Visit to Sannai-Maruyama Site
On the afternoon of Friday, 20 November 2026, participants are invited to join an excursion to the Sannai-Maruyama Site, one of Japan's largest and most remarkable archaeological sites from the Jomon Period.
Conveniently located within Aomori City, the site is only about 20 minutes by bus from the workshop venue, making it an easy opportunity to experience one of Japan's most important cultural heritage sites.
The Jomon Period began more than 10,000 years ago, long before recorded history in Japan. Until relatively recently, many people believed that Jomon communities lived precarious lives in small, temporary settlements, constantly struggling against nature.
This perception changed dramatically following the archaeological discoveries at the Sannai-Maruyama Site in 1992. Archaeologists uncovered evidence of a large and long-lasting settlement that flourished for centuries, revealing a level of social organization and stability that few had imagined. The discoveries transformed our understanding of prehistoric Japan and attracted international attention.
In 2021, Sannai-Maruyama was inscribed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan." The designation recognizes the exceptional testimony these sites provide to a prehistoric culture that maintained a settled way of life based on hunting, fishing, and gathering for more than 10,000 years.
Many visitors arrive expecting to see an archaeological site. They often leave with a rather different impression of what prehistoric society could achieve.
Participants will enjoy a guided tour of approximately two hours, including both the archaeological site and the museum, providing an opportunity to explore one of the most significant discoveries in Japanese archaeology.
Shuttle Bus Information
Excursion participants will receive their shuttle bus assignment at the registration desk. Please check your assigned bus before departure.
Shuttle buses will depart from Hotel Aomori at either 13:00 or 13:30. Return buses are scheduled approximately 2.5 hours after arrival at the Sannai-Maruyama Site.
Participants who wish to spend additional time exploring the site or surrounding area are welcome to return to the hotel on their own. Please note that the final scheduled local bus back toward central Aomori departs from the site at 17:48.
- Departure: 13:00 from Hotel Aomori
- Arrival: 13:30 at Sannai-Maruyama Site
- Departure: 16:00 from Sannai-Maruyama Site
- Arrival: 16:30 at Hotel Aomori
- Departure: 13:30 from Hotel Aomori
- Arrival: 14:00 at Sannai-Maruyama Site
- Departure: 16:30 from Sannai-Maruyama Site
- Arrival: 17:00 at Hotel Aomori