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When you think of Aomori Prefecture, many people will think of apples, the Nebuta Festival, tuna, and the Seikan Tunnel. However, few people would associate Aomori Prefecture with clay figurines
In fact, in addition to apples and festivals, Aomori Prefecture is also a land where many clay figurines have been excavated. Aomori Prefecture also holds the record for the highest number of clay figurines excavated, with 2,415 confirmed to have been excavated as of 2016
This time, we will introduce clay figurine-related spots in various parts of Aomori Prefecture. Please use this article as reference for your trip
Sannai Maruyama ruins
Over 2,000 clay figurines have been excavated at the Sannai-Maruyama Ruins, a World Heritage Site. In addition to the clay figurines, remains of pit dwellings and food such as chestnuts, walnuts, and fish bones have also been excavated, making this a spot that allows you to imagine what life was like in the Jomon period
The permanent exhibition room displays approximately 1,700 excavated items, including 500 designated Important Cultural Properties. One particularly noteworthy exhibit is a large, approximately 32cm tall clay figurine that appears to have its arms outstretched in a cross shape
Even if you are not that knowledgeable about history, you can ask the volunteer guides of the Sannai Maruyama Support Team for a detailed explanation
Additionally, at the restaurant inside the building, you can enjoy unusual delicacies such as "Jomon Udon" made with chestnuts, acorns, and yam, and "Dogu Parfait" with cookies designed after clay figurines
INFORMATION
Name: Sannai Maruyama Ruins
Address: 305 Maruyama, Sannai, Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture
At the Korekawa Jomon Museum in Hachinohe City, the Gassho Clay Figurine and the Chinjutsu Clay Figurine are on display. The Gassho Clay Figurine has been designated a National Treasure and is characterized by its posture of sitting with both hands clasped together on its lap
Clay figurine gacha prizes
The clay figurine with hands clasped together, measuring 19.8 cm in height, 14.2 cm in width, and 15.2 cm in depth, is the only one on display in the museum's National Treasure Exhibition Room
Additionally, the museum's "Jomon Beauty Corner" displays lacquered earthenware, lacquerware, and earthenware and stoneware excavated from the Korekawa Nakai Ruins. From these actual excavated items, you can get a sense of the aesthetic sense and values of the Jomon period
INFORMATION
Name: Korekawa Jomon Museum
Address: 1 Yokoyama, Korekawa, Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture
If you're sightseeing, be sure to stop by Kizukuri Station on the JR Gono Line. Embedded in the station is a gigantic clay figurine affectionately known as Shako-chan
Modeled after a gobo clay figurine excavated in the city, it stands out at approximately 17 meters in height and has a striking presence. About three minutes before the train arrives, you can also see the "Welcome Beam," which flashes its eyes to let you know the train is approaching
INFORMATION
Name: JR Gono Line Kizukuri Station
Address: 10 Kizukuri Fusamatsu, Tsugaru City, Aomori Prefecture
At the Jomon Dwellings Exhibition Museum Karuko, a 15-minute walk from JR Kizukuri Station, you can see an elaborate replica of a dogu
The Goggle Clay Figurine was excavated from the Kamegaoka ruins, about 10km from the museum, and is characterized by its eyes that look like they are wearing goggles
The museum also houses a large pit dwelling from the late Jomon period, allowing visitors to imagine what life was like for people at that time
INFORMATION
Name: Jomon Dwellings Exhibition Museum Karuko
Address: 59-1 Kizukuri Wakamidori, Tsugaru City, Aomori Prefecture
The Noheji Town History and Folklore Museum on the Shimokita Peninsula in Aomori Prefecture exhibits a clay figurine affectionately known as "Jomon Kurara."
As its name suggests, derived from "Heidi, Girl of the Alps," this is a rare clay figurine that can stand on its own on two legs
Also on display is a red lacquered wooden bowl that is said to be the oldest mother-of-pearl work in Japan, allowing visitors to see the decorative culture using conch shells that is unique to coastal regions
Admission fee: Adults 210 yen / High school and university students 100 yen / Elementary and junior high school students free
Business hours: 9:00-16:00
Closed: Mondays, the day after public holidays and substitute holidays, and New Year's holidays (December 29th to January 3rd)
GOOGLE MAP
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Experience the world of clay figurines with your own eyes
This time we introduced clay figurines that can be seen in Aomori Prefecture, a land where over 2,000 clay figurines have been excavated
Each clay figurine has a different appearance and some are delicately crafted. The more you learn about them, the deeper and more intriguing the world of clay figurines becomes. Why not try experiencing it for yourself?
Freelance writer from Miyagi Prefecture. She loves words and letters and is an avid reader who reads over 15 books every month. Her recent hobbies include finding cafes where she can enjoy reading and sweets that go well with books.
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