The Lafcadio Hearn Former Residence is where Hearn lived for about five months as a newlywed in Matsue. It is a simple wooden house with a Japanese atmosphere. Hearn studied Japanese culture and customs in depth here, and gained much inspiration that led to his later work "Kaidan." You can feel the Japanese aesthetic that Hearn was so fascinated by, such as the light shining through the shoji screens and the garden reflecting the changing seasons. To be honest, it is not flashy, but it is quietly moving to see Japan from Hearn's perspective.

Right next to the former residence is a samurai house that reproduces the home of a mid-ranking samurai of the Matsue domain at that time. It is built to convey the simple and sturdy lifestyle of a samurai, and the living room, kitchen, garden, etc. are left in the same atmosphere as they were at the time. Inside the house, household items and weapons from that time are on display, allowing you to get a glimpse into the daily life of a samurai in the Edo period. The garden is also beautifully maintained, showing different faces through the four seasons.

The whole of Shiomi Nawate still retains the strong image of Matsue's castle town, and you can feel the atmosphere just by strolling around. The dock for the Horikawa sightseeing boat is nearby, so you can enjoy the view from the waterside. **This area is perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in history and literature in a calm atmosphere, unlike the bustle of Matsue Castle. **In particular, you will be able to feel its charm more deeply if you visit after reading Yakumo's literary works.

[Trivia]

- Koizumi Yakumo is an Irish-born Greek-British author who became a naturalized Japanese citizen. He is known for introducing Japanese culture, folklore, ghost stories, and more to the world.

- In the garden of Koizumi Yakumo's former residence, there is a camellia tree that Yakumo is said to have loved.

- Shiomi Nawate is a small path along the Horikawa River, and it is said that the name "Shio" comes from the fact that it was once a road along which salt was transported, or that the mansion of the "Shiomi clan," a vassal of the feudal lord, was located there.

[Hidden gem information]
"Meimeian," located in the middle of Shiomi Nawate, is a relocated teahouse associated with Matsudaira Fumai, the lord of Matsue. It is a quiet, hidden gem where you can enjoy matcha green tea in a beautiful Japanese garden. Away from the hustle and bustle of the castle town, you can spend a relaxing time experiencing traditional Japanese culture and aesthetic sense.