Lafcadio Hearn (Koizumi Yakumo) Former Residence

The Koizumi Yakumo Former Residence (also called the Hearn Former Residence) is a historic building used as a literary site, designated as a National Historic Site. It is the house where Lafcadio Hearn—an Englishman who grew deeply interested in Japan and lived as a Japanese citizen—spent about six months of newlywed life. Next door is the Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum; both feature wonderful traditional Japanese architecture. Hearn is also known for introducing Japan and Matsue to the Western world, and his kaidan stories are still passed down to children today. From the room he used as a living room, you can view the Japanese garden from three sides, which is said to have influenced his understanding of Japanese life. In particular, his work “Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan,” Chapter 16 “Japanese Gardens,” describes this garden. Nearby is Tahara Shrine, which Hearn is said to have visited often—worth combining in your walk. Access: from JR Matsue Station, take a bus, get off at “Koizumi Yakumo Kinenkan-mae,” then walk 1 minute.