Lafcadio Hearn, known in Japan as Koizumi Yakumo, was a writer of Greek-Irish background who came to Matsue in 1890, married into a samurai family, took Japanese citizenship, and did more than almost anyone to introduce the culture and folk tales of old Japan to Western readers. His collections of Japanese ghost stories, especially Kwaidan, remain widely read. Beside the castle moat stand two linked sites: the small samurai residence he rented, preserved with the garden he lovingly described, and a modern memorial museum next door displaying his manuscripts, belongings and the story of his life between two worlds.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Matsue, Shimane |
| Hours | ~8:30–18:30 (shorter in winter) |
| Admission | ~¥310 each site |
| Time needed | 45–75 minutes |
| Best time | Year-round; on the Horikawa boat route |
What to See
- The preserved samurai residence Hearn rented.
- The garden he lovingly described in his writing.
- Manuscripts and belongings in the memorial museum.
- The story of his life between Japan and the West.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with the Horikawa canal boat , which passes here.
- Pair with Matsue Castle across the moat.
- Read our Shimane overview .
Getting There
- By bus: the Matsue Lakeline stops near the residence, north of the castle.
- On foot: in the samurai district along the castle moat.
Tips
Read even a little of Hearn’s Kwaidan or his Matsue essays before visiting, as the residence and garden mean far more when you know his writing — this is a literary pilgrimage rather than a big museum. Both the old residence and the modern museum next door are worth the small separate fees, and the site sits right on the Horikawa boat route through the samurai district.
