Sano, Tochigi


Sano is a city located in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. As of May 2015, the city had an estimated population of 117,970, and a population density of 331 persons per km2. Its total area is 356.04 km2. The city is known for its :ja:佐野プレミアム・アウトレット|Outlet Mall, Sano Yakuyoke Daishi Temple, and its local variety of ramen. More recently, Sano has gained international recognition for being the home of cricket in Japan.

Geography

Sano is located in southwestern Tochigi Prefecture, bordered by Gunma Prefecture to the west.

Surrounding municipalities

During the Edo period, Sano was a castle town and the seat of the daimyō of Sano Domain. Following the Meiji Restoration, the town of Sano was created within Aso District, Tochigi with the establishment of the municipalities system on April 1, 1889.
Sano was elevated to city status on April 1, 1943 when it merged with the neighboring towns of Inubushi and Horigome and the villages of Sakai and Hatagawa. The city annexed the village of Inazuma on January 1, 1955, followed by the town of Akami on April 1, 1955.
On February 28, 2005, Sano absorbed the towns of Kuzu and Tanuma.

Economy

Agriculture and light manufacturing are mainstays of the local economy, with production of Kanpyō, turmeric and spinach being prominent local crops. The city is increasingly a commuter town for neighboring Utsunomiya.

Education

Sano has become the headquarter of the Japan Cricket Association and has hosted a number of cricket matches between international teams. On 22 March 2016, it was announced that Sano would be home to the Sano International Cricket Ground, which will become Japan's first dedicated cricketing venue built for purpose which no longer has to compete with other sports for usage.

Transportation

Railway