Sano was born in Shizuoka on November 15, 1963. After graduating from Hosei University, he joined Nissan Motors (later "Yokohama Marinos") in 1986. From 1988 to 1990, the club won all three major title in Japan; Japan Soccer League, JSL Cup and Emperor's Cup for 2 years in a row. He could not play in the match much for injury from 1990. In 1992, Japan Soccer League was folded and founded new league J1 League. However, he retired end of 1992 without playing in J1 League.