Komakino Ruins

Overview

The Komakino Ruins are a significant site from the early Jomon period located in Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture, and a key component of the World Heritage site, "Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Hokkaido and Northern Tohoku." Situated on a tongue-shaped plateau at an altitude of 80-160 meters, it offers a commanding view of the Aomori Plain. Designated as a national historical site in 1995, excavations have uncovered circular stone arrangements, pit graves, and the remains of pit dwellings. The circular stone arrangement, notably, is constructed on a leveled section of the slope at the highest point of the site. It consists of a triple ring structure: a 2.5-meter-diameter central ring, a 29-meter-diameter inner ring, and a 35.5-meter-diameter outer ring. Beyond this, there are arc-shaped and linear stone arrangements, including another circular arrangement approximately 4 meters in diameter, resulting in an overall diameter of approximately 55 meters. This circular stone arrangement is a valuable resource for understanding the society and beliefs of that time. Artifacts such as pottery and stone tools unearthed from the pit graves provide significant insight into daily life, culture, and religious practices. The unearthed artifacts also include items with strong ritualistic elements, further enriching our understanding of their lifestyle and beliefs. The Komakino Ruins offer a unique opportunity to engage with the history and culture of the Jomon period. The Komakino Ruins Protection Center, "Jomon no Manabiya Komakino-kan," in Aomori City provides further information about the site. Why not visit the Komakino Ruins and experience the lives and beliefs of the Jomon people firsthand?