The Hachiko Statue near Shibuya Crossing is a beloved landmark in Tokyo.
This bronze statue of Hachiko, a famously loyal Akita dog, commemorates his devotion to his owner and has become a symbol of loyalty worldwide.
The Story of Hachiko
Hachiko, born in 1923, was an Akita dog adopted by Professor Hidesaburo Ueno.
Each day, Hachiko waited at Shibuya Station for his owner to return from work. In 1925, Professor Ueno passed away suddenly, but Hachiko continued to wait daily at the station for nearly 10 years.
His loyalty touched many, and in 1934, a bronze statue was erected at Shibuya Station with Hachiko himself present at the unveiling.
Visiting the Hachiko Statue
How to Get from Tokyo Station to Shibuya Station (Hachiko Statue)
The easiest way to get from Tokyo Station to Shibuya Station is by train.
- Take the JR Yamanote Line (Green Line)
- This is a direct train from Tokyo Station to Shibuya Station.
- Travel Time: Approximately 23 minutes.
- Fare: ¥210 (One-way).
- Arrival at Shibuya Station
- Exit the station via the Hachiko Exit, which leads directly to the Hachiko Statue.
The statue is situated just outside the Hachiko Exit of Shibuya Station, right next to the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing, making it easily accessible.
There’s usually a line of people waiting to take photos, so be prepared to wait for a bit.
If you want to take your time, visiting early on a weekday morning is recommended.
Hachiko shop
If you’re looking for Hachiko-themed merchandise like plush toys or stickers, visit “Hachifuru SHIBUYA meets AKITA”. This shop celebrates Hachiko’s legacy and connection to Akita.
| Name | Hachifuru SHIBUYA meets AKITA |
|---|---|
| Access | Shibuya Scramble Square, 14th Floor 2-24-12 Shibuya, Shibuya City, Tokyo (Directly connected to and above Shibuya Station) |
| Hours | 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
Nearby Attractions
After visiting Hachiko, explore these nearby attractions:
- Shibuya Crossing: Known as the busiest pedestrian crossing, it showcases Tokyo’s vibrant energy.
- Shibuya Scramble Square: A skyscraper with shopping, dining, and the Shibuya Sky observation deck.
- Meiji Shrine: A serene Shinto shrine offering a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle.
FAQ
Hachiko was an Akita dog famous for waiting at Shibuya Station every day for his deceased owner. As a result, he became a symbol of loyalty and devotion.
The statue is located outside the Hachiko Exit of Shibuya Station in Tokyo, Japan, specifically near Shibuya Crossing.
For example, nearby attractions include Shibuya Crossing, Shibuya Scramble Square, and Meiji Shrine.
Kikuzaburo Kobayashi, the former gardener of Hidesaburo Ueno, took care of Hachiko.
Hachiko died on March 8, 1935, from terminal cancer and a parasitic infection called dirofilariasis.
| Name | Tokyo Tourist Information Center (Shibuya) |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-1-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0043, B1 Concourse (Shibuya Chikamichi General Information Center) |
| Access | Located inside Shibuya Station, B1 floor concourse near Tokyu Line entrance. |
| Hours | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Closed | Open year-round |
| URL | Official Website |
| Map | Google Maps |
