The Sannai Maruyama historical site is located on the outskirts of Aomori City and offers an interesting insight into the Jomon era, dating back approximately 4000 to 5500 years ago. The site was something of an accidental find, uncovered while trying to find a suitable spot for a new baseball field in the area.
Perhaps needless to say, when the remains were found here the plans for the baseball field were abandoned, but the venue now acts as an outdoor museum where you can learn more about times gone by. Many of the dwellings on the site are able to be entered, and doing so gives you a new appreciation for the craftsmanship of that time. There are reconstructed pit dwellings and pillar supported buildings, clay mining pits, storage pits and more to view at the premises. Admission is free and the site is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Getting there
The Sannai Maruyama Historical Site is located in Aomori, under ten minutes drive from the Shin Aomori shinkansen station. It's also right beside the Aomori Museum of Art if you're looking for something else to do in the area. If you're headed here via private vehicle there's free parking available.
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