Natsume Soseki (夏目 漱石, 1867–1916) was a renowned Japanese novelist, regarded as one of the greatest writers in Japan’s literary history. He is also one of the most beloved Japanese authors internationally, with his books widely read around the world. He is best known for his novels Kokoro, I Am a Cat, Botchan, Kusamakura and his unfinished work Light and Darkness.
Natsume Sοseki was born and raised in Shinjuku, where he would later pass away. At the site of his home, known as “Soseki-Sanbo” (the building burned down in an air raid on May 25, 1945) in Waseda-Minamicho where Soseki spent the last nine years of his life, the City of Shinjuku established the Natsume Soseki Memorial Museum – the first museum dedicated to Soseki.
The museum collects and preserves various materials, offering a window into Soseki’s life and literary world.
An English audio guide is available, introducing visitors to the life and work of Soseki and the contents of the museum.
photos © Japanbyweb.com
Natsume Soseki Memorial Museum
Opening hours: 10:00 – 18:00 (last entry at 17:30)
Closed: Mondays (if Monday falls on holiday, we will close the following day), Year-end and New Year period (12/29-1/3)
Admission: General 500 yen, Elementary and junior high school students 100 yen
The museum is a 10-minute walk from Waseda Station exit 1 on the Tozai Line.
A cat shows the way to the museum:
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