The legend of the dog known as Hachiko has become known not only in Japan, but across the world. The adorable Akita dog's unwavering loyalty to his owner earned him the nickname, “Chuken Hachiko,” which means “faithful dog Hachiko."
What kind of dog is Hachi?
First: Everyone is familiar with Hachiko, but what kind of dog was he? Hachiko was an Akita Inu, a Japanese dog breed that has become incredibly popular and famous all over the world in recent years.
A Legendary Friendship
The story began in 1924, when Hidesaburo Ueno, a professor in the agricultural department at the University of Tokyo, adopted a dog which he named Hachiko. The dog was an Akita, a breed originating from the mountainous regions of Japan’s north. Shortly after, they started their famous daily routine, with the dog greeting the professor at the end of each day at Shibuya station, not far from the university campus.
Sadly, Professor Ueno passed away in May of 1925, of a cerebral hemorrhage while giving a lecture. Hachiko, not knowing what transpired, continued to return every day to Shibuya station to wait for his owner for the next nine years, nine months, and fifteen days.
Hachiko’s Watch Begins
Most of the commuters at the station first thought that he was just roaming around, but when they realized that he was waiting for his dead master, vendors began giving him bits of food and water.
Some, of course, said that he was just coming to get fed by other people. But one of the professor's students was able to document and explain that the dog came back precisely when the train was due to arrive at the station in the evening, at the exact time and place his former companion usually returned.
The Legacy of Hachiko Continues
The former student then published an article in one of Tokyo's largest newspapers, starting the legend of Hachiko. Since then, the story has passed through generations, being immortalized in books, comics, and even a Hollywood film adaptation.
However, the most enduring tribute to Hachiko’s devotion is the bronze statue that was erected in 1934 outside of Shibuya Station. The Hachiko statue is Tokyo’s most well-known meeting point, and a famous Shibuya landmark. In February of 2015, the University of Tokyo’s agricultural department erected a new bronze statue on their campus–this time reuniting Hachiko with the Professor.
After being stuffed and displayed at the National Museum of Nature and Science in Ueno, Hachiko was ultimately laid to rest in Aoyama Cemetery, a quiet and peaceful location. He shares his gravesite with none other than his beloved human companion, Professor Ueno.
-
-
Address
2-1, Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0043
View Map -
Nearest Station
Shibuya Station (JR Shonan Shinjuku Line / JR Yamanote Line / JR Saikyo Line / Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line / Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line / Tokyu Toyoko Line / Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line / Keio Inokashira Line)
- Phone Number 03-3462-8311
-
Address
2-1, Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0043
-
-
Address
7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8654
View Map -
Nearest Station
Todaimae Station (Tokyo Metro Namboku Line)
-
Address
7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8654
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
Recommended places for you
-
The Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building
Landmarks
Tokyo Station
-
Tokyo International Forum
Landmarks
Ginza
-
Tokyo Metropolitan Government
Landmarks
Shinjuku
-
TOKYO SKYTREE®
Landmarks
Ryogoku / TOKYO SKYTREE(R)
-
Tokyo Disney Sea®
Theme Parks
Chiba Suburbs
-
Ameyoko Shopping Street
Old Towns (Shitamachi)
Ueno
-
Enjoy Japanese Culture When Traveling to Tokyo With These Specially Curated Experiences
by: James Davies
-
Visiting Japan in November: The Best Things to Do and Reasons to Visit
by: James Davies
-
What’s Tokyo’s Bathhouse Culture Like? Guide Shares Quirky Traditional Edo-Era Sento and Modern Spa Experience
-
Experience the Vibrant Autumn Blooms at Hitachi Seaside Park: Kochia and Cosmos Now in Full Color
-
From Plant-Based and Gluten-Free to Meat and Cheese, bills Omotesando is The Tokyo Hotspot for ALL Diets
by: Cassandra Lord
-
2024 Japan Autumn Color Report
Inspiration for Accommodations
-
Top Ranked Hakone Hotels with Mt. Fuji View: Enjoy Stunning Scenery from Your Private Space
-
Convenient Tokyo Hotels with Airport Shuttle: Ideal for Families and Heavy Luggage
-
Stunning Tokyo Tower View Hotels: Enjoy Spectacular Scenery from Your Private Space
-
Family-Friendly Hotels with Free Shuttle to Disneyland: Convenient Access for a Magical Stay
-
Convenient Asakusa Hotels with Kitchens: Ideal for Extended Family Visits
-
Experience Luxury: Hakone's 10 Best Five-Star Accommodations
-
Enjoy Mt. Fuji Autumn Leaves! Top Hotels Near the Popular Autumn Leaves Corridor
-
Experience Hakone Fall Foliage from Your Room with Stunning Views
-
Enjoy Mt. Fuji from the Comfort of Your Room! Recommended Ryokan with Mt. Fuji View
-
Experience Luxury at Mt. Fuji Resort Hotels! Best Extended Stay Options for Families
-
Tokyo Roppongi|Roppongi Station Area Map & Sightseeing Information
-
Tokyo Tower – A Fascinating Reveal of Tokyo’s Symbol!
-
Tokyo Tower vs. Tokyo Skytree: Spice Up Your Sightseeing Adventure with Fun Trivia!
-
Essential Tokyo: The Complete Guide to Ikebukuro Station
-
JR Edition: Visit all of Tokyo in one Day with the Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass!
-
10 Steps to Become an Expert on Tokyo Station
- #best ramen tokyo
- #what to buy in ameyoko
- #what to bring to japan
- #new years in tokyo
- #best izakaya shinjuku
- #things to do tokyo
- #japanese nail trends
- #what to do in odaiba
- #onsen tattoo friendly tokyo
- #daiso
- #best sushi ginza
- #japanese convenience store snacks
- #best yakiniku shibuya
- #japanese fashion culture
- #best japanese soft drinks