Lafcadio Hearn (Koizumi Yakumo) and Matsue: Literary Master's Heritage Site Where the World of Kaidan Lives

Near Matsue Castle are spots associated with Meiji-era literary master Lafcadio Hearn (given name: Patrick Lafcadio Hearn, 1850-1904). The Greece-born Irish-American writer came to Japan in 1890 (Meiji 23) and lived for over a year in Matsue as a middle school English teacher.

Lafcadio Hearn's Former Residence (Samurai Residence)

The "samurai residence" where Hearn actually lived is a former samurai family mansion in the Matsue castle town, where Hearn lived with his wife Koizumi Setsu and observed life in Matsue. Now publicly open as "Lafcadio Hearn's Former Residence," visitors can experience the atmosphere of the period samurai residence.

Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum

The "Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum" standing right next to the former residence displays Hearn's life, works, and relationships. Original manuscripts of stories in "Kwaidan" and materials from works chronicling his Japanese life allow deep knowledge of Hearn's world.

Kwaidan and Izumo Folktales

"Kwaidan," a collection of Japanese ghost stories and folktales collected throughout the region during Hearn's Matsue stay and translated/retold into English, is known as a famous work that conveyed Japanese yokai culture to the world. Still-beloved ghost stories including "Yuki-onna," "Miminashi Hoichi," and "Mujina" are included.

Access

About 15 minutes from JR Matsue Station by Lake Line (sightseeing bus) (alight at Koizumi Yakumo Memorial Museum).