Russia to Japan via Sakhalin
Photo: Vladimir Elistratov, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Russia to Japan via Sakhalin covers the journey from the Russian Far East through Sakhalin Island to Japan.
UnderstandThis itinerary describes one of the few possible options for continuing a Trans-Siberian Railway journey to Japan without flying, via the island of Sakhalin in Russia's far east.
PrepareBring a phrasebook. As this journey takes you far off the beaten path, don't expect anyone to speak English.
Get inThere are two options for reaching Sakhalin over land, the easiest of which is branching off the main Trans-Siberian line in Khabarovsk, the last major station before the terminus in Vladivostok.
SeeThere really isn't any particular point of interest along the route - that is not to say that there is nothing to see, and the Wikivoyage guides for the cities along the route are full of listings for attractions you…
GoThere are several options to consider on this leg of the journey. The easiest, no doubt, is by train, but a more interesting way, is to take the daily hydrofoil services connecting the two cities, up the Amur river.
Stay safeCarry medical supplies. Outside Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk medical facilities are limited, and English speaking doctors nonexistent. Bringing a rudimentary first aid kit, and basic medicines for self treatment is recommended.
Go nextAs you are in the northernmost city in Japan, the whole country awaits in front of you!
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Russia to Japan via Sakhalin" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Vladimir Elistratov, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons