Lafcadio Hearn’s Residence

Lafcadio Hearn’s Former Residence in Matsue is a must-visit destination for those interested in Japanese culture. Hearn, one of the first Western authors to explore Japan, lived in Matsue for about a year. His former home is now open to the public, offering a fascinating glimpse into his life and work. Next door, a museum dedicated to Hearn showcases his contributions to bridging Western and Japanese cultures.

Born in Greece in 1850, Hearn traveled extensively before settling in Japan in 1890. There, he married a Japanese woman, adopted the name Koizumi Yakumo, and became a naturalized Japanese citizen. His most famous works, such as Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan and Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things, introduced Japan’s rich culture and folklore to the Western world. Hearn passed away in Tokyo in 1904.