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Day 1: Exploring Aomori's Artistic and Ancient Gems

Delve into Aomori's artistic heritage and rich history by exploring the Aomori Museum of Art, where contemporary masterpieces meet innovative architecture, and the Sannai Maruyama Jomon Culture Center – an archaeological gem that brings ancient history to life.

Aomori Museum of Art

A breath of fresh air—figuratively and literally—welcomes you upon your arrival at the Aomori Museum of Art. The museum's striking white building, surrounded by expansive greenery, was designed by Jun Aoki and inspired by the nearby Sannai-Maruyama Site.

It features architectural elements reminiscent of archaeological excavations, creating a unique atmosphere that sets the stage for a captivating artistic experience.

As you venture deeper into the lobby and step into the lift ascending to the exhibition space, a grand atrium 19 meters high and 21 meters wide engulfs you, known as the Aleko Hall. Each wall of this four-cornered atrium showcases the masterpieces of the 20th-century artist Marc Chagall (1887-1985), commissioned by the New York ballet company – American Ballet Theatre – in honor of the ballet Aleko.

Following the exhibit's route takes you to the works of Yoshitomo Nara, a Japanese contemporary artist born in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture. Nara's artworks often feature childlike figures, predominantly young girls or animals, infused with mischievous or rebellious elements that convey emotional complexity. One of his standout pieces is the Aomori-ken, a colossal dog sculpture towering 8.5 meters high. Its commanding presence has established it as a prominent symbol of the museum. In contrast, his other sculpture – Miss Forest – residing in an octagonal brick structure, captivates visitors with a solemn atmosphere that seems to speak through the tranquil sounds of nature.

In addition to Chagall and Nara, the museum exhibits works by renowned Japanese artists such as Shiko Munakata and Shuji Terayama, as well as international figures.

Visitors can also take a break at Café Los Cuatro Gatos, offering light meals and desserts made from local ingredients, while enjoying views of the museum grounds and Nara's iconic Miss Forest sculpture.

Before leaving, guests can browse the museum shop for unique souvenirs, ranging from stationery items to books and postcards, ensuring a lasting memory of their visit to this cultural oasis in Aomori. With its blend of art, architecture, and natural beauty, the Aomori Museum of Art offers a truly immersive experience for art enthusiasts and travelers alike.

Sannai Maruyama Site (Sanmaru)

The Sannai Maruyama Site is an archaeological site showcasing the ingenious lifestyle of the Jomon period (3,900 BCE to 400 BCE). As one of northern Japan's Jomon prehistoric sites, designated as a Special National Historic Site, it bears testimony to the transition from the nomadic life of prehistoric people to a settled lifestyle relying on hunting, fishing, and gathering. Its historical and cultural value has earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learning about their complex spirituality, settlement formations, and natural lifestyle that blossomed from coexisting with nature might help us understand more about our present and connect us to our future.

Sanmaru Museum

The museum is full of surprises with its cutting-edge interactive exhibits. At the reception, renting a tablet is highly recommended to optimize their VR (virtual reality) experience. The tablet, available in multiple languages, provides 3D imaging of Jomon artifacts, visuals of Jomon society, and detailed descriptions of the Sannai Maruyama Site.

The tablet contains 3D imaging of Jomon artifacts and 3D visuals of the once prosperous Jomon society. The museum also features a theater showing an introductory video about the Jomon people and their way of life.

Life-sized figures depict everyday Jomon activities alongside artifacts.

The museum experience is enhanced by multilingual audio guides at every turn accessible via smartphones, making it a fun way to connect with and imagine life from thousands of years ago.

Another highlight is the work studio, where visitors can observe the study, reassembly, and restoration of artifacts. The basement also houses the almost 6-meter Jomon Big Wall, embedded with 5,120 fragments of Jomon pottery, and a storage room with rows of meticulously displayed pottery on 4-meter-tall shelves.

Sannai Maruyama Village VR Experience

Enter the "Jiyu Tunnel" and be transported to the Jomon archaeological site, filled with historical treasures from a bygone era.

Using a tablet, you can easily navigate the expansive Sannai Maruyama Site. Each checkpoint provides a description accessible through the tablet, showing visitors the likely scenery of each site during its prime. This approach helps visitors better understand the value and significance of the ruins in shaping Japan’s history.

Excavations since 1992 have uncovered the remains of pit dwellings, graves, elevated houses, storage pits, and 1,700 artifacts dating from 3,900 BCE to 2,200 BCE, of which 500 are designated as important cultural properties.

Other facilities

Let's not forget that museum also has a restaurant offering dishes made with Jomon ingredients, like chestnut-flavored ice cream! The museum shops are also nothing short of amazing, selling Jomon-related goods and books along with popular Aomori souvenirs.

Hands-on workshops on Jomon crafts are also available (reservation required). There's never a dull moment at Sanmaru—spend a day here and enjoy all it offers!

Day 2: Discovering Aomori's Vibrant Bay Area and the Nebuta Festival
Day 3: Unveiling Morioka's Charms and Hiraizumi’s Spiritual Heritage