Aomori City Nebuta Wa Rasse and Sannai Maruyama Site Course

Aomori City is known across Japan for the great summer Nebuta Festival. You can feel that energy all year at Wa Rasse, a cultural hall in front of Aomori Station. On the edge of the city lies Sannai Maruyama, the vast ruins of a Jomon era village, now a World Heritage site. The frenzy of a festival, and life five thousand years ago. This course visits both faces of Aomori City in a single day.

Course Route

9:00 Start at Aomori Station Begin in the seaside bay area. First stop is right by the station.

9:15 See the floats at Wa Rasse View giant Nebuta floats used in the real festival up close, and learn the craft and history behind them.

11:00 Stroll the Aomori bay area Enjoy the port town mood beside the memorial ship Hakkoda Maru.

12:00 Lunch with a nokke rice bowl Pick your own toppings for this famous market rice bowl.

13:30 Head to Sannai Maruyama Take a bus to the suburban ruins, where a reconstructed tall post building greets you.

14:00 Explore Sannai Maruyama Walk the wide Jomon village and imagine ancient life from the pit dwellings and unearthed items.

16:00 Return to Aomori Station Close a day that spanned a festival and the Jomon age.

Highlights

The large Nebuta floats at Wa Rasse overwhelm you up close with their size and vivid colors. At night the lighting gives them a dreamlike look. At Sannai Maruyama, the six pillar tall building speaks of the advanced skill of the Jomon people, and simply walking the spacious site lets you feel the passage of deep time.

Access and Tips

Wa Rasse is a short walk from Aomori Station, and a bus is handy for reaching Sannai Maruyama. The ruins are mostly outdoors, so dress for the weather. Free guides explain the highlights of the village, so join one if the timing fits to deepen your understanding.

A Quick Tip

At Sannai Maruyama you can actually step inside the reconstructed buildings. Standing on the cool earthen floor brings Jomon life vividly close.