[2025 Matsue Attraction] Travel Guide for Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum (Updated Jul)

#summervacay From Tottori to Yonago and finally Matsue— Without a doubt, Matsue is my favorite. As soon as I arrived, I felt relaxed. The city is small but comforting, clean streets, beautiful buildings, and not too many people. Everything slows down here. 📍【Getting to Matsue】 I came from Yonago via the Sanin Line. The ride costs ¥510 and offers lovely scenery along the way—just sit back and enjoy the view. 📍【Matsue Castle & Nearby Spots】 Matsue Castle is one of the 12 original castles remaining in Japan—classic and majestic. Entry: ¥800 for the castle alone, or ¥1,440 for a combined ticket (Matsue Castle + Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum + Buke Yashiki Samurai Residence). These three sites are close to each other and easy to visit together. I didn’t go inside this time, but just strolling around was enjoyable. You’ll even see some stray cats lounging by the castle walls—such a local vibe. 📍【Shimane Art Museum】 Located on the shore of Lake Shinji (Shinjiko), it’s one of the best sunset-viewing spots in the area. The museum is peaceful and beautifully curated. Tickets start at ¥300. Come in the late afternoon—wander the galleries, then step outside to watch the golden sunset reflecting off the water. Truly magical. 📍Tips: Matsue is perfect for a slow-paced overnight stay. Public transport is limited and a bit slow, so renting a bike or planning your route ahead is a good idea. Grab a free map from the tourist info center at Matsue Station or near the castle—it makes everything easier. 📸 Where to take beautiful photos: ✔ The moat and streets around Matsue Castle ✔ The tranquil Japanese gardens near Lafcadio Hearn’s former residence ✔ Sunset over Lake Shinji from the museum’s glass facade If you’re craving a slower kind of travel, come to Matsue. It’s not packed with tourists, but it has just the right amount of peace and charm. #MatsueTravel #ShimanePrefecture

#cityplaybook Matsue is a castle town where time feels like it flows a little more gently. With its scenic canals, samurai heritage, and literary legacy, it’s the perfect place for a quiet day steeped in tradition. I started at Uga Bridge, a simple yet elegant structure that blends beautifully with its surroundings. It’s also one of the best photo spots to capture the iconic Horikawa Sightseeing Boat as it glides down the canal. Next, I visited the Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum, dedicated to the Irish-born writer who fell in love with Japan and spent part of his life in Matsue. The exhibits offer a thoughtful glimpse into cross-cultural connection. Finally, I walked through the Former Samurai Residence, a preserved home that lets you imagine what life was like for a samurai family in the Edo period. Why I recommend Matsue for a day trip: ・You can experience traditional Japan at a slower, more personal pace ・The city is full of understated beauty—perfect for history lovers and quiet explorers 📍Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, Japan #Matsue #LafcadioHearn #HorikawaCruise #SamuraiResidence #HiddenJapan #CastleTownVibes #TravelJapan #CityPlaybook #SlowTravel

#cityplaybook #stunningview #familytrip #localguides Nestled in Shimane Prefecture, Matsue is a tranquil city where myth, history, and natural beauty converge. Known as the “City of Water,” it sits between Lake Shinji and Nakaumi Lagoon, with canals weaving through its streets, offering a serene atmosphere steeped in tradition. 🏯 Matsue Castle – A National Treasure Matsue Castle is one of Japan’s few remaining original wooden castles, constructed between 1607 and 1611. Its black-lacquered exterior and panoramic views from the top make it a must-visit. The surrounding park is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season. 🌸 Cultural and Spiritual Sites Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum: Dedicated to the writer who introduced Japanese culture to the West, the museum offers insights into his life and works. Yaegaki Shrine: This shrine is associated with matchmaking and love, attracting visitors seeking blessings for relationships. Meimei-an Tea House: Built in 1779, this tea house reflects the Fumai-ryu style of tea ceremony, offering a glimpse into traditional Japanese hospitality. 🌿 Gardens and Natural Beauty Yuushien Garden: Located on Daikon Island, this garden is renowned for its peony displays and seasonal beauty. Lake Shinji: Famous for its stunning sunsets, the lake offers pleasure cruises that showcase the area's natural splendor. 🛀 Relaxation and Hot Springs Tamatsukuri Onsen: This hot spring area is known for its healing waters and has been a destination for relaxation since ancient times. 📍 Location Matsue is located in Shimane Prefecture, part of the Chugoku region in southwest Japan. 📅 Best Time to Visit Spring (March–May) for cherry blossoms and autumn (October–November) for vibrant foliage are ideal times to experience Matsue's natural beauty. 📝 Travel Tips Consider purchasing a Matsue City Pass for convenient access to major attractions. Many sites are within walking distance; comfortable footwear is recommended. Local cuisine, such as shijimi clam dishes from Lake Shinji, offers a taste of the region's flavors. #MatsueCastle #CityOfWater #HiddenJapan #ShimaneTravel #JapaneseHeritage #LakeShinji #YuushienGarden #TamatsukuriOnsen #LafcadioHearn #YaegakiShrine

#cityplaybook #localguides #postandearn #familytrip Matsue, the capital of Shimane Prefecture, might not be the most talked-about destination in Japan, but that’s precisely why I fell in love with it. It’s peaceful, deeply historic, and kissed by the natural beauty of Lake Shinji and surrounding rivers. Here, I found the quiet charm of a city that values its samurai roots while embracing a poetic lakeside rhythm. My journey began at Matsue Castle, one of the few original feudal castles remaining in Japan. Unlike many reconstructions, this one dates back to 1611 and still exudes the power and elegance of the Edo era. Climbing to the top, I was rewarded with panoramic views of the city and lake. The grounds were especially breathtaking during cherry blossom season. Just a short stroll away is the Samurai District, where I wandered cobbled streets and visited preserved residences. One highlight was the Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum, dedicated to the Greek-Irish writer who adopted Matsue as his home and wrote extensively about Japanese folklore. His former residence next door offered a fascinating window into his life. Matsue is also a city of water. A boat cruise through its network of canals is a must. With the traditional wooden roofs of the boats and low stone bridges, the experience felt like slipping through time. The Lake Shinji sunset is legendary—golden light spreads across the still water, creating one of the most peaceful scenes I’ve ever witnessed. Best Time to Visit: March–April for cherry blossoms. October–November for autumn colors and cooler temperatures. Tips: Try Shijimi clam soup—a local specialty sourced from Lake Shinji. Don’t miss the peaceful Gessho-ji Temple, home to mossy paths and giant stone turtles. Location: Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, Japan #MatsueMagic #LakeShinjiSunset #MatsueCastle #JapanSamuraiTrail #HiddenJapan #ShimaneSecrets #LafcadioHearn #CanalCruiseJapan #SereneJapan #TravelMatsue Matsue whispered stories of samurai, sunsets, and still waters—inviting me to slow down, listen, and simply be.

[Access] ○322 Okutani-cho, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, 690-0872 ○From JR Matsue Station, take the Matsue Lake Line bus for about 16 minutes Get off at the "Koizumi Yakumo Memorial Museum" stop [Points] ~Learn everything about Koizumi Yakumo~ The Koizumi Yakumo Memorial Museum is a museum where you can learn all about Koizumi Yakumo's life from his birth to his death. There is a DVD playing right at the entrance to help you learn about Koizumi Yakumo, so it will be easier to understand if you watch it before entering the museum. After learning about Koizumi Yakumo's life at the museum, you can buy a paperback book at the shop, so why not visit the museum? *Information as of August 2024. #FuriTabi

In Matsue City, Japan, I visited the Lafcadio Hearn Residence, a place brimming with historical and literary charm that allows one to closely understand the life of this famous writer. I took twelve photos to document this inspiring visit. The Lafcadio Hearn Residence was where he lived and worked in Matsue, and this traditional Japanese home has retained many of its original architectural details, transporting visitors back in time. As I entered the residence, I was immediately captivated by its simplicity and elegance. The wooden structure, paper doors, and design of the garden fully embody the aesthetics of traditional Japanese architecture. Inside the residence, I toured Lafcadio Hearn's study and living room, which have preserved the furniture and items he used at the time. The study displays his manuscripts and books, providing a deeper understanding of his creative process. I captured these precious exhibits, hoping to share these historical testimonies with everyone. What particularly moved me was the garden. This small and exquisite garden is filled with natural beauty, offering a sense of tranquility and harmony. I strolled through the garden, admiring the beauty of the flora and trees, and felt a sense of inner peace and joy. This visit to the Lafcadio Hearn Residence not only allowed me to understand the life and works of this outstanding writer but also let me experience the beauty and wisdom of traditional Japanese living. I will forever treasure these wonderful memories and look forward to returning here in the future to explore more of the beauty of history and culture.

In Matsue City, Japan, I visited the Koizumi Yakumo Memorial Hall, a place full of cultural and historical charm dedicated to the life and works of the famous writer Lafcadio Hearn. I took seven photos to document this inspiring visit. Koizumi Yakumo is an Irish-Japanese writer best known for his depictions of Japanese folktales and ghost stories. His works profoundly reflect Japanese culture and lifestyle. Many manuscripts, books and personal belongings of Koizumi Yakumo are displayed inside the memorial hall, allowing people to have an in-depth understanding of his creative process and life background. In the museum, I was attracted by the cultural relics and materials on display. These exhibits not only demonstrated the creative talent of Koizumi Yakumo, but also gave me a deeper understanding of his life in Japan. I especially loved the study room and manuscript display there, and felt the author’s creative atmosphere at that time. The building itself of the memorial hall is also a place worth admiring. The elegant Japanese architectural style complements the beautiful garden, creating a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. I walked in the garden and admired the surrounding scenery. Every detail here is full of cultural atmosphere. This visit to the Koizumi Yakumo Memorial Hall not only gave me an in-depth understanding of the life and works of this outstanding writer, but also allowed me to feel the unique cultural charm of Japan. I will cherish this wonderful memory forever and look forward to coming here again in the future to explore more of its historical and cultural beauty. #Koizumi Yakumo Memorial Hall #松江市 # Cultural Exploration # History and Literature # Travel Memories