Just an Hour Away: Explore 7 Must-Visit Spots in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

In just about an hour’s flight from Hokkaido’s New Chitose or Hakodate Airport, you’ll arrive in Russia’s Sakhalin Oblast. At its heart lies Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, the charming capital city that we’re highlighting today.
Separated by just 42 kilometers of the Soya Strait, Sakhalin is incredibly close to Japan, making it one of the most accessible international destinations.
Previously known as Toyohara during its period as Japanese territory, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk has a complex history, having been occupied by Soviet forces at the end of World War II. While it’s not traditionally seen as a tourist hotspot, stepping into Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk reveals a delightful surprise. The city boasts flower-lined, beautifully maintained streets, elegant architecture with a touch of European sophistication, and locals whose friendly greetings create a welcoming atmosphere. These features are steadily winning over travelers, many of whom are eager to return.
In this guide, we’ll introduce seven must-visit destinations that capture the essence of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.

1. Gagarin Park

Located in the center of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Gagarin Park honors Yuri Gagarin, the Soviet hero who became the first human in space. As the largest park in Sakhalin, it has a deep historical connection. During the Japanese era, the park was called Toyohara Park and served as a peaceful retreat for the Japanese community living in the region.
At the park's center lies Verkhnee Lake, formerly a reservoir, surrounded by cherry trees. These trees, remnants of the Japanese period, bloom beautifully each spring, offering a picturesque hanami experience and drawing visitors from near and far.
A notable feature of the park is its charming Russian Orthodox church with its striking blue roof. This serene sanctuary offers a moment of tranquility, making it a worthwhile stop during your visit.

2. Sakhalin Regional Museum

The Sakhalin Regional Museum, originally built as the Karafuto Prefectural Museum in 1938 during Japanese rule, stands as a symbol of history with its imposing design reminiscent of a Japanese castle. It remains a major attraction for visitors to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
The museum presents Sakhalin’s history and natural environment through comprehensive exhibits. On the first floor, life-sized taxidermy of native animals vividly brings the island’s wildlife to life, offering an immersive experience.
The second floor transports you to a time when Sakhalin was part of Japan. Authentic artifacts and records detail the daily lives of its residents, offering a window into the past. A unique highlight is the original border marker that once stood at the Japan-Soviet boundary—a rare and compelling piece of history.

3. Sakhalin Zoo

Sakhalin Zoo, located north of Gagarin Park, is a must-visit for anyone exploring Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. As the only public zoo in the region, it offers a unique look at the diverse fauna of Sakhalin Island.
The zoo features animals native to the area, including Hokkaido deer, reindeer, and snow foxes, sparking curiosity and excitement among visitors. The reptile and amphibian exhibits, along with displays of large animals, are particularly popular.
One of the zoo’s star attractions is the majestic Amur tiger, a critically endangered species. Known for its elegance and striking appearance, it’s a favorite among school groups and families alike. Despite being over two decades old, the zoo is well-maintained and family-friendly.
Winters in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk are harsh, and the hibernation of bears signals the arrival of the cold season—a seasonal tradition cherished by locals.

4. Sakhalin Regional Art Museum

Nestled in a stone building just a 5-minute walk northeast of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Station is the Sakhalin Regional Art Museum. Originally constructed as the Toyohara branch of the Hokkaido Takushoku Bank during Japan’s administration of southern Sakhalin, the building has since become a cultural hub. Despite the serene atmosphere typically associated with art museums, the first-floor lobby is lively with tourists and students, thanks to its central location in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
One of the most striking features of the museum is its collection of paintings featuring animals like tigers and chickens. These highly realistic works seem almost ready to spring to life. Their design, reminiscent of traditional Japanese folding screens, underscores the deep historical ties between Sakhalin and Japan. The museum also showcases everyday objects and handicrafts of the indigenous peoples who lived on Sakhalin in pre-modern times, providing a rich glimpse into the island’s history.

5. Chekhov Book Museum

In Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, literature enthusiasts can visit the Chekhov Book Museum, dedicated to the Russian literary legend Anton Chekhov. In 1890, Chekhov embarked on a journey to Sakhalin under the guise of a sightseeing trip, conducting in-depth research in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. The findings from this trip were later published in his acclaimed book Sakhalin Island. However, only a portion of his observations made it into the final publication, and the Chekhov Book Museum was established to preserve and share these invaluable remaining materials.
Visitors can explore exhibits detailing Chekhov’s life, his reflections, and records from his Sakhalin journey. The museum also displays personal items, including documents related to his family, travel bags, and other artifacts, making it a significant cultural and historical attraction in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. After visiting, take time to reflect on Chekhov’s perspective of Sakhalin as you explore the city’s landmarks.

6. Railway History Museum

Located just north of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Station, along the railway tracks, is the Railway History Museum, one of the city’s top attractions. This fascinating museum features three main sections: the Train Car Exhibition, the Outdoor D51 Steam Locomotive Exhibit, and the Railway History Exhibition Hall.
A short stroll from the station brings visitors face-to-face with the imposing D51 steam locomotive, a masterpiece of Japanese engineering. Despite its years of retirement, the locomotive shines under the sun, recalling its glory days and drawing railway enthusiasts from across the globe.
Inside, visitors can marvel at an impressive collection of locomotives and railcars from the Soviet era, including steam and diesel engines, tank cars, and even a KiHa 58 railcar donated by JR East Japan. The variety of exhibits is a delight for railway fans.
The outdoor exhibition area is open during museum hours and offers a perfect backdrop for memorable photos, making it a must-see stop on your Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk itinerary.

7. Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Train Station

If you visit Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, this is a place you must not miss. Whether you arrive by air or sea, it's almost impossible not to rely on Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Train Station.
The Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Station, the hub of Russian Railways for tourism, is a modern glass-fronted building. On the front of the station, you’ll find two clocks: one showing Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk time on the left and Moscow time on the right. To the right of the station, there are many shops with a selection comparable to convenience stores. You might even stumble upon a hidden gem!
However, do note that Sakhalin has strict rules for photography. While taking pictures of the exterior of the station is allowed, tourists need permission to photograph inside, so be careful!
Right in front of the station lies Lenin Square. This park was created in 1970 to commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of Vladimir Lenin, the first leader of the Soviet Union. It’s a favorite relaxation spot for the citizens of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. The large Lenin statue stands out, making it an excellent meeting point during your visit.

◎ Summary

What did you think? This time, we’ve explored Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk in Russia’s Sakhalin Oblast. With just a one-hour flight from Hokkaido, it’s closer than you might expect. While international travel and customs can take time, getting here is often faster than traveling to Hokkaido from other parts of Japan.
Due to its unique history, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk is still relatively undiscovered as a tourist destination. Hopefully, this article gave you a glimpse of its charm. The best seasons to visit are from spring to autumn, when colorful flowers bloom throughout the city. Why not plan your trip soon?