Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (Russian: Ю́жно-Сахали́нск, YOOZH-nuh suh-khah-LEENSK), also spelled Uzno-Sakhalinsk and previously known in Japanese as Toyohara (豊原), is the largest city and capital of Sakhalin Oblast, in the Russian Far East, with a population of around 173,000. Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk is a booming oil town. While the city in general looks quite rough, it does have some beautiful buildings from the Japanese period, as well as some state-of-the-art buildings.

The city was founded in 1882 under the name of Vladimirovka and originally populated by liberated convicts, but was transferred to Japanese control after the end of the Russo-Japanese war. The Japanese renamed the city as Toyohara, and made it the capital of the Japanese prefecture Karafuto occupying the southern half of the island. After the end of World War II, Soviet troops occupied Karafuto, and the city was renamed Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk when control of the city was transferred back to Russia.

Little remains of the Japanese administration apart from a very limited number of Japanese buildings, including the impressive old government building now used as a regional museum. The main heritage of the Japanese ownership of the city is a sizable number of Sakhalin-Koreans, deported here by the Japanese in the 1930s, and denied repatriation until the mid-1980s; many have decided to stay on Sakhalin, and around 20,000 reside in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. In the 21st century, the oil industry has brought in many expats from Europe and America. Due to this there are occasional English-language signs in the city, several upscale hotels, and an expat district.

The climate is defined as humid continental. Summer and winter temperatures are less extreme than in Siberia or elsewhere in the Russian Far East, instead it rains more. Fog is common during the summer.

The city is located 25 km north of Aniva Bay and the same distance west of the Sea of ​​Okhotsk, in the Susuya River valley and flanked by mountains to the west and east. Due to the risk of earthquakes, buildings are generally low-rise. The main industries – oil, coal and forestry – are located outside the city itself.

Ul Leninareet (Ulitsa Lenina), the main street, runs parallel to the railway from north to south, and downtown forms a rectangle around it. The Susuya River flows west of the city.

The drab rows of Soviet-style concrete buildings that make up much of the island's capital are really not that interesting for travellers, especially not the ones who have been adventurous enough to come here in the first place. On the other hand, there should be enough to entertain you for a day while you get your bearings and organize things to venture out into Sakhalin's great outdoors — and you really owe it to yourself to get out there if you have come this far.

If you're short on time and only here to catch a ferry, skip these sights and hike up Chekov Peak — the trail head is a muddy dirt road just behind the Santa resort, the whole hike takes around 6 hours if you're in reasonable shape.

If you are interested in the Japanese heritage, consider the regional and art museums, the House of The Garrison Court (1908; Nevel'skogo St 44), and the small bridge on Sakhalinskaya St. Other Japanese buildings were destroyed before the 1970s.

• Building at Sakhalin Street 44. Now empty, this building from the Japanese (Toyahara) era has surprisingly survived intact.
• Former Toyohara City Hall, Kommunisticheskiy pr 41. Built in the 1920s, now used as a office building. Next to the building there is a memorial to the Japanese crown prince Hirohito's visit to the city in 1925.
• Headquarters of Karafuto Guard Units, Nevelskovo ul 44a. The oldest standing building in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, built in 1908 as the residence of the commander of the Japanese forces. The house later hosted a museum of the Japanese period, but has again become a military building. It can be seen from the Dzerzhinsky or Sakhalin street.
• Karafuto Conference Centre, Ul Dzerzhinskovo 30. Built by the Japanese in the 1930s in the style of post-constructivism. The building hosts a department of the Russian military.
• Military Hospital, Ul Chekhova 41к2. 1930s postconstructivist building that is still used as a military hospital. The military hospital was modern for its time, being equipped with an elevator and a solarium.
• Sakhalin Regional Art Museum, Ul Lenina 137, +7 4242 72-3643. Tu-Su 10AM-6PM. Opened in 1989 in the building of the former Japanese bank "Hokkaido Takushoku" from the 1930s. The three permanent expositions are: "Copies of Ancient Russian Frescos", "Art of Japan", and "Art of Korea". .
• Sakhalin Regional Museum, Kommunistichesky pr 29, +7 4242 72-7555. M-F 11AM-6PM except Tu 11AM-5PM. (pictured) Housed in the former Japanese building dating back to 1937, the museum hosts exhibitions about the island's natural and climatic features, the history of Sakhalin, and a quite good ethnographic collection of the island's indigenous peoples. Don't miss the outdoor exhibition that includes Japanese steles and border stones, the houses of indigenous people, local plants, and old cannons. Foreigners.
• Treasure house of Karafuto Shinto Shrine. This little cottage used to be part of the main Shinto shrine of Karafuto. Built in 1911 by the Japanese, war trophies from the Russo-Japanese war were placed here and later on gifts from the emperor like a bronze bell and a golden sword were added to the collection. During Russian times these were moved to local museums or disappeared and the cottage was used as a storage building and a summer house. It is still a summer house, but there is a small treasury and a spring on the premises.

Building at Sakhalin Street 44. Now empty, this building from the Japanese (Toyahara) era has surprisingly survived intact.

Former Toyohara City Hall, Kommunisticheskiy pr 41. Built in the 1920s, now used as a office building. Next to the building there is a memorial to the Japanese crown prince Hirohito's visit to the city in 1925.

Headquarters of Karafuto Guard Units, Nevelskovo ul 44a. The oldest standing building in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, built in 1908 as the residence of the commander of the Japanese forces. The house later hosted a museum of the Japanese period, but has again become a military building. It can be seen from the Dzerzhinsky or Sakhalin street.

Karafuto Conference Centre, Ul Dzerzhinskovo 30. Built by the Japanese in the 1930s in the style of post-constructivism. The building hosts a department of the Russian military.

Military Hospital, Ul Chekhova 41к2. 1930s postconstructivist building that is still used as a military hospital. The military hospital was modern for its time, being equipped with an elevator and a solarium.

Sakhalin Regional Art Museum, Ul Lenina 137, +7 4242 72-3643. Tu-Su 10AM-6PM. Opened in 1989 in the building of the former Japanese bank "Hokkaido Takushoku" from the 1930s. The three permanent expositions are: "Copies of Ancient Russian Frescos", "Art of Japan", and "Art of Korea". .

Sakhalin Regional Museum, Kommunistichesky pr 29, +7 4242 72-7555. M-F 11AM-6PM except Tu 11AM-5PM. (pictured) Housed in the former Japanese building dating back to 1937, the museum hosts exhibitions about the island's natural and climatic features, the history of Sakhalin, and a quite good ethnographic collection of the island's indigenous peoples. Don't miss the outdoor exhibition that includes Japanese steles and border stones, the houses of indigenous people, local plants, and old cannons. Foreigners.

Treasure house of Karafuto Shinto Shrine. This little cottage used to be part of the main Shinto shrine of Karafuto. Built in 1911 by the Japanese, war trophies from the Russo-Japanese war were placed here and later on gifts from the emperor like a bronze bell and a golden sword were added to the collection. During Russian times these were moved to local museums or disappeared and the cottage was used as a storage building and a summer house. It is still a summer house, but there is a small treasury and a spring on the premises.

• Chekhov Literary and Art Museum, Pr Mira 104, +7 8 4242 42-3349. Tu—Sa 10—18. Housed in a 1954 building somewhat reminiscent of Chekhov's house, there are some items from the everyday life of Anton Chekhov and his family, a collection of some of his artworks, and copies of Chekhov's book Sakhalin Island in various languages from all over the world and a facsimile edition from 1895. .
• Railway Museum, Vokzal'naya ul 34 (near the train station, +7 4242 714197. M—F 8:30AM—5:30PM. An open-air exhibition of old locomotives and railway trucks, including Japanese machinery operated on Sakhalin. The tunnel boring machine is also on display here. The museum does not really follow the declared schedule, so arrange in advance or glance through the fence.
• Sakhalin Botanical Garden, Ul Gor'kovo 25, +7 4242 75-35-78. Visits by appointment. This picturesque garden is at the same time an ongoing experiment; scientists are researching how plants from other parts of the world adapt to the climate of Sakhalin.
• Sakhalin Zoo, Detskaya ul 4A, +7 4242 72-4509. 10-20:30 daily. Russian zoos are depressing, and this one founded in 1993 is no exception; though they seem to be genuinely interested in improving conditions, limited funds have thus far prevented any major improvements. They have 145 species up for display, mainly fauna related to Sakhalin such as wolves and brown bears. .
• Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Mud Volcano. Located 20 km northwest of the city, this sight consists of several cones within a 15-acre (6 hectares) site of volcanic mud which erupt periodically. In many places you can see fumaroles bubbling through the mud.
• You can see a large number of monuments in the city: of people who've played a role in the history of the city, famous Russians such as Chekhov and Pushkin, and memorials to victims of the Great Patriotic War and local conflicts and events.

A few notable religious buildings have been built since the end of communism, such as:

• Catholic Church of St. James, Pr Pobedy. Built in Neo-Gothic style in 2001.
• Orthodox Resurrection Cathedral, Komsomolskaya ul. Built in "pseudo-Russian" style in 1995.

Chekhov Literary and Art Museum, Pr Mira 104, +7 8 4242 42-3349. Tu—Sa 10—18. Housed in a 1954 building somewhat reminiscent of Chekhov's house, there are some items from the everyday life of Anton Chekhov and his family, a collection of some of his artworks, and copies of Chekhov's book Sakhalin Island in various languages from all over the world and a facsimile edition from 1895. .

Railway Museum, Vokzal'naya ul 34 (near the train station, +7 4242 714197. M—F 8:30AM—5:30PM. An open-air exhibition of old locomotives and railway trucks, including Japanese machinery operated on [[Sakhalin]]. The tunnel boring machine is also on display here. The museum does not really follow the declared schedule, so arrange in advance or glance through the fence.

Sakhalin Botanical Garden, Ul Gor'kovo 25, +7 4242 75-35-78. Visits by appointment. This picturesque garden is at the same time an ongoing experiment; scientists are researching how plants from other parts of the world adapt to the climate of Sakhalin.

Sakhalin Zoo, Detskaya ul 4A, +7 4242 72-4509. 10-20:30 daily. Russian zoos are depressing, and this one founded in 1993 is no exception; though they seem to be genuinely interested in improving conditions, limited funds have thus far prevented any major improvements. They have 145 species up for display, mainly fauna related to Sakhalin such as wolves and brown bears. .

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Mud Volcano. Located 20 km northwest of the city, this sight consists of several cones within a 15-acre (6 hectares) site of volcanic mud which erupt periodically. In many places you can see fumaroles bubbling through the mud.

You can see a large number of monuments in the city: of people who've played a role in the history of the city, famous Russians such as Chekhov and Pushkin, and memorials to victims of the Great Patriotic War and local conflicts and events.

Catholic Church of St. James, Pr Pobedy. Built in Neo-Gothic style in 2001.

Orthodox Resurrection Cathedral, Komsomolskaya ul. Built in "pseudo-Russian" style in 1995.

• Chekhov International Theatre Center, Kommunistichesky pr 35, +7 4242 42-5262. Really not that much "international" about it, this theatre is in a rather unusual (for a frontier region) building covered by mosaics in the socialist realism style (1964). The theatre's roots are in the 1930s. It sometimes has musicals and concerts on the repertoire, if sitting through 2 hours of incomprehensible Russian is not your thing.
• Sakhalin Regional Puppet Theatre, Ul Karla Marksa 24, +7 4242 42-3498. While mostly geared towards children, some of their shows are quite extraordinary, so it might be an option for a rainy day, even if you don't have kids. They are quite renowned within Russia and even booked abroad occasionally.

Chekhov International Theatre Center, Kommunistichesky pr 35, +7 4242 42-5262. Really not that much "international" about it, this theatre is in a rather unusual (for a frontier region) building covered by mosaics in the socialist realism style (1964). The theatre's roots are in the 1930s. It sometimes has musicals and concerts on the repertoire, if sitting through 2 hours of incomprehensible Russian is not your thing.

Sakhalin Regional Puppet Theatre, Ul Karla Marksa 24, +7 4242 42-3498. While mostly geared towards children, some of their shows are quite extraordinary, so it might be an option for a rainy day, even if you don't have kids. They are quite renowned within Russia and even booked abroad occasionally.

• Kristall sports arena, Ul Gor'kovo 29, +7 4242 240-160. ALIH seasons: Sep-Apr. The local ice hockey team PSK Sakhalin plays in the Asia League Ice Hockey (ALIH) with Chinese, South Korean and Japanese teams. They play their home games in the Kristall arena, and you can watch their home games for free. Also the local basketball team play their home games here.
• Spartak stadion, Ul Gor'kovo 7, +7 4242 50-59-55. FC Sakhalin, the local football (soccer) team, play in the Russian second division. The team has dedicated fans, many of who never miss a home game, and there are great views to the mountains from the station's grandstand.

Kristall sports arena, Ul Gor'kovo 29, +7 4242 240-160. ALIH seasons: Sep-Apr. The local ice hockey team PSK Sakhalin plays in the Asia League Ice Hockey (ALIH) with Chinese, South Korean and Japanese teams. They play their home games in the Kristall arena, and you can watch their home games for free. Also the local basketball team play their home games here.

Spartak stadion, Ul Gor'kovo 7, +7 4242 50-59-55. FC Sakhalin, the local football (soccer) team, play in the Russian second division. The team has dedicated fans, many of who never miss a home game, and there are great views to the mountains from the station's grandstand.

• Komsomolets, Sakhalinskaya ul 52, +7 4242 72-33-44 (voice message). The city's oldest movie theater has one auditorium with 197 seats and a very elegant lobby.
• October, Kommunistichesky pr 45, +7 4242 50-04-61 (ticket office), +7 4242 42-96-12 (voice message). One large and one small auditorium.
• Premier, Kommunistichesky pr 20, +7 4242 42-90-00.
• The Best Movie Theater, 2nd Zentral'naya ul 1б (3rd floor at the City Mall shopping center. Five auditoriums.

Komsomolets, Sakhalinskaya ul 52, +7 4242 72-33-44 (voice message). The city's oldest movie theater has one auditorium with 197 seats and a very elegant lobby.

October, Kommunistichesky pr 45, +7 4242 50-04-61 (ticket office), +7 4242 42-96-12 (voice message). One large and one small auditorium.

Premier, Kommunistichesky pr 20, +7 4242 42-90-00.

The Best Movie Theater, 2nd Zentral'naya ul 1б (3rd floor at the City Mall shopping center. Five auditoriums.

• Gagarin Park. Scrappy but loved, the Gagarin Park is a nice place for a stroll, supposedly the largest in the far east and something of a leisure center for the local population. The park features athletic facilities, adventure playgrounds, a lake with small boats, a miniature railroad for kids, a zoo and a run down amusement park. On the eastern corner of the park there is a trail head leading up the hill for a nice view over the city.
• Gorny Vozdukh Ski center, Ul Gorkogo 7/1, +7 4242 742416. noon-10PM. An alpine complex located within Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk city proper. It has nine runs (1 black, 5 reds & 3 greens) and three lifts, including a modern 2½ km gondola lift. There is also a bit of English information on the local snowboarding federation's website. If you're not into winter sports, you can still take the cable car to the top for nice views over the city and surroundings. From for 1 ride, to for 6 hours or more.
• Sakhalin Diving, Ul Kryukova 70, +7 9147582810. This PADI dive shop can help with tours to Moneron island, listed in the Sakhalin guide. There is also a diving club on Kommunistichesky Pr 19 (DKS@sakhalin.ru/42-26-91)
• Skiing track, Venskaya ul 5. In the winter, the track is for cross-country skiing (for a fee), in the summertime a walking and jogging path.

Gagarin Park. Scrappy but loved, the Gagarin Park is a nice place for a stroll, supposedly the largest in the far east and something of a leisure center for the local population. The park features athletic facilities, adventure playgrounds, a lake with small boats, a miniature railroad for kids, a zoo and a run down amusement park. On the eastern corner of the park there is a trail head leading up the hill for a nice view over the city.

Gorny Vozdukh Ski center, Ul Gorkogo 7/1, +7 4242 742416. noon-10PM. An alpine complex located within Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk city proper. It has nine runs (1 black, 5 reds & 3 greens) and three lifts, including a modern 2½ km gondola lift. There is also a bit of English information on the local snowboarding federation's website. If you're not into winter sports, you can still take the cable car to the top for nice views over the city and surroundings. From for 1 ride, to for 6 hours or more.

Sakhalin Diving, Ul Kryukova 70, +7 9147582810. This PADI dive shop can help with tours to Moneron island, listed in the [[Sakhalin#See|Sakhalin]] guide. There is also a diving club on Kommunistichesky Pr 19 (DKS@sakhalin.ru/42-26-91)

Skiing track, Venskaya ul 5. In the winter, the track is for cross-country skiing (for a fee), in the summertime a walking and jogging path.

There is a sizable market at the corners of Lenina & Sakhalinskaya, where you can stock up with fresh fruits and vegetables, an outfit for your next 1980s party, or cheap Chinese goods. A bit more useful are the electronics stalls for new batteries and the like. You can find affordable eateries here too, mostly serving Russian, Korean and seafood.

• City Mall, 2nd Zentral'naya ul 1Б (in Khomutovo, near the airport, +7 (4242) 777-222. 10AM-9PM. The mall has a supermarket, many smaller shops, eateries, a movie theater, a bowling club, a fitness club and a playground for kids.
• Novyi Kontinent, Sakhalinskaya ul 82а, +7 4242 77-48-41.
• Slavyanskiy Bazar, Ul Popovicha 65.
• Uspekh, Sakhalinskaya ul 71.

City Mall, 2nd Zentral'naya ul 1Б (in Khomutovo, near the airport, +7 (4242) 777-222. 10AM-9PM. The mall has a supermarket, many smaller shops, eateries, a movie theater, a bowling club, a fitness club and a playground for kids.

Novyi Kontinent, Sakhalinskaya ul 82а, +7 4242 77-48-41.

Slavyanskiy Bazar, Ul Popovicha 65.

Uspekh, Sakhalinskaya ul 71.

For a Russian mid-sized city, eating out in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk is on the expensive side. There are however cheap cafés here and there. In general you can choose between Russian, Japanese and Korean cuisine, although other Asian food is also available. Local seafood is surprisingly hard to find in restaurants, but is readily available in the market (mentioned in the Buy section) and its eateries.

• Kolobok Café, Ul Lenina 220a, +7 4242 72-56-54. 8AM—7PM.
• Smak Café, Khabarovskaya ul 84а, +7 4242 72-47-05. 9AM—7PM. average dish.
• Stolovaya Sovyetskaya, Pr Mira 106 (1st floor of the Market House «Дома Торговли», +7 4242 22-54-50. M-F 11AM-4PM, Sa-Su 11AM-3PM. A canteen from Soviet times, that was renovated in 2014 and lost some of its original character. There are still Soviet posters on the walls and music from the era is played. .
• University Canteen, Kommunistichesky pr 33 (corner of Kommunistichesky and Mira. Open during lunch time (except for student holidays).

Kolobok Café, Ul Lenina 220a, +7 4242 72-56-54. 8AM—7PM.

Smak Café, Khabarovskaya ul 84а, +7 4242 72-47-05. 9AM—7PM. average dish.

Stolovaya Sovyetskaya, Pr Mira 106 (1st floor of the Market House «Дома Торговли», +7 4242 22-54-50. M-F 11AM-4PM, Sa-Su 11AM-3PM. A canteen from Soviet times, that was renovated in 2014 and lost some of its original character. There are still Soviet posters on the walls and music from the era is played. .

University Canteen, Kommunistichesky pr 33 (corner of Kommunistichesky and Mira. Open during lunch time (except for student holidays).

• Black Cat Café, Ul Chekhova 34A (Just off Popovicha St hidden away in an alley, look for a sign with a black cat, +7 4242 420263. Dishes out Russian and European meals, in a pleasant atmosphere with jazz music on the stereo.
• Nihon Mitay Sushi Bar, Pr Pobedy 28v, +7 4242 55-19-01, +7 4242 55-17-31. Self-service sushi bar and Japanese restaurant.
• Restaurant Shanghai Blues, Pr Mira 56/2, +7 4242 50-61-21. 12-24. Cozy Chinese restaurant in the north of the city, also some western food on the menu. Large servings, friendly staff and popular with expats. mains about.
• Taj Mahal Restaurant, Ul Antona Buyukly 38, +7 4242 499488. M-Th 11AM-11:30PM, F Sa 11:30AM-12:30AM, Su 11:30AM-10PM. Something as odd as an Indian cuisine from a Japanese franchise, which offers the usual popular Indian dishes, in Russia! To further add to the oddness, it's also the sole outlet of the only Sakhalin guidebook, Sakhalin Unplugged.

Black Cat Café, Ul Chekhova 34A (Just off Popovicha St hidden away in an alley, look for a sign with a black cat, +7 4242 420263. Dishes out Russian and European meals, in a pleasant atmosphere with jazz music on the stereo.

Nihon Mitay Sushi Bar, Pr Pobedy 28v, +7 4242 55-19-01, +7 4242 55-17-31. Self-service sushi bar and Japanese restaurant.

Restaurant Shanghai Blues, Pr Mira 56/2, +7 4242 50-61-21. 12-24. Cozy Chinese restaurant in the north of the city, also some western food on the menu. Large servings, friendly staff and popular with expats. mains about.

Taj Mahal Restaurant, Ul Antona Buyukly 38, +7 4242 499488. M-Th 11AM-11:30PM, F Sa 11:30AM-12:30AM, Su 11:30AM-10PM. Something as odd as an Indian cuisine from a Japanese franchise, which offers the usual popular Indian dishes, in Russia! To further add to the oddness, it's also the sole outlet of the only Sakhalin guidebook, Sakhalin Unplugged.

• Furusato Restaurant, Ul Lenina 179, +7 4242 74-27-36. noon—3PM, 6PM—11PM. A pretentious Japanese restaurant.
• Restaurant Toyohara, Komsomolskaya ul 246а, +7 4242 74-14-86. 12.00—22.00. Upscale restaurant serving Asian, primarily Japanese, cuisine.

Furusato Restaurant, Ul Lenina 179, +7 4242 74-27-36. noon—3PM, 6PM—11PM. A pretentious Japanese restaurant.

Restaurant Toyohara, Komsomolskaya ul 246а, +7 4242 74-14-86. 12.00—22.00. Upscale restaurant serving Asian, primarily Japanese, cuisine.

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk is a rather youthful town, so the nightlife is rather happening considering its size. Hotels do usually have bars, and these are the places to go if you want to meet expats. If the weather is nice, an alternative to the bars listed here is hanging out with the locals in the beer tents dotted around Gagarin Park. Don't miss the local beer!

• Ice Glass Bar, Sakhalinskaya ul 113, +7 4242 72-62-72. Fresh beer from the local brewery.
• Mishka Pub, Ul Chekhova 45, +7 4242 422811. noon-midnight (weekends till 1AM). Located in the basement of the same building as the Rubin hotel, this is a local expat hangout, mainly people from the oil industry. British style pub with the usual range of alcohol and pub food. Staff speaks English.

Ice Glass Bar, Sakhalinskaya ul 113, +7 4242 72-62-72. Fresh beer from the local brewery.

Mishka Pub, Ul Chekhova 45, +7 4242 422811. noon-midnight (weekends till 1AM). Located in the basement of the same building as the Rubin hotel, this is a local expat hangout, mainly people from the oil industry. British style pub with the usual range of alcohol and pub food. Staff speaks English.

Local mobile operators include Beeline (Билайн), Megafon (Мегафон) and MTS (МТС) of which at least the latter offers mobile Internet (4G) coverage throughout the city and surroundings.

Businesses may also offer Wi-Fi (free or for a fee).

Desktop connection is available at certain post offices (see below) and in the central library:

• Central library, Ul Lenina 244, +7 4242 42-45-59, +7 4242 42-96-90. Tu—F 11AM—7PM, Sa 10AM—5PM. /hour (2017).

Central library, Ul Lenina 244, +7 4242 42-45-59, +7 4242 42-96-90. Tu—F 11AM—7PM, Sa 10AM—5PM. /hour (2017).

The postal code of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk is 6930**. Post offices in the city center:

• Office № 6, Ul Emel'yanova 29, +7 4242 55-13-23, +7 4242 55-09-18. Internet access. M-F 8AM—8PM, Sa 9AM—6PM, lunch break 1PM—2PM.
• Office № 7, Pr Mira 157, +7 4242 42-43-14. M-F 8AM—8PM, Sa 9AM—6PM, lunch break 1PM—2PM.
• Office № 8, Ul Lenina 268, +7 4242 42-35-98. M-F 8AM—8PM, Sa 9AM—6PM, lunch break 1PM—2PM. Internet access.

Office № 6, Ul Emel'yanova 29, +7 4242 55-13-23, +7 4242 55-09-18. Internet access. M-F 8AM—8PM, Sa 9AM—6PM, lunch break 1PM—2PM.

Office № 7, Pr Mira 157, +7 4242 42-43-14. M-F 8AM—8PM, Sa 9AM—6PM, lunch break 1PM—2PM.

Office № 8, Ul Lenina 268, +7 4242 42-35-98. M-F 8AM—8PM, Sa 9AM—6PM, lunch break 1PM—2PM. Internet access.

While outwardly looking like a tidy and safe city, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk does have a reputation of street crime. Downtown is safer than the rest of the city.

• Japan Japan, 234 Ul Lenina, 5F, +7 4242 72-60-55. M-F 10AM-11:30AM except Th 3PM-5PM.
• Netherlands Netherlands, Ul Chekhova 80, Sfera Bldg, 1F, Royal Bank of Scotland's office, +7 4242 270-000. M-F 3PM-7PM.

Japan Japan, 234 Ul Lenina, 5F, +7 4242 72-60-55. M-F 10AM-11:30AM except Th 3PM-5PM.

Netherlands Netherlands, Ul Chekhova 80, Sfera Bldg, 1F, Royal Bank of Scotland's office, +7 4242 270-000. M-F 3PM-7PM.

• International SOS Medical Clinic, Kommunisticheskyi pr 32, +7 4242 46-2900. M-F 9AM-4PM, Sa 9AM-noon. Professional outfit with emergency room and a wide range of English speaking specialists

International SOS Medical Clinic, Kommunisticheskyi pr 32, +7 4242 46-2900. M-F 9AM-4PM, Sa 9AM-noon. Professional outfit with emergency room and a wide range of English speaking specialists

• Korsakov — a rather drab port town that's the departure point for ferries to Japan.
• Kholmsk — another port town with ferry connections to the Russian mainland, mainly known for the abandoned railway that leads there:it's now a hiking trail.
• Aniva Bay is a popular recreation area on the southern coast of Sakhalin. Most of the seashore as well as the lower part of the Lyutoga River are good for swimming, fishing, and other activities.
• The area around Lake Tunaycha along the west coast comprises not only the largest freshwater lake in Sakhalin (a popular destination in summer) but also a string of smaller freshwater lakes and Izmenchivoe, a salt lake popular for its mud baths. The coastline is sandy and beautiful, and a great place to watch the sun rise, but the ocean is too cold for swimming.

[[Korsakov]] — a rather drab port town that's the departure point for ferries to [[Japan]].

[[Kholmsk]] — another port town with ferry connections to the Russian mainland, mainly known for the abandoned railway that leads there:it's now a hiking trail.

Aniva Bay is a popular recreation area on the southern coast of [[Sakhalin]]. Most of the seashore as well as the lower part of the Lyutoga River are good for swimming, fishing, and other activities.

The area around [[Sakhalin#See|Lake Tunaycha]] along the west coast comprises not only the largest freshwater lake in Sakhalin (a popular destination in summer) but also a string of smaller freshwater lakes and Izmenchivoe, a salt lake popular for its mud baths. The coastline is sandy and beautiful, and a great place to watch the sun rise, but the ocean is too cold for swimming.