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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer visitors, more peace

Former Residence of Lafcadio Hearn
Best Time
Fewer visitors, more peace

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into the serene former home of Lafcadio Hearn, a place of peace and inspiration in Matsue, Japan.
"A sublime sense of peace, scholarship and happiness awaits."

🎯 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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
Navigating Tickets & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Recs for Izumo, Matsue, Kurayoshi, Tottori?
🎯 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.
Tourism by Prefecture Series: Shimane and Yamaguchi
📸 Photography Allowed
You can capture memories inside the residence and garden.
🚶♀️ Explore the Neighborhood
Stroll through surrounding streets to find places Hearn frequented.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 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.
📸 Photography Allowed
You can capture memories inside the residence and garden.
🚶♀️ Explore the Neighborhood
Stroll through surrounding streets to find places Hearn frequented.
💰 Foreign Visa Holder Discount
Inquire about potential discounts for foreign visa holders.
What Travellers Say
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.
"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."
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What People Like
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
Information on advance ticket purchases is not widely available. It's usually possible to buy tickets on-site upon arrival.
While specific discounts aren't always advertised, it's worth inquiring at the ticket counter. Some sources mention discounts for foreign visa holders.
Not always. Some visitors have noted that combo tickets can be misleading, and separate admission might be required for the museum and the residence.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally permitted inside the residence and within the garden grounds.
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.
The tranquil Japanese garden offers beautiful shots, as do the traditional architectural elements of the house itself. Capturing the serene atmosphere is key.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in and around historical sites and residential areas to ensure safety and respect for the environment and other visitors.
Searching for 'Former Residence of Lafcadio Hearn Matsue' on image search engines or social media platforms will yield many visitor photos.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The residence is described as 'beautiful little house' and 'very small with just a couple of rooms' open to the public.
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.
Yes, the lush, pretty gardens surrounding the residence are a highlight, offering a sense of peace and beauty that Hearn himself appreciated.
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.
The garden provides a peaceful setting to rest and reflect. Some areas within the residence might also offer seating.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📚 Literature Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Lafcadio Hearn: A Bridge Between Cultures
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.
Experiencing the Tranquility of the Residence and Garden
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.






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