Discover the fascinating culture of the Jomon people who lived in Japan during the Neolithic (stone age) period. At this important site, we will walk through a reconstructed village to learn about daily life. Later, we'll go through the museum to see original artifacts found at Sannai Maruyama. I'm looking forward to showing you around one of my favourite places!
Aomori station
Let's meet at bus stop 6.
Take the municipal bus to Sannai Maruyama.
Stroll through the site to learn about the daily life of the Jomon people.
Take the bus back to Aomori station.
Aomori station
Sannai Maruyama is the largest Jomon site in Japan. It is still an active archaeological site and there is much to see and do here. Outside there is a reconstructed village where you will see houses and other buildings from the period, as well as graves, thousands year old pottery fragments and an amazing tower. Inside is a museum showing the original artifacts. Here you will get a deep understanding of the daily lives of the Jomon people. After the museum, we'll head down to where the archaeologists work. If we're very lucky, we'll see them working on artifacts.
If you are interested and have time, there is also an opportunity to do Jomon inspired craft (extra cost).
There is a souvenir shop and also a cafeteria. I highly recommend the chestnut soft ice cream!
guide fee
local information
transportation - bus fare is ¥310 per person, one way.
entrance fee, ¥410 per person.
lunch/snacks
I’m sorry but I won’t be available for tours in 2025.
This tour involves a fair amount of walking so I recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Also, as we'll be outside for part of the time, please wear clothes suitable to the season. Summer can be very hot and humid; a hat and sunscreen is recommended. And don't forget something to drink!
Unless otherwise discussed, we'll travel on the local municipal bus. You will need coins or 1000 yen notes which can be changed on the bus. IC cards, eg; Suica or Pasmo are also accepted.
Whether you're visiting Aomori as a small group or as a solo traveler, do yourself a favor and spend some time with Vikki. It really does feel like meeting up with an old friend! Not only is she engaging and comfortable to be around, she just knows so much about the city and surrounding areas. She gave me great tips on enjoying the San'nai Maruyama Site and a recommendation for a kissaten loved by locals (I went twice)! I also appreciated how easy it was to customize the tour to really hit my personal interests. We visited Showa Daibutsu, Utou Shrine, ASPAM and also had a great feast of a lunch. And she arranged everything. So easy and convenient! Spending the day with Vikki at the beginning of my week-long stay was the highlight of my time in Aomori and I think you would enjoy it as well!
Thanks Heidi. It was lovely meeting you too. I’m happy to hear my suggestions helped you enjoy your time in Aomori. I hope the rest of your trip is just as enjoyable! Regards, Vikki
I found Vikki through the Gowithguide site and had never used them before. She was excellent in many ways....her knowledge of the Jomon period, her patience with me & my requests, her 'bottom-line' answers to questions, her efficiency. Vicki will be recommended by me to my travel consultant in America and others wishing to visit the area in Japan.
Thanks Jill. It was lovely meeting you and exploring Jomon culture together over two days. I also enjoyed our chats and getting to know you better. Regards, Vikki
We met up with Vikki on a warm summer day during the Aomori Nebuta festival and spent some time discovering the city, honed our skills at an amazing caligraphy lesson, a tea ceremony, sake tasting and had a casual dinner with Vikki before heading to the Aomori Parade and festival! Highly recommend for folks (couples or families) with only a day in Aomori and who want to know a little more about the area, history and culture.
Thanks Neil. It was my pleasure to spend the day with you. I hope the kids snaffled more bells on the way back to the ship! Enjoy the rest of your travels. Kind regards, Vikki
Vikki showed up at the appointed date and time at my cruise terminal entrance ready for the 3 hour Hakoda ropeway excursion although I was apprehensive as the appointment was made several months before. Unfortunately the Ropeway was closed due to high winds but Vikki was still able to come up with a Plan B so that we could still have an interesting time visiting several other just as interesting locations around Aomori. Have no hesitation in recommending her as your guide in Aomori as she is very pleasant as well as very knowledgeable regarding Aomori.
Thanks Matthew. It was unfortunate the ropeway was closed but I’m glad to hear you still enjoyed the day. I hope the rest of your trip went smoothly! Regards, Vikki