Guide
The Sannai-Maruyama Site is a massive settlement from the early to middle Jomon period (approximately 3,900 to 2,200 BCE) located in Aomori Prefecture. Since excavations began in 1992, numerous pit dwellings, large-scale post-hole structures, and artifacts such as pottery, stone tools, wooden implements, and bone-and-antler tools have been discovered. Due to its immense historical value, the site was inscribed as part of the "Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan" UNESCO World Heritage list in 2021. The site features the "Jomon Jiyu-kan" museum, a facility where visitors can deeply explore the structures and artifacts that reveal the lifestyle of the Jomon people.
This site served as a vital settlement during the Jomon period. Recognizing its significance, Aomori Prefecture moved to preserve the site in 1994. It was designated as a National Historic Site in 1997, a Special Historic Site in 2000, and 1,958 of its excavated items were designated as Important Cultural Properties in 2003. It stands as a crucial evidence of the "Mura" (settlement) form of the Jomon era, showing how ancient people interacted with their natural environment and established complex lives.
The archaeological area is dotted with structures that demonstrate ancient architectural techniques and lifestyles. A standout feature is the