Lafcadio Hearn Following Footsteps with Local and Audio Guide

Step into his world, married into a samurai family and transformed Japan’s ghost stories into literature to the world. Explore his former residence and the places he cherished, from samurai districts to Gessho-ji Temple at your pace. Background: When Lafcadio Hearn arrived in Japan in 1890—during the country's rapid rush toward modernization—he set out to explore the vanishing spirit of Japan. In Matsue, he encountered the everyday lives of ordinary people upholding age-old customs, and with a deep sense of reverence for the unseen, he captured these experiences in his writings. Schedule: 13:20 Meeting at the lobby of Matsue New Urban Hotel 13:30 Depart - tour begins 13:45 Matsue Castle — Otemon Gate area 13:55 Matsue Jozan Inari Shrine 14:45 Lafcadio Hearn Museum & Former Residence 15:46 Taking the Lake Line Bus 15:51 Gesshoji Temple 16:20 Dispersal at the site or Matsue New Urban Hotel

1. 1

   Matsue Castle

   Pass by

   Experience the castle that Lafcadio Hearn described as a dragon!

2. 2

   Shiroyama Inari Shrine

   15 min

   Discover the foxes that captivated Lafcadio Hearn.

3. 3

   Hearn Memorial Hall

   30 min

   Feel the history of Lafcadio Hearn at the Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum.

4. 4

   Former Yakumo Koizumi Residence

   30 min

   Explore the preserved home of Lafcadio Hearn and discover his life in Matsue.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   1 hour

   Follow the path of Lafcadio Hearn and find peace at Gessho-ji Temple.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.