basic information

Lafcadio Hearn, one of the first western authors of Japanese culture, lived in Matsue for about one year of his life. Hearn's former residence is now open to the public along with a museum located next door that is dedicated to his work and person.

Lafcadio Hearn was born in Greece in 1850 to a British father and Greek mother. Hearn resided in Greece, Ireland, Britain, France and the USA before emigrating to Japan in 1890. There he married a Japanese lady and was naturalized as Koizumi Yakumo, the name he remains known under in Japan.

He is best know for his books that introduced Japan to the western world such as Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan, and a collection of translated legends: Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things.

Inside Hearn's former residence

The Hearn Museum next to his former residence

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how to get there

Lafcadio Hearn's former residence is located in the samurai district, north of Matsue Castle. It is connected with Matsue's railway stations by the "Lake Line" loop bus.

How to get to and around Matsue

hours and fees

Former Hearn Residence:

Hours: 9:00-17:00 (March-November), 10:00-16:40 (December-February)
Closed: second half of December and January 1st
Admission: 350 yen

Hearn Memorial Museum:

Hours: 8:30-18:30 (April-September), 8:30-17:00 (October-March)
Admission: 300 yen (50% off for foreign visitors!)

travel community

Users who have been to Matsue: 24
Users who have been to Former Hearn Residence: 9

4th of 5 most visited sights in Matsue.
280th of 385 most visited sights nationwide.