The Hachiko Dog Statue is a must-visit attraction in Tokyo, but have you ever wondered where to find it? It's located in front of Shibuya Station, one of the busiest train stations in the world.
Shibuya Station is a hub for Tokyo's famous train network, with over 2.4 million passengers passing through every day. You can't miss the statue, but it's worth noting that it's not inside the station itself, but rather outside, near the famous Shibuya Crossing.
To get to the statue, take the JR Yamanote Line to Shibuya Station and follow the signs to the statue. It's a short walk from the station, and you can't miss the iconic statue of Hachiko, a loyal Akita dog who waited for his owner at the station for years.
Intriguing read: Hachiko the True Story of a Loyal Dog
Hachiko's Story
Hachiko, a loyal Akita, was adopted by Professor Eizaburo Ueno of Tokyo University in the early 1920s.
The two were inseparable, with Hachiko accompanying his master to Shibuya Station each day.
Check this out: Hachiko Memorial Statue Photos
Hachiko would come back to the station each afternoon at 3pm to greet Ueno upon his return.
Unfortunately, the professor died in 1925 while at the university, and Hachiko continued to visit the station daily until his own death nearly 10 years later.
Hachiko's own death made headlines, and he was cremated and buried next to his beloved owner.
A small statue was erected in front of Shibuya Station to commemorate Hachiko.
This statue is now a typical starting point for anyone visiting Shibuya, and a convenient meeting point for friends and occasionally tour groups.
Locals and foreigners are always queuing for photos with the statue, just meters away from Shibuya's popular Scramble Crossing.
Explore further: Hachiko Dog Statue Tokyo
Tokyo Statues
In Tokyo, you can find several statues of Hachiko, the loyal Akita dog. One of the most famous statues is located at Shibuya Station, where a bronze statue based on his likeness was erected in 1934. It was recycled during World War II but a second statue was made in 1948 by Takeshi Ando, the son of the original artist.
The station entrance near this statue is named "Hachikō-guchi", or "The Hachikō Entrance/Exit", and is one of Shibuya Station's five exits. This statue has become a popular meeting spot for locals and tourists alike.
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Hachiko Statue Location
You can find a bronze statue of Hachikō in front of Ōdate Station, his hometown, which was built in 1932.
The most famous statue of Hachikō is located at Shibuya Station, where it's a popular meeting spot. It was erected in August 1948 by Takeshi Ando, the son of the original artist who created the first statue in 1934.
A new statue of Hachikō was also erected in front of the Akita Dog Museum in Ōdate in 2004.
The Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Tokyo has a bronze statue depicting Ueno returning to meet Hachikō, which was unveiled on March 9, 2015, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Hachikō's death.
Other Notable Statues
The Tokyo Statues are a treasure trove of fascinating stories and histories. One notable statue is the Statue of Hachiko, located in Shibuya, which commemorates the loyalty of a dog who waited for his owner to return home for nine years.
The statue is a replica of the original bronze statue that was erected in 1934. It stands over 4 feet tall and is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
In Tokyo's Shinjuku district, you can find the statue of a samurai, Kusunoki Masashige, who was a famous Japanese warrior. He's depicted in a statue that's over 6 feet tall and is a favorite among history buffs.
The statue is a testament to Japan's rich samurai history and is often visited by those interested in martial arts and Japanese culture.
Hachiko's Legacy
The statue of Hachiko near Tokyo University finally shows a happy ending for the pair.
Teru Ando's son, Takeshi Ando, made a second sculpture of Hachiko in 1948, which still stands today.
The closest station exit to the statue in Shibuya Station was named "Hachiko Exit."
It serves as a focal point for heartfelt reunions and farewells.
Hachiko has four other statues: one in his birthplace of Odate at the train station, another in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, one in front of Hisai Station, and one located in Tsu, Mie.
The statue in Shibuya Station was initially repurposed for military efforts in 1944, but fortunately, Takeshi Ando created a new one.
The statue quickly became a meeting point for people, and it's a special spot for loved ones to meet under the watchful eyes of the iconic dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Hachiko statues are there?
There are 5 Hachiko statues in Japan. Learn more about the famous one in Tokyo and its interesting history.
Sources
- Agoda.com (agoda.com)
- Directions (google.com)
- Behind the film: "Hachi: A Dog's Tale" Vicki Shigekuni Wong (vickiwongandhachi.com)
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