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Sano City

Highlights of Sano City

Sano City (佐野市) in Tochigi Prefecture is 80 km north of Tokyo, on the edge of the Kanto Plain. Due to its unique location, Sano was a strategic location for warlords in the 10th century.

Sano is most famous for its Ramen (Sano Ramen / 佐野ラーメン) and Outlet Mall. However, there are many other hidden gems, such as sake breweries to visit.

Founded in 1673, Dai-ichi Shuzo (第一酒造)is the oldest Sake brewery in the area. Tenmyo Imono (天明鋳物) has the longest ongoing iron casting tradition in Japan, starting here more than 1,000 years ago. Both offer unique experiences not found in Tokyo.

In spring and autumn, seasonal flowers and colors can be enjoyed on the hiking trail on Mt. Karasawa (唐沢山), where visitors can also discover remains of the old mountain castle.

Access

From Tokyo

From Airports

Haneda Intl. Airport

Narita Intl. Airport

Ibaraki Airport

Main Stations

Videos of Sano City

No.1 Ramen Town in Japan Sano

Sano Outlet Mall (Premium Outlets)

Things to DO in Sano City

Audio guide for the courtyard Daiichi Sake Brewery

Visit a brewery

Sano has 3 sake breweries including the oldest brewery in the region which is open to self guided tours.
Lady shopping at a outlet mall

Shop at the Outlet Mall

Sano is a home to the Sano Premium Outlet Mall a popular shopping destination where many people come from Tokyo to shop.
Tenmyo Imono in Sano City

Visit a Tenmyo Imono shop

Tenmyo Imono is a local Iron casting tradition with the longest history in Japan. You can find a few factories near JR Sano Station and items for sale at the Tourist office shop.

EATING in Sano City

Japanese Food

Sano has many Japanese restaurants, some near JR Sano Station and many also around Sano Premium Outlet and Aeon Mall.

Western Food

Mose Western restaurants in Sano can be found in and around Sano Premium Outlet and Aeon Mall. There are also a lot of family restaurants along the larger roads around Sano City (where there is a lot of car traffic).

Sano Ramen

Sano ramen in Sano city, representing popular food and drink near Tokyo

Sano City is most famous for Sano Ramen. With its 160 Ramen stores it has the most ramen stores per capita in Japan!

The distinctive handmade wrinkled noodles is a must try for Ramen lovers coming to Japan.

Places to STAY in Sano City

Western Style Hotel

There are many western style hotels in Sano. Some are near JR Sano Station and some are near Sano Premium Outlet

Japanese style Ryokan

There are a few Onsen Ryokans (Japanese style hotels) in Izuruhara area.

Vacation rentals / Airbnbs

There are a few Vacation rentals in Sano City registered on popular sites.

Unique Accommodation

Try primitive living?
Sano offers unique accommodation where you can stay in replicas of homes from 5,000 years ago.

Top EVENTS around Sano City

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