What to know
Lafcadio Hearn (1850-1904), known in Japan as Koizumi Yakumo, was one of the first Western writers to publish books about Japan. His best-known works include "Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan" and "Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things".
Hearn moved to Japan in 1890 and lived there for the rest of his life. After a year in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, he spent several years (1891 to 1894) in Kumamoto City. Today, his former Kumamoto residence (小泉八雲熊本旧居, Koizumi Yakumo Kumamoto Kyūkyo) is open to the public and houses a small museum dedicated to the author.
Lafcadio Hearn's former residence is located directly behind the Tsuruya department store in downtown Kumamoto. The nearest tram stop is Suidocho, a 15-minute, 180-yen tram ride from Kumamoto Station. The residence is a two-minute walk from the tram stop.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 9:30 to 16:30
- Closed
- Monday (or following day, if Monday is a national holiday)
- Admission
- 200 yen (~$1.28)
- English name
- Original name
- Lafcadio Hearn’s Residence
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.