Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
The Koizumi Yakumo Memorial Museum is a museum showcasing the achievements of Lafcadio Hearn, a foreign author active in Japan during the Meiji period, and his life in Matsue. The folk tales, ghost stories, and records of daily life that Hearn collected in Matsue had a major influence on his masterpieces, making it an important base for understanding Matsue's culture. The museum displays manuscripts, photographs, letters, first editions of his works, and translated materials, allowing visitors to systematically learn about Hearn's life, thoughts, and connection to Matsue.
Its distinctive features include an exhibition layout that evokes Yakumo's life and writing scenes, comparative displays with local materials, and the regular holding of special exhibitions in addition to the permanent collection. There are also many English explanations and translated materials, making the museum also considerate to visitors from overseas.
Highlights
- Yakumo's manuscripts, letters, and photographs: These actual documents reveal the author's thought process and records of his stay in Matsue.
- On display are notes from his research in Matsue and a collection of folktales: documents relating to the stories and customs that Yakumo heard in the area.
- Re-created exhibits (study and living room atmosphere): The recreated exhibits convey the atmosphere at the time of writing, allowing you to imagine what life was like at the time.
- Special exhibitions: Special exhibitions are held on themes such as ghost stories, folklore, and translation research (please refer to the museum guide for exhibition dates).
- Exhibit explanations and audio guides: Please check, but multilingual explanations and exhibition panels are often available, making them suitable for foreign language speakers.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station: JR Matsue Station is the nearest major station.
- Bus and City Transportation: Take a city bus or local bus from Matsue Station to the area around Matsue Castle (Horikawa, Shiomi Nawate, etc.), and from there it is within walking distance. There are no sightseeing buses or trams, but the tourist areas are easy to get around on foot.
- By foot: It is within walking distance of the Matsue Castle and Horikawa sightseeing boat area, so it is recommended to combine your visit with a stroll around the castle town.
- Taxi: Approximately 10 minutes by taxi from Matsue Station (depending on traffic conditions).
- By car: Parking is often limited due to the city location, so you will need to use a paid parking lot nearby. We recommend using public transportation when it is crowded.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Tour of the museum only: Approximately 30 to 60 minutes (45 minutes to 1 hour if you want to take your time looking around the permanent exhibits).
- Combined with the former residence and surrounding tourist attractions: 1.5 to 3 hours (combining the tour with the former residence of Lafcadio Hearn, a cruise along the Horikawa River, Matsue Castle, etc.)
Nearby spots
- Matsue Castle: A nationally designated important cultural property, it is a good idea to visit it while strolling around the castle town.
- Horikawa River Pleasure Boat: Enjoy the castle town's moats and streetscape from the boat. The scenery changes with the seasons.
- Lafcadio Hearn's former residence and places associated with him: There are many historical sites scattered around the area that can be visited in addition to the memorial museum.
- Shiomi Nawate (Samurai Residence Street): A traditional street lined with small art museums and craft shops.
- Shimane Art Museum and Lake Shinji area: You can also enjoy the view of Lake Shinji, known as a famous sunset spot, nearby.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Check opening hours: Please check the official website in advance to find out about closing days (many cultural facilities are closed on Mondays), temporary closures due to changing exhibits, whether there is an admission fee, and any discounts.
- Crowds: The museum tends to be crowded along with the surrounding tourist attractions during Golden Week, summer vacation, consecutive holidays, autumn foliage season, and peak tourist season. If you want to take your time looking around, we recommend visiting on a weekday morning.
- Photography: Photography may be restricted within the exhibition rooms. Please follow the instructions of the museum staff and signs to determine whether photography is permitted.
- Manners: As many of the exhibits are valuable documents, please refrain from eating, drinking, or talking loudly. Please also be careful not to touch the display cases.
- Climate and clothing: Due to the influence of Lake Shinji, Matsue can get chilly in the mornings and evenings. The wind is particularly strong from autumn to winter, making the temperature feel lower, so it's a good idea to bring a jacket.
*Please check the official website or tourist guide for the latest opening hours, admission fees, special exhibition information, and access details. The Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum is a facility where you can deeply immerse yourself in the world of Lafcadio Hearn and castle town culture while staying in Matsue, so we recommend visiting it in conjunction with the surrounding historical sites.
