jomon-period life and archaeology.
• Reconstructed structures: A reconstruction area with rebuilt pit dwellings and a longhouse that demonstrate Jomon timber construction techniques for visitors.

About 20-30 minutes by bus or 30-40 minutes by car from central Aomori City. Local buses run from Aomori Station to the Sannai‑Maruyama stop; check seasonal schedules.

• Allow at least 90 minutes to visit the outdoor reconstructions and the museum displays; the site is spread out and informative panels are detailed.
• Bring rain protection outside of summer - Aomori weather can change quickly and the site has exposed areas.
• Visit the on-site museum for the best explanations of the settlement's pit houses and artifact finds; guided tours (when available) add valuable context.