The Aomori Museum of Art was built next to ancient ruins dating back some 5,000 years. The museum's architectural style is quite unique, reflecting the image of the nearby excavation site. The interior is laid out like a maze, letting visitors view artwork as they find their way through their peculiar surroundings. An approximately 3-hour bullet train ride from Tokyo, Aomori Prefecture is a region known for rich nature and harsh winters. This land has given birth to numerous works of art that are highly representative of this region. The museum has put particular effort into the collecting the works of local artists, allowing visitors to come into contact with special artwork the likes of which cannot be seen anywhere else.