Southern Sakhalin Capes & Lagoons

Based in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, charter a car to visit Cape Velikan, Busse Lagoon, and Aniva Lighthouse.

Stay in the same area for the entire trip, making daily round trips. Although the driving distances are long, you won't need to change hotels. Cape Velikan and Aniva Lighthouse each take up a full day, interspersed with lagoon oyster tasting and a hike to Frog Rock. The first and last days are dedicated to museums and relics from the Japanese occupation period. This itinerary excludes the Kuril Islands, which require border permits, making it perfect for travelers who love coastal scenery and seafood.

The weather is highly changeable, and boat trips are affected by tides, wind, and waves. It is very windy after September, so bring a hat and a waterproof jacket.

Day by day

Day 1 · Arrival & City Orientation

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk（Sakhalin Regional Museum、Karafuto Shrine Ruins、Gagarin Park）

Drive from the airport to the city center (approx. 20 minutes). Spend the afternoon walking or taking short taxi rides in the city.

Stay: Mira Avenue City Centre

Day 2 · Okhotsk Coast & Cape Velikan

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk（Cape Velikan）

Charter an off-road vehicle (approx. 2.5 to 3 hours one way), walk 1.5 to 2 km along the coast, and return to the city in the evening.

The final stretch is a coastal dirt road; an off-road vehicle is highly recommended. Wear non-slip hiking shoes.

Stay: Mira Avenue City Centre

Day 3 · Lake Tunaycha & Busse Lagoon

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk（Lake Tunaicha、Busse Lagoon）

Charter a car (approx. 2 hours one way), take a boat tour of the lagoon to taste oysters, and return to the city (approx. 3 hours).

Lagoon activities are adjusted according to tides and weather. Book in advance.

Stay: Mira Avenue City Centre

Day 4 · Boat Trip to Aniva Lighthouse

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk（Aniva Bay & Korsakov、Aniva Lighthouse）

Drive to Novikovo in the early morning (approx. 3 hours), transfer to a speedboat to the cape (approx. 1.5 hours), and return to the city in the evening.

Since the restoration of the lighthouse, landing is mostly not allowed; viewing is from the sea. Trips will be canceled in rough seas.

Stay: Mira Avenue City Centre

Day 5 · Frog Rock Trail & City Viewpoint

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk（Frog Rock (Lyagushka)、Gorny Vozdukh Ski Resort、Victory Square & Cathedral of the Nativity、Victory Museum and Memorial Complex）

Take a taxi to the Frog Rock trail (approx. 30 minutes), hike for about 2.5 hours, and return to the city in the afternoon to go up the viewpoint hill.

Stay: Mira Avenue City Centre

Day 6 · Chekhov Museum & Departure

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk（Chekhov 'Sakhalin Island' Book Museum、Sakhalin Regional Art Museum）

Spend the morning exploring museums in the city center on foot, and take a taxi to the airport in the afternoon (approx. 20 minutes).