しっかりした門構えの武家屋敷です
1 / 10

Former Residence of Lafcadio Hearn

4.1
·263 reviews·Matsue, Japan

Step into the serene former home of Lafcadio Hearn, a place of peace and inspiration in Matsue, Japan.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer visitors, more peace

CrowdLow
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しっかりした門構えの武家屋敷です

Former Residence of Lafcadio Hearn

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer visitors, more peace

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step into the serene former home of Lafcadio Hearn, a place of peace and inspiration in Matsue, Japan.

4.1
(263 reviews)

"A sublime sense of peace, scholarship and happiness awaits."

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TIP

🎯 Combo Ticket Clarity

Double-check what your combo ticket includes; it might not cover the residence itself.

🌿 Garden Serenity

Take time to wander the beautiful gardens for a truly peaceful experience.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lafcadio Hearn's Former Residence

Lafcadio Hearn's Former Residence

Matsue, Shimane Prefecture

Step into the peaceful abode where Lafcadio Hearn lived and wrote, surrounded by lush gardens.

The Tranquil Japanese Garden

The Tranquil Japanese Garden

Residence grounds

A serene escape offering a sublime sense of peace and beauty, reflecting Hearn's comfort.

Hearn Museum

Hearn Museum

Adjacent to the residence

Explore displays and artworks detailing Hearn's life and his profound connection with Japan.

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Planning Your Visit

Understand Hearn's Connection

Lafcadio Hearn's 18-month stay in Matsue was brief but impactful. This residence offers a glimpse into his life and values, making it a must-visit for those interested in his literary contributions to Japan. Reddit

Navigating Tickets & Access

Be aware that combo tickets can be misleading; the museum and the residence may require separate admissions. Check details carefully to avoid confusion. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer visitors, more peace
Crowd
Low
When
Late spring
Why
Lush gardens in bloom
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Recs for Izumo, Matsue, Kurayoshi, Tottori?

🎯 Combo Ticket Clarity

Double-check what your combo ticket includes; it might not cover the residence itself. Reddit

🌿 Garden Serenity

Take time to wander the beautiful gardens for a truly peaceful experience. Reddit

reddit.com

Tourism by Prefecture Series: Shimane and Yamaguchi

📸 Photography Allowed

You can capture memories inside the residence and garden. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Neighborhood

Stroll through surrounding streets to find places Hearn frequented. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Combo Ticket Clarity

Double-check what your combo ticket includes; it might not cover the residence itself. Reddit

🌿 Garden Serenity

Take time to wander the beautiful gardens for a truly peaceful experience. Reddit

📸 Photography Allowed

You can capture memories inside the residence and garden. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Neighborhood

Stroll through surrounding streets to find places Hearn frequented. Reddit

💰 Foreign Visa Holder Discount

Inquire about potential discounts for foreign visa holders. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.1
(263 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Former Residence of Lafcadio Hearn to be a peaceful and well-maintained site, offering a glimpse into the writer's life and appreciation for Japanese aesthetics. While some note the residence's small size and potential ticket confusion, the tranquil gardens and the adjacent museum are consistently praised for enriching the experience. It's a highly recommended stop for those interested in Hearn's literary legacy and Japanese culture. Reddit

"I'd seen the Lafcadio Hearn Museum on a previous visit, and was glad to be able to visit the former residence to complete the picture of what seems a great romance. It's a humble place but evocative just the same, and appreciated the opportunity to see where he and Setsuko (and their 4 children?) lived."

dlk

"I read about Lafcadio Hearn and his stay in Matsue (although at only 18 months, it was a much shorter stay than I had thought) decades ago after arriving in Japan, and was really glad to finally visit Matsue and find out more about his values, what kind of a person he was, and why he became so popular/famous in Japan. His former residence has a beautiful classic Japanese design and you can understand why Hearn felt so comfortable there - although I'm sure it was freezing in there during the cold winters! If you are interested in learning more about him, this well-maintained house and the museum next door are well worth visiting. We also strolled around the neighbourhood to visit some of the places he used to frequent."

Rory Rosszell

"Lafcadio Hearn's (Koizumi Yakumo) former house is very neat and well preserved. It wasn't too crowded when I went and it was very picturesque. It wasn't quite worth the admission price, even though I bought the museum/house combo ticket."

W Fowler

What People Like

Peaceful atmosphere
Beautiful gardens
Historical insight

What People Dislike

Small residence size
Ticket confusion

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The residence is accessible by public transport in Matsue. From Matsue Station, you can take a local bus towards the Shiomi Nawate street area, which is near the residence. Walking from the station is also an option if you enjoy a stroll, taking approximately 20-30 minutes. Reddit

While there might be limited street parking, it's generally recommended to use public transportation or nearby paid parking lots as parking can be scarce in the historic district. Reddit

The area around the residence, including Shiomi Nawate street, is very traditional and pleasant for walking. Many visitors enjoy exploring the neighborhood on foot to discover other historical sites. Reddit

Yes, the Lafcadio Hearn Museum is located adjacent to the residence. You can also explore Matsue Castle and the samurai district nearby, making for a comprehensive historical tour. Reddit

The residence itself is a traditional Japanese house, which may have some limitations. However, the surrounding grounds and streets are generally walkable, though some paths might be uneven. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official website or local listings before your visit. Generally, it's open during daytime hours. Reddit

Admission fees apply. Be aware that combo tickets for the residence and museum might be available, but confirm what each ticket covers to avoid confusion. Reddit

Information on advance ticket purchases is not widely available. It's usually possible to buy tickets on-site upon arrival. Reddit

While specific discounts aren't always advertised, it's worth inquiring at the ticket counter. Some sources mention discounts for foreign visa holders. Reddit

Not always. Some visitors have noted that combo tickets can be misleading, and separate admission might be required for the museum and the residence. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally permitted inside the residence and within the garden grounds. Reddit

While photos are allowed, it's always good practice to be respectful of other visitors and avoid flash photography if it might disturb the atmosphere or the exhibits. Reddit

The tranquil Japanese garden offers beautiful shots, as do the traditional architectural elements of the house itself. Capturing the serene atmosphere is key. Reddit

Drone usage is typically prohibited in and around historical sites and residential areas to ensure safety and respect for the environment and other visitors. Reddit

Searching for 'Former Residence of Lafcadio Hearn Matsue' on image search engines or social media platforms will yield many visitor photos. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

The residence is described as 'beautiful little house' and 'very small with just a couple of rooms' open to the public. Reddit

You can see some of the rooms where Lafcadio Hearn lived and wrote, offering a glimpse into his life. The museum next door provides more detailed information about him. Reddit

Yes, the lush, pretty gardens surrounding the residence are a highlight, offering a sense of peace and beauty that Hearn himself appreciated. Reddit

A visit to the residence and museum can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your interest level and how much time you spend in the garden or museum. Reddit

The garden provides a peaceful setting to rest and reflect. Some areas within the residence might also offer seating. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the residence itself is small, the surrounding gardens offer a pleasant space for children to explore. The Lafcadio Hearn Museum nearby provides engaging displays that might capture the interest of older children or teens curious about Japanese history and literature. Consider combining this visit with other family-friendly attractions in Matsue, like Matsue Castle, which offers more interactive historical elements. Reddit

📚 Literature Enthusiasts

For anyone who appreciates Lafcadio Hearn's writings, visiting his former residence is a pilgrimage. You'll gain insight into the environment that shaped his observations and writings about Japan. The adjacent museum offers a deeper dive into his life and literary contributions. Don't miss the chance to walk the surrounding streets he likely frequented. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers

Solo travelers will find the Former Residence of Lafcadio Hearn to be a wonderfully peaceful and reflective destination. The quiet atmosphere of the house and garden allows for personal contemplation. It's an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in a historical setting and connect with the legacy of a writer who bridged cultures. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Lafcadio Hearn: A Bridge Between Cultures

Lafcadio Hearn, born in Greece and later becoming a naturalized Japanese citizen named Koizumi Yakumo, played a crucial role in introducing Japanese culture and folklore to the Western world. His writings, particularly those published in 'Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan,' captivated readers with their vivid descriptions and empathetic portrayal of Japanese life, customs, and spiritual beliefs. His 18-month stay in Matsue was a significant period where he experienced and documented the local culture firsthand. Reddit

His former residence in Matsue, though modest, served as his home during this formative period. The house and its surrounding garden are preserved to offer visitors a tangible connection to his life. The adjacent museum further elaborates on his biography, literary works, and his profound influence on fostering cross-cultural understanding. Visiting this site is not just about seeing a historical building, but about connecting with a figure who deeply appreciated and shared the essence of Japan with the world. Reddit

Experiencing the Tranquility of the Residence and Garden

The Former Residence of Lafcadio Hearn is often described as a place of profound peace and happiness. Visitors frequently mention the sublime sense of peace they experience while exploring the grounds. The residence itself, while small, is complemented by a lush, pretty garden that Hearn himself found comforting. This garden is a key element, offering a serene escape and a chance to reflect on the quiet life Hearn led here. Reddit

Many reviewers highlight that the absence of large crowds can greatly enhance the experience, allowing for a more personal and contemplative visit. The traditional Japanese design of the house and the meticulously maintained garden create an atmosphere that transports visitors back in time. It’s a place where one can easily understand why Hearn felt so at home and inspired to write about his experiences in Japan. Reddit

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