Loyal Hachiko Statue

touristy thing to do, watched the american movie of hachiko after I saw this statue, pretty good movie.

Of course, if you’re a tourist in Shibuya you have to visit the famous Hachiko. You pass it if you’re exiting to check out Shibuya crossing anyway, so why not?
The first time running into the statue it was raining, night time, and super crowded with smokers. The 2^nd time it was just crowded with smokers and people waiting. Not what I expected for some reason. Mostly just the mass of smokers sitting near the statue. I love that they dress up and adorn Hachiko. Made me think back on the Mannekin Pis in Brussels and how they dress him up all the time.
When we got there at first we were dejected in thinking we could get a photo with the statue since there was a massive crowd of people actually getting photos around the statue already, but soon noticed there were 4 short lines each taking turns which was really cool how people just did it unprompted and for the most part everyone respected everyone’s turn to take a photo. You just had to be quick about getting up there or you’d get skipped if you hesitated.
To get to Hachiko, you go to Shibuya Station and then follow the signs to the Hachiko exit. The statue sits beneath tree right outside before you get to Shibuya Street Scramble.

A very interesting story other reviews have covered. The statue is not big. It could be better located. It is right next to a smoking area. I almost missed it because of all the smokers congregating next to it.

Might as well stop by for the picture if you’re going to Shibuya. I love Hachiko’s story! I guess there is even the National Museum of Nature and Science where you can see his stuffed body if you really love him!

LOYAL HACHIKO STATUE
I adore the story of this statue. A loyal dog shows up at the Shibuya station to greet his owner every day after returning home from work. Even after the owner passes away, loyal Hachiko waited every day, for the next nine years.
On Thursday, April 14^th around 3:15pm, I visited the famous statue. I first heard this story about three years ago when I was in Japan. It fascinated me so much, I decided to read about it and even watch the American movie with Richard Gere. It really is touching and sad how loyal this dog was. I knew there was a reason I loved Akitas!
You rarely hear stories about dedication and loyalty that runs as deep as Hachiko’s story. Though the statue is just a symbol, it’s just such an endearing story. If you have time, stop by the statue. If anything, just to take a peek. I’d say it’s worth the time.

Hachiko is a very cool story a man would bring his dog here. He died and his loyal dog kept coming back for years to wait for his master. The thought of is at one of the world busiest intersections where probably over 100,000 people come and go daily is crazy! A dog who waits for his master for years at this busy intersection is something so epic it absolutely blows me away! I’m not going to go on about it because others have been much more eloquent in their story and explanation.
All I say is come see this. Come visit this landmark. It’s an unbelievable story. It’s like the Duke Statue right in front of Waikiki beach Honolulu or the George M Cohan statue at Times Square. Landmarks that have amazing stories behind them!

I generally try to target my «round number reviews» for something special. Number 1000 was the Royal Observatory in London
. Number 2000 was New York’s Times Square
. Number 4000 was the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC.
. So when my trip to Tokyo was shaping up to be around my 6000^th review, I aimed to make it extra special. And so here we are in the Shibuya District of Tokyo at what I believe is my third dog statue to be reviewed on Unilocal.The first was three years ago, Greyfriars Bobby in Edinburgh, Scotland
. And then two years ago, the Iditarod Dog Sled Race Memorial in Anchorage Alaska
.
If you’ve never heard of Hachiko, get a tissue ready as this story brings a tear to your eye. There have been books and a couple of movies about this amazingly loyal dog who would walk with his master to the train at Shibuya station and wait for him to return. Well, one day, the master suddenly died while at work. And the dog returned to the station every single day at the same time to faithfully wait for his master. For the next nine years, nine months and fifteen days, the dog returned to the station to wait for his master. I know that it seems a bit unbelievable, but this did happen in the modern age and there was an article about Hachiko in the local newspaper in 1932. When the dog finally died at the age of 12, he was laid to rest beside those of his master. And yes, this makes me cry.
The statue is located just outside the Shibuya station — follow the signs for the Hachiko exit — and to the left. No need to cross the Shibuya scramble. Yet. You can’t miss this statue with the crowds all around it.
So there you go. That’s my 6000^th review which is of this super loyal dog who has his own statue in Tokyo.

I like stopping by here. It represents a lot of good in man’s best friend and loyalty to an owner/​best friend.
To make make story short… Dog (Hachiko) and his master have a great bond/​friendship. Hachiko walks with his master to the train station and waits until his train comes back. Knows the schedules. Master dies before he makes it to the station. Hachiko continues to go to the station every day to wait for his master until he eventually dies. The statue is a nice monument to recognize Hachiko’s loyalty and dedication to his best friend and master.
The lines to take a pic with the statue are short. Theft is not common in this area so feel free to ask someone to take a pic for ya. You’ll never know who or what will be around. Groups of animé characters. My last visit someone left a bunny underneath Hachiko. Only down side– too many people use this area for smoking. Damn shame.
It’s a quick touristy stop before u get your Scramble Crossing on.
²⁸⁄₁₀₀ Japan Unilocal Challenge

C’est le symbole du quartier de Shibuya, mais surtout LE point de rendez vous des jeunes. à partir de 17h c’est noir de monde (surtout le week-​end).
J’y suis allée pendant les fêtes et la statue était déguisée avec un bonnet de père noël, c’était vraiment mignon.
Son histoire est normalement triste mais l’activité intense, les illuminations du quartier de Shibuya rendent l’ambiance finalement très agréable !
Il faut aller la voir ! C’est un passage obligé ;)

We were wondering why so many people were taking pictures of this statue. At first I thought it’s because there’s a live cat on it, but it turns out this is a historic spot. Story is that the owner and dog meets there everyday after work, owner does, dog still shows up everyday after. Sad story.

I take it you know the story, but here is the short version just in case.
* dog and owner are best of friends.
* dog meets owner at station every day after work.
* owner dies and dog still goes to station everyday to meet him at the station.
* dog is very loyal to the end and then dies to.
* statue of dog is built at station.
That’s the story and now people from round the world travel to see it. If you love dogs your likely to like this, if your not dogs best friend your gonna be underwhelmed.
Weirdly when we went there was a cat sitting at the statue. All very bizarre, but that’s Tokyo!

Oh Hachi you sweet little doggy. This story always gets me.
But anyway there is honestly nothing crazy about this statue. most people just go to this spot to meet up with friends, or to take a picture lol (me). But there is something special about this area! I LOVE Shibuya, it’s got such a energetic vibe at any moment of everyday. It’s always so crowded, always moving, always packed and I LOVE IT.
When I was in Japan, I stayed near Shibuya for a few days and all I kept wanting to do was hit this area. I always use the Hachiko statue as like… a point of reference. Just so convenient lol it’s the center of everything. Also you can see the Shibuya crossing from here, which is pretty crazy lol.

(3.5÷5 stars)
Unilocal 100 Challenge 2015 — ¹⁰⁰⁄₁₀₀; Countown ¹⁰⁄₁₀ — YAY!)
Well, I was wondering which spot to dedicate my accomplishment of the 100 Challenge to for this year. It was a close battle between the legendary pup idolized here and the world famous Scramble Intersection right next door, but sentiment won over fast and furious. I’ll hit the intersection in a future review.
So really, what is this spot? It’s where you tell friends to meet if you’re hanging in Shibuya. The place is so well-​known and established that part of the train systems intersecting here all point to the spot in their navigation and signage (in Japanese, «ハチ公口» (Hachiko guchi = Hachiko entrance/​exit)).
Features:
+ Bronze statue of the famous Hachiko dog (Yup, selfie spot alert! Handle selfie sticks with care too. They’ll probably be banned in the near future… #whack)
+ Old-​time rail car containing tourist info (get your maps and brochures here)
+ Huge billboards on the adjoining buildings (even if you aren’t standing right next to Hachiko, you can distance yourself and text your friend, «I’m under the huge billboard for XYZ latest Disney movie,» or whatever, if the billboard contains easily readable and/​or recognizable content)
+ Seating around the numerous trees/​planters in the area (take a load off your feet, lest they get stepped on by the sheer masses of people)
+ Sentiment (Look up Hachiko on Wikipedia for the full story)(Update: Link added at the bottom here.)
+ Access (relatively easy to find the square; you’ll have to snoop around a bit to actually find the Hachiko statue itself)
Gotchas:
+ Crowded, really crowded (you may have serious problems finding your friend (s); wait off to the side near the green train car instead)
+ Dirty (sorry Hachiko but your house needs better cleaning — it’s overwhelmed by the masses, unfortunately)
+ Poorly lit (hope you’re meeting during the day)
+ Smoky (there’s also a designated smoking area right in back to the left of Hachiko; don’t be downwind! Pee-​eew! Plus not all smokers are obedient and stay inside the designated area!
+ Noisy (this applies to the entire plaza — many politicians choose this spot or the corner nearby to set up their annoying sound cars then blare obnoxious speeches of protest, reform, empty campaign promises, what have you — ugh!)
OK, as with all spots, YMMV, because your expectations may be different. Keep in mind this is a historical landmark. No business or amenities here at all, unless you consider the tourist info a benefit. Well, I guess that counts somewhat.
Restrooms would be in businesses or the department store nearby. No concessions or anything like that. There’s enough garbage scattered about already. It really stands out because Japan is usually so clean.
Note: Meeting friends at the Moyai statue on the opposite (back) side of the department store is better, but probably not as easy to find for non-​residents. All other outside corners of the station are currently under construction so this and the scramble intersection side are best.
Reference: In case you’re interested in the true and heart-​wrenching story of Hachiko, prepare your tissues and read more here:

The story of Hachiko is the heartbreaking tale of a dog and his owner. He is remembered for his loyalty. His owner was a professor in Tokyo and Hachiko was his Akita (a rare Japanese breed). Hachiko would greet the professor at Shibuya Station every day. When the professor died, Hachiko kept waiting at the train station for almost ten years — until Hachiko died. Hachiko arrived every day when the train was due at the station.
This bronze statue in Shibuya Station commemorates this incredible dog. Each year on April 8, there is a solemn ceremony of remembrance at Shibuya station. The exact spot where Hachiko waited in the train station is permanently marked with bronze paw-​prints and text in Japanese explaining his loyalty. Hachiko’s stuffed and mounted remains are kept at the National Science Museum of Japan in Ueno, Tokyo. Hachiko also has a monument in Aoyama cemetery in Minatoku, Tokyo next to the professor’s grave.
The station has the statue, a mural, and paw-​prints. All of which celebrate this incredible dog. A must for all dog lovers!

Ever seen that much called Hachiko with Richard Gere? It’s based on this dog. There was also a movie with the legendary Tatsuya Nakadai. Basically this was an amazing dog so they made a statue of him to remind everyone that he was awesome.
It’s a great statue and it hurts your heart to look at it for too long if you know the story. Poor dogie. You did your owner proud good sir. It’s a great statue and make sure you stop by even if it’s only for a minute or two.

Great story, of course. Great meeting place. The statue itself has been kept in good condition. The area around it is always kind of weird. Too much loitering or something.
Still, always good to see Hachiko again!

I first heard about this landmark in the Nintendo DS game «The World Ends with You», and then I was delighted to hear that Shibuya is an actual place in Japan. Many years later when I finally visited Japan, I stopped by the famous Hachiko statue! It’s not as big as I imagined but it sure makes a good landmark in the massive sea of people that is Shibuya.

«Meet you at the Hachiko exit»
Because it’s a very prominent statue, this place is a common meeting point /​landmark if you are meeting with someone in Shibuya. It’s also signposted as such within the train station too as the «Hachiko exit».
Not to mention, theres free wifi around the statue which also makes it an even better waiting spot.
The statue of the dog has a very sad story behind it. The dog would wait for its owner at the station every day even after the owner passed away (a bit like the story from futurama and Fry’s dog seymour waiting at the pizza shop).

Hachiko is one of the most famous landmarks in Tokyo. It is a statue of a doggy at the most famous walkway in Japan in Shibuya.
Some background info per Wikipedia… Hachikō (ハチ公?, November 10, 1923 — March 8, 1935), known in Japanese as chūken Hachikō (忠犬ハチ公 «faithful dog Hachikō» was an Akita dog known for his remarkable loyalty to his owner, even many years after his owner’s death. He would wait for his owner at the subway station… even after the owner passed away. *sniffle …it’s such a remarkable story that they made a movie!
I was worried which subway exit to take since as you may know, it can make a huge difference in terms of extra walking or getting lost if you take a wrong exit! Well there’s a subway exit called the Hachiko exit so you know where to go. The bronze statue is a popular meeting place and tourist spot, so it’s always crowded. There’s also a subway replica nearby too.
Make sure you come pet Hachiko or give him a pat when you’re in Shibuya!

What a heartwarming story! I’m usually not a gooey icky sappy person, but man, this movie about Hachi really made me cry :(
I had visited Tokyo a couple years back and hadn’t watched the movie yet, so seeing the statue was pretty meh. But this time I had watched the movie the night before visiting the site again, so now I had reference to the impact Hachi had on everyone.
Just make sure to get out of the subway and there will be signs leading you to the statue. Once you get to the street level, it’s pretty crowded, but look for a train car in the middle of the plaza, the statue will be right on the other side.
Overall, it’s a fun place to visit if you’re in Japan and have watched the movie. I mean, if you’re going to see Shibuya crossing, it’s rightttt there, so stop by!

Aujourd’hui, c’est un symbole de Shibuya que tout le monde connaît. Juste devant de la gare de Shibuya (JR), cette statue se trouve.
Comme c’est un endroit de rendez-​vous en général, il y a toujours plein de mondes. La convention d’attendre quelqu’un ici semble prévenir de l’histoire triste de Hachiko, le chien qui continuait à attendre son maître pendant 7 ans après sa mort.
La statue et des gens qui attendent continueronｔ à évoquer cette histoire touchante.

Hachiko is highly likely the most famous landmark to meet in Shibuya.
Years ago, when I was preparing to come to Tokyo, my naughty Japanese friends gave me their valuable advice…
First, they told me that everyone in Tokyo meets up at Hachiko, Shibuya and that I must do that. They kindly reminded me to make sure I specify to friends which ‘part’ of Hachiko I will be meeting them because the statue of the dog is about 100m long.
They said,“make sure you tell your friends you will meet them at the tail of Hachiko or meet them by hachiko’s left ear.“
I ate it all up and totally believed them… Until I got to Tokyo and walked around and around Shibuya station trying to find a huge Hachiko only to noticed a tiny tiny bronze dog surrounded by people …
Was I embarrassed or what!
My friends that tricked me never let forget this.
All jokes aside, the petite bronze dog statue sit quietly in front of Shibuya station. You’ll be sure to find a sea of people standing around it.