Sawanobori was born in Fujinomiya on January 12, 1970. After graduating from Tokai University, he joined new club Shimizu S-Pulse based in his local Shizuoka Prefecture in 1992. He played as regular player from first season. He was selected "J.League Rookie of the Year" in 1993. In 1996, the club won J.League Cup. In 1999, the club won the 2nd place in J1 League and he was selected "Japanese Footballer of the Year awards". In Asia, the club also won 1999–00 Asian Cup Winners' Cup. In 2001, the club won Emperor's Cup. He retired in 2005. He played 381 games and scored 85 goals in the league.