Sakhalin Oblast

An island region made up of Sakhalin Island and the Kuril Islands, with volcanoes, coastlines and seafood defining the Far East's distinctive scenery.

Sakhalin Oblast is the only federal subject of Russia made up entirely of islands, comprising Sakhalin Island and the Kuril Islands. It faces the Sea of Okhotsk to the east, is separated from the mainland by the Strait of Tartary to the west, and neighbors Japan's Hokkaido to the south. In the capital, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, you can visit the regional museum and a mountain ski resort. Cape Aniva's lighthouse, coastal rocks and hot springs are signature sights, and the Kuril Islands are dotted with active volcanoes. Summer through early autumn is best for coastal and volcano excursions, and winter is good for skiing. Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Airport has flights to Moscow and Far Eastern cities, and a railway on the island links the main towns in the north and south.

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