Sano City
Index
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. Nearby places such as Tochigi City, Ashikaga City and Kiryu City are also worth exploring.
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
Visit a brewery
Sano has 3 sake breweries including the oldest brewery in the region which is open to self guided tours.
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.
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 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.
Sano offers unique accommodation where you can stay in replicas of homes from 5,000 years ago.
Top EVENTS around Sano City
Day trips from Sano City
Each of these places are within a day trip away. Click on the image to find out more.
