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Hachiko Statue in the summer

 

About

Hachiko was a dog who was extremely loyal to his owner.  After his owner Dr. Ueno died suddenly of a stroke at the university where he taught, Hachiko continued to wait for him at Shibuya Station for 9 years and 9 months until his own death from old age.  His owner never came home yet yet Hachiko waited for him there every day.  There is a statue of Hachiko that commemorates his canine devotion to his master near Shibuya Station which is extremely popular with Japanese and Foreign tourist alike.  The Hachiko story has been told through word of mouth, books and even major movies (Original 1987 Japanese version: wiki - Hachiko Monogatari, on IMDB and the 2009 Hollywood version: wiki - Hachi: A Dog's Tale starring Richard Gere on Rotten Tomatoes).  The story of Hachiko is famous throughout the world and therefore the statue is a prime target destination for many travellers to Japan.

Until the early 2010s, the Hachiko Statue was a well known landmark and had some visitors but was mostly just a place to meet-up with your friends. Nowadays, since the boom in Japanese tourism, it can get literally packed with people wanting to take their picture with the bronze statue.  If you go on a weekend or any time in the afternoon, expect to wait in line to get a picture... there could even be a long wait depending on the season.  Mornings and Sunday early mornings might be your best bet to beat the crowds.

Hachiko Map

 

Access

Closest Train Station: Shibuya

Dogenzaka 1-2
Tokyo-to, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0043 Japan

Exit the "Hachiko Exit" from the JR (just read the signs when you get off the train BEFORE you exit). Don't be rushed along by everyone else, just step to the side or along the wall and let everyone rush out so you can take your time to read the information signs.

Google Map

 

Hotels & Lodging

Recommended

View a full list of Hotels and Lodging in or nearby Hachiko.

 

Hours & Fees

Hours: Every day of the week 24/7

Closed: Never Closed

Cost: Free

Information presented is based on the time it was created. There may be changes since publication. Please confirm information by contacting the attraction before visiting.