Lafcadio Hearn’s Residence

Lafcadio Hearn (1850-1904), known in Japan under his Japanese name Koizumi Yakumo, was among the first Western authors to write books about Japan. His most famous works include "Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan" and "Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things".
Hearn immigrated to Japan in 1890 and spent the rest of his life there. After spending a year in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, Hearn resided several years of his life (1891 to 1894) in Kumamoto City. Today, his former Kumamoto residence (¬ò”ª‰_ŒF–{‹Œ‹, Koizumi Yakumo Kumamoto Kyūkyo) is open to the public and contains a small museum about the author.
Getting there and around
Lafcadio Hearn's former residence stands directly behind the Tsuruya department store in Kumamoto downtown. The closest tram stop is Suidocho, a 15 minute, 170 yen tram ride from Kumamoto Station. The residence can be reached in a two minute walk from the tram stop.
How to get to and around Kumamoto

Hours and Fees
Hours
Closed
December 29 to January 3
Admission
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Hotels around Kumamoto
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Minshuku HiroshimayaSituated in Kumamoto, an 40-minute walk from Hosokawa Residence Gyobutei, Hiroshimaya provides air-conditioned accommodation with free WiFi. Located around 2.2 km from Kumamoto Castle, the guest house is also 5 km away from Suizenji Park. The property is 800 metres from Shimada Museum of Art. Guest rooms at the guest house are equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The shared bathroom is fitted with a shower and free toiletries. Kumamoto City Museum is 1.5 km from Hiroshimaya, while Former Residence of Natsume Soseki is 2.3 km away. The nearest airport is Kumamoto Airport, 16 km from the property.View on Booking.com
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THE BLOSSOM KUMAMOTOLocated 3.2 km from Hosokawa Residence Gyobutei, THE BLOSSOM KUMAMOTO offers 4-star accommodation in Kumamoto and features a fitness centre, a restaurant and a bar. This 4-star hotel offers luggage storage space. The hotel has a sauna, a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi throughout the property. All guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with a kettle. All units will provide guests with air conditioning, a safety deposit box and a flat-screen TV. Guests at THE BLOSSOM KUMAMOTO can enjoy a buffet or an Asian breakfast. Kumamoto Castle is 3.4 km from the accommodation, while Suizenji Park is 6 km away. The nearest airport is Kumamoto Airport, 17 km from THE BLOSSOM KUMAMOTO.View on Booking.com
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Dyeing and Hostel Nakashimaya - Female OnlyOnly a 2-minute walk from Senbabashi Train Station, Dyeing and Hostel Nakashimaya is a female only property that offers affordable accommodations with free Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy views of Kumamoto Castle from the balcony and experience traditional tie-dyeing activities. JR Kumamoto Train Station is a 20-minute walk away. Guests can choose to stay in private Japanese-style rooms or in shared dormitory-style rooms. All rooms feature air conditioning, tatami (woven-straw) floors and Japanese futon bedding. Bathrooms and toilets are shared. Nakashimaya Dyeing and Hostel is a 15-minute walk from Kumamoto Castle and a 10-minute drive from Honmyo Temple. A coin-launderette is available. Guests can sit by the traditional Irori hearth and enjoy DVDs on the flat-screen TV at the shared lounge. A free-use internet PC is available and the free-use kitchen comes with a microwave and fridge. No meals are served.View on Booking.com
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FAV HOTEL KUMAMOTOLocated 1.9 km from Kumamoto Castle, FAV HOTEL KUMAMOTO offers 4-star accommodation in Kumamoto and features a bar. Featuring a terrace, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. Private parking is available on site. Guest rooms are equipped with a fridge, microwave, a kettle, a bidet, free toiletries and a desk. At the hotel each room is equipped with bed linen and towels. Guests at FAV HOTEL KUMAMOTO can enjoy an American breakfast. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Kumamoto Station, Contemporary Art Museum Kumamoto and Kumamoto City Museum. The nearest airport is Kumamoto Airport, 16 km from FAV HOTEL KUMAMOTO.View on Booking.com
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REF Kumamoto by VESSEL HOTELSSet in Kumamoto, within 1.2 km of Kumamoto Castle and 2.6 km of Hosokawa Residence Gyobutei, REF Kumamoto by VESSEL HOTELS offers accommodation with a spa and wellness centre and free WiFi throughout the property. Featuring a 24-hour front desk, this property also provides guests with a restaurant. Attractions in the area include Suizenji Park, 4.2 km away, or Shimada Museum of Art, located 2.9 km from the property. A continental breakfast is available every morning at the hotel. REF Kumamoto by VESSEL HOTELS offers a sauna. Children's amenities are available at the front desk free of charge. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Contemporary Art Museum Kumamoto, Former Residence of Natsume Soseki and Kumamoto City Museum. The nearest airport is Kumamoto Airport, 18 km from REF Kumamoto by VESSEL HOTELS.View on Booking.com
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Candeo Hotels Kumamoto ShinshigaiFeaturing 4-star accommodation, Candeo Hotels Kumamoto Shinshigai is located in Kumamoto, 1.5 km from Kumamoto Castle and 2.6 km from Hosokawa Residence Gyobutei. This 4-star hotel provides a spa experience, with its sauna and hot tub. The property features a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi is available throughout the property. Popular points of interest near the hotel include Contemporary Art Museum Kumamoto, Former Residence of Natsume Soseki and Kumamoto City Museum. The nearest airport is Kumamoto Airport, 15 km from Candeo Hotels Kumamoto Shinshigai.View on Booking.com
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Sotetsu Grand Fresa KumamotoFeaturing 3-star accommodation, Sotetsu Grand Fresa Kumamoto is located in Kumamoto, 3.2 km from Hosokawa Residence Gyobutei and 3.8 km from Suizenji Park. With a restaurant, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The property is non-smoking and is situated 1.5 km from Kumamoto Castle. All rooms in the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV. At Sotetsu Grand Fresa Kumamoto the rooms come with bed linen and towels. Speaking English and Japanese at the 24-hour front desk, staff are always at hand to help. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Contemporary Art Museum Kumamoto, Minami Kumamoto Station and Kumamoto City Museum. The nearest airport is Kumamoto Airport, 15 km from Sotetsu Grand Fresa Kumamoto.View on Booking.com
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KOKO HOTEL Premier KumamotoFeaturing 4-star accommodation, KOKO HOTEL Premier Kumamoto is located in Kumamoto, 2 km from Hosokawa Residence Gyobutei and 4.4 km from Suizenji Park. The 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is set 1.3 km from Kumamoto Castle. At the hotel, all rooms include a desk. All guest rooms in KOKO HOTEL Premier Kumamoto are fitted with a flat-screen TV and free toiletries. Languages spoken at the reception include English and Japanese, and guests are invited to request information on the area when needed. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Contemporary Art Museum Kumamoto, Kumamoto City Museum and Former Residence of Natsume Soseki. The nearest airport is Kumamoto Airport, 15 km from KOKO HOTEL Premier Kumamoto.View on Booking.com
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Hotel Nikko KumamotoLocated in the heart of the city, Hotel Nikko Kumamoto features accommodations with free wired internet access and views of Kumamoto Castle. Torichosuji Train Station is a 1-minute walk, and the JR Kumamoto Train Station is a 10-minute drive away. Guests can choose among 5 dining options and relaxing massages can be requested as well. The air-conditioned rooms feature carpeted floors and a flat-screen TV. An electric kettle and nightwear are provided for guests. The en suite bathroom comes with slippers and a hairdryer. Laundry and photocopying services are available at the 24-hour front desk. Room service and newspapers are also provided. Les Celebrites serves French dishes, and Tao-Li offers Cantonese specialities. Benkei serves Japanese cuisines with nice views and drinks are available at Fountain bar lounge. Breakfast is served at AsoShed. Kumamoto Hotel Nikko is a 10-minute walk from Kumamoto Castle, and the Contemporary Art Museum is only a 1-minute walk away.View on Booking.com
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Kumamoto Hotel CastleKumamoto Hotel Castle is a 7-minute walk from the famous Kumamoto Castle. It features 4 restaurants and modern guest rooms with free WiFi. The hotel is situated a 10-minute drive from JR Kumamoto Station. To reach the Suizenji Park, take a 15-minute tram ride from Toricho Suji Station or alternatively take a 10-minute taxi ride. Rooms come with a private bathroom, a refrigerator and free toiletries. Satellite channels can be enjoyed at an additional charge on the flat-screen TV. The restaurants at Hotel Castle Kumamoto specialises in international dishes such as Japanese, French and Chinese. Dinning Kitchen Kuyouan is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The hotel offers various services including luggage storage, currency exchange, dry cleaning and fax/photocopying.View on Booking.com
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