Why visit Sano
Sano sits where the Kanto plain meets the first hills, 90 minutes or less from central Tokyo. It has three claims on a visitor’s time. Sano Premium Outlets, laid out like an American East Coast town, is one of the largest outlet malls in the Tokyo region, with around 180 shops and direct highway buses from the city.
Sano ramen is among Japan’s best-known regional styles: a clear, light soy-sauce broth with soft, flat, irregular noodles, traditionally rolled out with a long pole of green bamboo. Well over a hundred shops serve it.
And Sano Yakuyoke Daishi is one of the three great temples of the Kanto region for yakuyoke — prayers to avert misfortune, particularly in the “unlucky years” of Japanese tradition. It is thronged at New Year. Add a hilltop castle ruin inhabited by friendly cats and you have a relaxed day out, easily paired with Ashikaga Flower Park.
How long to stay
Half a day for temple and ramen; a full day if you plan to shop seriously or drive up to the castle ruins.
Where to base yourself
Business hotels stand near Sano station and around the expressway interchange and outlets. Most people visit as a day trip from Tokyo, or stay one night to combine Sano with Ashikaga’s evening illuminations.
Sano highlights
- A bowl of bamboo-rolled Sano ramen
- Bargain-hunting at Sano Premium Outlets
- A good-luck prayer at Sano Yakuyoke Daishi
- The view — and the cats — at the Karasawayama castle ruins
- The glass-clear spring of Izuruhara Benten Pond
- “Imo-furai”, skewered deep-fried potato with sauce
