city, southern Tochigi ken (prefecture), east-central Honshu, Japan. It is situated on the northern edge of the Kantō Plain, on the Watarase River, a tributary of the Ione River, about 45 miles (70 km) north of central Tokyo. Sano is surrounded by low hills and occupies a plain, a plateau, and alluvial lowlands. Sano was a castle town during medieval times and a post town and market centre during the Edo (Tokugawa) era (1603–1867). Industry developed after the late 19th century; the city now produces concrete, roof tiles, textiles, and toys. Pop. (2005 prelim.) 123,914.