Japan’s largest Jomon settlement
The existence of the Sannai-Maruyama site was known during the 17th century in the Edo Era, but the revelation of it being Japan’s largest Jomon settlement came to light after long years of excavation. The settlement existed between 2000 and 3500 BC, and it’s considered to have been around at the same time as Stonehenge in England and the Pyramid of King Cheops of Egypt. From these ruins, structures such as pit houses, raised-floor houses and pillared buildings have been revealed, and from the large number of artifacts, the sedentary lifestyle of the Jomon people who lived on this site rich in nature from the mountains and seas and the distant trade and commerce has been illustrated so that in the year 2000, the site was registered as a National Special Historic Site.
A museum that is free of admission
The site is generally free to the public, and at the San-Maru Museum, there are a total of 1700 exhibits on display including 500 Important Cultural Properties that have been unearthed. Among these are artifacts which relate the high skill possessed by the Jomon people such as woven Jomon pochettes and wooden plates painted in red lacquer. Also, there are dioramas which recreate the life of those times, commentary from digital photo frames, and videos, plus there are interactive workshops where you can make items such as Jomon pochettes and amber pendants through the techniques used by the Jomon people. Outside, restored Jomon houses from that time are displayed which can be toured.
Very enjoyable services for visitors
At the Sannai-Maruyama Ruins, many services are provided for visitors. In the museum, Jomon clothing can be rented so that you can enjoy taking that commemorative photo. As well, the multi-language service doesn’t involve only pamphlets but video translation unit rental, English explanation of the exhibits, and other services for foreigners. Other amenities include rental of baby carriages and wheelchairs, and restaurants so that children and adults alike can spend a worry-free time on the site.