Lafcadio Hearn’s Residence (小泉八雲旧居) in Kumamoto is another historic house associated with the famous writer and translator Lafcadio Hearn, also known by his Japanese name, Yakumo Koizumi. The house was built in 1876 and served as Hearn’s residence from 1891 to 1894 when he was a teacher at Kumamoto University. The house is now a museum that is dedicated to Hearn’s life and work, as well as to the preservation of Japanese cultural heritage.
The Hearn Residence is known for its unique design, which combines traditional Japanese and Western architectural styles. The house features a central courtyard surrounded by a series of interconnected rooms, as well as a Western-style study that Hearn used during his time in Kumamoto. Visitors to the museum can explore the house’s various rooms and the Japanese garden, which Hearn cherished, as well as view exhibits featuring his furniture, belongings, and books.
The Hearn Residence is a significant cultural landmark in Japan, and it is particularly notable for its role in promoting understanding and appreciation of Japanese culture to a Western audience. Hearn’s writings on Japanese folklore and culture are still widely read and studied today, and the Hearn Residence is an important destination for scholars and enthusiasts of Japanese culture and history. The residence is easily accessible by bus or tram from Kumamoto Station.
Getting there
By Tram
From Kumamoto Station:
- Take the tram to Suidocho stop
- Journey time: 15 minutes
- Cost: 170 yen
From Suidocho stop:
- 2-minute walk to the residence
By Foot
- 15-minute walk from Kumamoto Transportation Center
- Located directly behind Tsuruya department store in downtown Kumamoto
Details
| Hours | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Admission | Adults: 200 yen High school students: 200 yen Elementary school and junior high school students: 100 yen |
| Phone | +81 96-354-7842 |
| Address | 2-6 Anseimachi, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto, 860-0801 |
| Resources | https://kumamoto-guide.jp/spots/detail/62 |
