Hachiko Statue in Shibuya: Meet the Loyal Legend

The bronze statue of Hachiko, the loyal pet Akita, is a popular meeting spot at busy Shibuya station!

The Hachiko Statue (忠犬ハチ公像), located right outside Shibuya Station in Tokyo, is a beloved symbol of loyalty and devotion. It commemorates the true story of an Akita dog named Hachiko, who was owned by a professor at the University of Tokyo in the 1920s. Every day, Hachiko would wait for his owner, Professor Ueno, to return from work at Shibuya Station. One day in 1925, the professor sadly passed away while at work and never came back to the station. For the next nine years, nine months, and fifteen days, Hachiko returned to the same spot at the same time every day, waiting for his master. His unwavering devotion touched the hearts of the Japanese people, and he became a national hero. The bronze statue was erected in his honour in 1934, and today it not only serves as a monument to Hachiko's loyalty but is also one of the most famous meeting spots in the city and an iconic landmark. Visit to pay your respects to this legendary dog and witness a truly bustling Tokyo hub!

Getting there – where is Hachiko?

Hachiko is right outside Shibuya station and is well signposted within the station.

• Nearest station: The Hachiko Statue is directly outside the Hachiko Exit of Shibuya Station (渋谷駅). Shibuya Station is a major transportation hub, served by numerous JR lines (Yamanote Line, Saikyo Line, Shonan-Shinjuku Line), Tokyo Metro lines (Ginza Line, Hanzomon Line, Fukutoshin Line), Tokyu lines (Toyoko Line, Den-en-toshi Line), and Keio Inokashira Line. A major bus station is also just around the corner.

• By taxi: A taxi will drop you off right at the statue.

• Accessibility: The Hachiko Exit is at street level, and the statue is easily accessible with no stairs directly to it. The area around Shibuya Station is generally busy but well-equipped for pedestrian movement.

Opening hours & best time to visit

Hachiko is waiting round the clock!

• Opening hours: The Hachiko Statue is an outdoor monument, so it's accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• Best time to visit: Any time during the day is fine, though it's always busy. Early mornings might offer a slightly less crowded experience for photos. In the evening, Hachiko is a popular spot for meeting up with friends before heading into Shibuya's nightlife.

• Time to avoid: There isn't really a "bad" time, but expect it to be very crowded during peak commuting hours (morning and evening rush) and on weekends.

Reservations & admission

You can visit Hachiko for free and no reservations are necessary.

What can you see & do at the Hachiko statue?

The statue serves as one of Tokyo’s most popular meeting points and a poignant reminder of this remarkable canine. It's often surrounded by people, sometimes with flowers or small gifts left by admirers. It's the perfect spot to take in the buzz and colour of Shibuya.

Taking a selfie with Hachiko is a must-do in Shibuya, but please be respectful and don't climb on the statue.

Japansophy’s top tips!

• Be patient for photos: Due to its popularity, there's almost always a crowd around Hachiko. Be patient, wait your turn, and you'll get your chance for a photo with this famous dog.

• Learn the story: Take a moment to reflect on Hachiko's incredible story of loyalty – it adds a lot to the experience. The 2009 US movie "Hachi: A Dog's tale" is a loose remake of the original Japanese "Hachiko Monogatari".

• Combine with Shibuya Crossing: The Hachiko statue is literally steps away from the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing, making it an ideal first stop before diving into the chaos and excitement of Shibuya.

Facilities:

Take advantage of all the facilities that the Shibuya hub has to offer.

• Eating & drinking: There are countless eateries and convenience stores immediately surrounding Shibuya Station and the Hachiko statue area. You'll be spoiled for choice, though those cafés and restaurants closest to the station tend to be very busy. Explore the sides streets of Shibuya for quieter options.

• Toilets: Public restrooms are available inside Shibuya Station and in the surrounding department stores and shopping complexes.

• Baby-changing facilities: These too can be widely found inside the department stores and station.

  
  

Other attractions nearby:

The Hachiko statue is just your starting point for all that Shibuya has to offer.

• Shibuya Scramble Crossing: Just across the street, experience the world's busiest pedestrian intersection.

• Shibuya Center Gai: A vibrant street leading into Shibuya's main entertainment and shopping district.

• Shibuya Sky: A fantastic open-air observation deck atop Shibuya Scramble Square for panoramic city views.  

  
  

Ready to explore the iconic sights and hidden gems of Tokyo? Our curated Tokyo itineraries are your perfect guide to navigating Shibuya and beyond, ensuring you don't miss any of the must-see spots!