Lafcadio Hearn's Former Residence, Literary museum and historic samurai residence in Matsue, Japan
Lafcadio Hearn's Former Residence is a traditional wooden building from the samurai era with tatami-mat rooms, sliding doors, and small spaces arranged around a central courtyard. A gravel garden with stone pathways and plantings surrounds the structure and contributes to its original character.
The building dates from the early Meiji period and was originally built as a samurai residence before Hearn later occupied it. His stay there marked a turning point in his life and shaped how he understood and wrote about Japan.
The residence displays the rooms where Hearn recorded his observations about Japan and developed his deep interest in the country. His notes and personal items give a direct view of how he lived and what captured his imagination about Japanese customs.
The site is easily accessible on foot and the rooms are compact, so a visit of about one hour is sufficient for most people. You will need to remove your shoes before stepping on the tatami mats inside.
Hearn's handwritten manuscripts are displayed in glass cases and reveal his keen eye for detail in observing everyday Japanese life. These original writings show the direct link between his experiences in this house and the essays he later published.
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