Tranquil Japanese temples meet dramatic Soviet-era architecture in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, a city of contrasts on Sakhalin Island. Set against soaring snow-capped mountains and dense coniferous forests, Yuzhno-Sakhalins’s natural scenery is matched only by the city’s fascinating historical sites.

Things to do

Don’t miss the extraordinary golden-domed Cathedral of the Nativity. Completed in 2016, the recent addition to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk’s skyline rises 81 meters high, making it the tallest cathedral in Far East Russia. Admire the lofty towers before climbing an external flight of stairs to see the cathedral’s beautiful frescoes.

Interested in local history? Uncover the story of Sakhalin Island at the Sakhalin Regional Museum. The unique pagoda-style museum recounts the city’s overlapping Japanese and Soviet history with model sail ships, a traditional tea ceremony and beautiful gardens with artillery guns and a tank from World War II.

Get back to nature at Gorny Vozdukh Mountain Resort, an alpine resort with over 20 kilometers of pristine slopes and summertime trails. After a day of skiing, warm up by the open fire at Gornyy Vozdukh, a mountaintop cafe with panoramic views of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. In summer, take the gondola to Gora Bolshevik and follow one of the many wilderness trails.

Experience a fusion of Russian and Japanese cuisine in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk’s many restaurants. Taste Georgian dumplings at Tiflis, a typical Russian restaurant with a rustic interior, or experience Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk’s Asian influence at Nikhon Mitai. Those keen to continue the night should check out People Club, a stylish lounge for cocktails and dancing.

Getting around

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk is a 25-minute taxi or bus ride from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Airport. Trains service to the north of the island, while coaches access Kholmsk and Karsakov. Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk is very walkable, while buses are also available.