“A bronze statue honoring the loyal Akita dog who waited nine years for his master at Shibuya Station.”
The Hachikō Statue (忠犬ハチ公像, Chūken Hachikō-zō) stands as one of the world’s most touching monuments, honoring the legendary devotion of Hachikō, an Akita dog born in 1923. Hachikō faithfully accompanied his owner, Professor Hidesaburō Ueno of the University of Tokyo, to Shibuya Station each morning and waited there every evening for his return.
When Professor Ueno unexpectedly passed away in 1925, Hachikō—driven by unshakable loyalty—continued to wait at the same spot day after day for the next nine years until his own death in 1935. His quiet vigil moved the nation after a major newspaper published his story in 1932, earning him the affectionate title Chūken Hachikō (“The Faithful Dog”).
The first bronze statue, unveiled while Hachikō was still alive, was melted down during World War II for military use. In 1948, the current and now world-famous statue was reinstalled, becoming a cherished symbol of loyalty and love.
Today, the Hachikō Statue is not only a monument but also Shibuya’s most iconic meeting point, standing just beside the vibrant Shibuya Scramble Crossing. To complete the story, a second statue—depicting Hachikō joyfully reuniting with Professor Ueno—was unveiled at the University of Tokyo’s campus in 2015, forever capturing their unbreakable bond.
How to Get There
- By JR Line: Get off at JR Shibuya Station and take the “Hachikō Exit.” The statue is directly outside.
- By Tokyo Metro: Follow the signs for “Hachikō Exit.”
- On Foot: Just a short walk from the Shibuya Scramble Crossing.
Travel Tips
- Best visited early morning for fewer crowds or at night when Shibuya’s neon lights create a perfect backdrop for photos.
Admission Fee: Free (public area)
Opening Time: Open 24 hours daily (accessible public plaza)