What are the Sannai Maruyama Ruins and why are they important?

The Sannai Maruyama Ruins are Japan's largest Jomon period archaeological site located in Aomori City, dating back 5,900-4,200 years ago. This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases ancient Japanese civilization with reconstructed pit dwellings, elevated storehouses, and a massive six-pillar wooden structure, making it one of Japan's most significant prehistoric settlements.

How do I get to Sannai Maruyama Ruins from Aomori Station?

From Aomori Station, take the JR Bus Nebuta-go shuttle bus directly to Sannai Maruyama Ruins (15 minutes, 300 yen). Alternatively, take JR Ominato Line to Shinjo Station (5 minutes) then walk 10 minutes, or drive via Route 4 with free parking available at the Sannai Maruyama Jomon Museum.

What can visitors see and do at Sannai Maruyama Ruins?

Visitors can explore reconstructed Jomon period buildings including pit dwellings, elevated storehouses, and the iconic large pillar building. The site features guided tours, hands-on archaeological experiences, Jomon pottery making workshops, and the modern Sannai Maruyama Jomon Museum displaying over 1,700 artifacts including clay figurines, stone tools, and lacquerware.

When is the best time to visit Sannai Maruyama Ruins?

The best time to visit Sannai Maruyama Ruins is late spring through early autumn (May-October) when weather is mild and extended hours apply. Summer offers special evening illumination events and outdoor workshops. Winter visits are possible but shorter daylight hours and snow may limit outdoor exploration of the archaeological site.

Aomori

Sannai Maruyama Ruins, Aomori

4.3 (5147)Historical LandmarkTourist AttractionHistorical PlacePoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated Jul 9, 2026

The Sannai Maruyama Archaeological Site represents one of Japan's most significant prehistoric settlements, dating from the early to middle Jomon period (approximately 5900-4200 years ago). Located in Aomori City in northern Japan, this expansive site was discovered in 1992 during construction work and has since been designated as a Special Historic Site by the Japanese government in November 2000. In July 2021, it became part of the UNESCO World Heritage inscription as one of the "Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan."

The archaeological site demonstrates the sophisticated nature of Jomon civilization through its planned settlement layout featuring pit dwellings, pillar-supported structures, and organized community spaces. The site sits on a coastal terrace at approximately 20 meters elevation along the Okidate River, strategically positioned near abundant aquatic resources and deciduous broadleaved forests. This location provided the ideal conditions for a thriving prehistoric community that existed for over 1,700 years.

Visitors can explore authentic reconstructed Jomon-period buildings including the famous large pillar-supported structures that showcase advanced prehistoric architectural techniques. The Sannai Maruyama Jomon Culture Center houses approximately 1,700 archaeological artifacts, including about 500 Important Cultural Properties excavated from the site. Notable exhibits include large flat clay figurines and a distinctive Jomon pochette (pouch), offering insight into the daily lives, crafts, and spiritual practices of Japan's prehistoric inhabitants.

Free guided tours in English are available upon request and highly recommended for understanding the site's historical significance. These hour-long tours are conducted by knowledgeable volunteer guides who provide detailed explanations of the excavation discoveries and Jomon lifestyle. Visitors can also borrow audio players at the information desk to access English commentary for video presentations.

The site is easily accessible from JR Aomori Station via city bus directly to the Sannai Maruyama Iseki stop, taking approximately 20-30 minutes. From JR Shin-Aomori Station, a convenient 15-minute shuttle bus service operates regularly. Visitors arriving by car can reach the site in 5 minutes from the Aomori Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway, with parking facilities available on-site. Admission to the Sannai Maruyama Jomon Culture Center is ¥410 for adults (¥330 for groups). The site offers comprehensive facilities including detailed English-language information materials and well-maintained pathways suitable for all visitors exploring this remarkable window into Japan's prehistoric past.

Hours

Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone

+81 17-766-8282

Website

sannaimaruyama.pref.aomori.jp

Overview

Address

Maruyama-305 Sannai, Aomori, 038-0031, Japan

Places & attractions near Sannai Maruyama Ruins, Aomori

Kabushima Shrine, Hachinohe

Towada Shrine, Aomori

Fujita Memorial Garden, Hirosaki

Goshogawara Station

Places & attractions near Sannai Maruyama Ruins, Aomori

Kabushima Shrine, Hachinohe

Towada Shrine, Aomori

Fujita Memorial Garden, Hirosaki

Goshogawara Station

Frequently Asked Questions

Traveler reviews

Visited the ruins and it was good to see the museums and the ruins excavation site. There were guided tours available to explain everything you see there, but it was only in the local Japanese language. It would have been great if there was an English guide also available who could explain everything. Would have loved to have the guides explain everything, we see in English. Currently only Japanese guides were present. But all in all, it was a nice experience to see and read everything.

Nirav Gangar

May 28, 2026

We had an hour to spare before we returned our rental car at AOJ, so we decided to check out this historical site, since it's only 20 minute drive from the airport. This is an amazing place to visit in Aomori, and I wish I spent 3-4 hours here. There is so much to see so we are so bummed we didn't have time for the museum. The staff is so helpful, providing suggestions and even helped track down our cell phone left at the restroom. We went to the theater to get the historical background of the site. With the help of Google Translate live transcribe feature I was able to follow along. I hope in the future they would incorporate English caption. We then checked out the expansive excavations outside, very intriguing to say the least.

Very easy to get to by bus from Aomori Station (S51). But check bus schedules because they are spaced an hour apart. Also check bus schedules that return to the city before you start your tour. Guided tours are only in Japanese, but audio guides are available for the theatre show and signages are in English too. The museum is choke full of exhibits including a big wall and the storage which you will see the remains of the pillar supports for the tall structure reconstruction. Stop by the cafeteria too for soba or curry rice, which is quite decent.

A World Heritage Site: archeological site where eraly peoples of the Jomon period lived. Reconstructed dwellings and a museum displaying pottery finds and info on how life was in those times

An incredible museum showing the ancient Jomon civilization of Japanese pre-history. There are reconstructed huts and halls from the era, as well as active dig sites that illustrate the archaeological process. Well worth coming to see this. The outdoor village is the best part, however the museum and it's exhibits inside are also well made and very informative.