Hachikō Square is a famous landmark in Tokyo, Japan. It's located in Shibuya, a bustling ward known for its shopping and entertainment.
The square is named after a loyal Akita dog named Hachikō, who waited for his owner's return at the train station for nine years. Hachikō's story is a testament to the strong bond between humans and animals.
Every day, thousands of people visit Hachikō Square to take photos with the iconic statue of Hachikō. The square is also a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to people-watch and experience the vibrant atmosphere of Shibuya.
In the heart of Tokyo, Hachikō Square is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Japanese culture and history.
The Story of Hachikō
Hachikō's story began in the early 1920s when Professor Eizaburo Ueno adopted him in Akita prefecture. The two formed a strong bond, and Hachikō would accompany his master to Shibuya Station each day.
Hachikō's daily routine involved waiting for his master's return at 3pm, a habit he continued even after Professor Ueno's passing in 1925. He waited for nearly 10 years until his own death in 1935.
A small statue was erected in front of Shibuya Station to commemorate Hachikō's loyalty. This statue has become a popular meeting point and a must-see for tourists visiting Shibuya.
Hachikō's story gained widespread attention in 1932 when a Japanese newspaper reporter published it, making him a national celebrity. People referred to him as "Chuken-Hachiko", or "Hachiko – the faithful dog."
Curious to learn more? Check out: Hachiko Statue Tokyo
Tokyo Statues
There are currently five Hachiko statues and monuments in Tokyo.
One of the most iconic statues is located in front of Shibuya Station, erected in 1934 by Teru Ando.
The station entrance near this statue is named "Hachikō-guchi", meaning "The Hachikō Entrance/Exit", and is one of Shibuya Station's five exits.
A similar statue stands in Hachikō's hometown, in front of Ōdate Station, built in 1932.
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In 2004, a new statue of Hachikō was erected in front of the Akita Dog Museum in Ōdate.
A bronze statue of Hachikō was unveiled at the University of Tokyo in 2015, depicting a joyous reunion between Hachikō and his beloved owner Ueno.
The Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Tokyo unveiled the statue to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Hachikō's death.
The statue was sculpted by Tsutomu Ueda from Nagoya and depicts a very excited Hachikō jumping up to greet his master at the end of a workday.
A Hachiko Family Mural is also located on the wall of the station opposite the original statue, created by artist Ryutaro Kitahara.
Explore further: Hachiko Dog Statue Location
Shibuya Ward
Shibuya Ward is a special place in Tokyo, Japan. Located in the heart of the city, it's a hub for shopping, entertainment, and culture.
The ward is home to famous Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest intersections in the world. It's a must-see for anyone visiting Tokyo.
Hachikō Square, where you can find the iconic Hachikō statue, is situated in Shibuya Ward. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
The square is named after the loyal Akita dog, Hachikō, who waited for his owner at Shibuya Station for years. Hachikō's story is an inspiration to many.
Shibuya Ward Minibus
The Shibuya Ward minibus, also known as the "Hachiko-bus", is a community bus that started routes in the ward in 2003. There are four different routes available.
You can hear a theme song called "Hachiko-basu no uta" while riding this bus.
The process of establishing the minibus routes began with the consent of the Ueno and Sakano families.
It took about 2 years to get everything sorted out due to regulations and bureaucracy.
Hachikō Square Location
Shibuya Ward is home to many iconic landmarks, and one of the most famous is Hachikō Square, located in front of Shibuya Station.
This square is named after the loyal Akita dog Hachikō, who waited for his owner to return home at this very spot for years.
Hachikō Square is easily accessible by train, as it is situated right in front of Shibuya Station, one of the busiest stations in Tokyo.
The square is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, and it's a great place to take a photo in front of the iconic Shibuya Crossing.
The statue of Hachikō, a bronze dog, is a must-see for anyone visiting the square.
Many people visit Hachikō Square to pay their respects to the loyal dog, who has become a symbol of loyalty and friendship.
Suggestion: Hachiko the True Story of a Loyal Dog
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Hachiko statue still standing?
Yes, the Hachiko statue is still standing and remains a popular meeting spot in Tokyo. It was erected in August 1948 and is located near one of Shibuya Station's exits.
Sources
- https://en.japantravel.com/tokyo/hachiko-statue-in-shibuya/44644
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hachik%C5%8D
- https://nerdnomads.com/hachiko_the_dog
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statue_of_Hachik%C5%8D
- https://www.lonelyplanet.com/japan/tokyo/shibuya-and-around/attractions/hachiko-statue/a/poi-sig/396603/1323642
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