Sannai Maruyama Iseki

This large historical village site was registered as a world cultural heritage in 2021. It was excavated in 1992 during the site analysis for a prefectural baseball stadium.

Pit dwellings and pillar supported buildings, graves, dumping grounds, roads, etc. from early to mid Jomon Period (about 5900 - 4200 years ago) were found that depict the village set-up and the surrounding environment. A great amount of earthenware, jade brought from somewhere else, chestnuts which seem to have been cultivated, were dug up and the prevailing imagery of Jomon Period culture was overturned by these findings.

With the preservation work done, Sannai Maruyama Historical Site is now open to the public. On the premises, large buildings with six pillars and large/small pit dwellings are lined. You can view the interior of larger pit dwellings. A visitors’ center “Jomon Jiyukan” displays the excavated earthenware, clay dolls, etc. Try making a clay doll or amber pendant head at the workshop for fun.