The Hachiko statue at a glance
Hachiko is the dog behind the best known meeting point in Tokyo. The statue stands in front of Shibuya Station in the Dogenzaka area, close to the scramble crossing and the Hachiko exit. Many people simply say they will meet at Hachiko, so expect company.
The story is real. Hachi was an Akita dog who kept returning to the station after the death of his owner. The statue you see today is the second one, put up in 1948.
The story of Hachiko in dates
The short version, in the order it happened.
1923 and 1924
Hachi is born in Odate. In 1924 the young dog is given to Professor Ueno and comes to live in Tokyo.
1925
Professor Ueno dies. Hachi keeps coming to the station.
1934
The first statue is unveiled while Hachi is still alive.
8 March 1935
Hachi dies.
1944
The first statue is removed during the war for a metal collection.
1948
A second statue is put up in front of Shibuya Station in August. The city library gives 15 August 1948 as the unveiling and names Takeshi Ando, the son of the maker of the first statue, as the sculptor.
Shibuya tours and walks
Guided walks, food tours and night tours around Hachiko and the crossing, with live prices and availability.
Meeting at Hachiko: practical tips
The spot is simple to find and hard to keep to yourself.
Finding it
Take the Hachiko exit of Shibuya Station. The statue and the crossing are right in front of you. The station is the best starting point for the whole area.
Shibuya Station guide →Agree on a backup
Plenty of people use the statue as a meeting point at the same time. Name the side of the statue you will stand on, share your phone location, and choose a second place nearby in case you miss each other.
Taking a photo
The statue is popular, and waiting times for a photo vary from day to day. Step aside once you have your picture so others can have theirs, and keep walkways clear.
Free walking tour
A free English walking tour of about 1.5 hours ends at Hachiko. It works on tips, not a fixed price, and you must sign up in advance. It starts on the third floor of Shibuya Mark City. Groups are limited to five counted people, and children up to 15 do not count toward that number. Larger groups must book privately.
Nearby stops
The crossing is a few steps away. For places to look down on it, see the views page.
Best views of the crossing →Halloween 2026: the statue area is fenced off
Do not count on Hachiko as a meeting point on the last days of October.
Dates
Shibuya City has announced a fence around the statue area from 06:00 on 30 October 2026 until the morning of 1 November 2026. The end time depends on the situation, and set-up and take-down may change.
What it does not mean
The fence covers the statue area. It is not a closure of the whole Hachiko plaza or of the station. Still, choose another meeting point for those days and follow the instructions of staff and police.
More rules for that night
Traffic controls and a ban on drinking in the designated zone apply too. Read the details before you plan a night out.
Halloween in Shibuya →Filming at the statue
A holiday snap is one thing, a shoot is another.
For filming, interviews and similar activities at the Hachiko plaza and by the Moyai statue, Shibuya City asks you to contact the Shibuya police beforehand. This applies to organised shoots and events that use the street, not to ordinary photos taken by visitors. Whatever you shoot, do not block walkways or the flow of people, and never stop in the middle of the crossing for a video. Drones need permission under national aviation rules and are not something to try on a quick trip.
If you visit Tokyo for the temple district as well, Asakusa has its own guide.
Keep exploring Shibuya
What to see around the statue.
Hachiko statue: frequently asked questions
Where is the Hachiko statue?
It stands in front of Shibuya Station, in the Dogenzaka area close to the scramble crossing. Use the Hachiko exit of the station.
Is the Hachiko statue the original?
No. The first statue was unveiled in 1934 and removed in 1944 for a wartime metal collection. The statue you see now was put up in August 1948.
Who was Hachiko?
An Akita dog born in 1923 in Odate. He was given to Professor Ueno in 1924, kept coming to the station after Ueno died in 1925, and died on 8 March 1935.
Can I visit the statue at Halloween?
Not in the usual way in 2026. The statue area is announced to be fenced from 06:00 on 30 October until the morning of 1 November. Pick another meeting place for those days.
Is there a fee to see the statue?
The statue is an outdoor spot at the station. Check the situation on the day, because fences and police controls can change access.
Can I film at the statue?
Casual photos are fine if you keep walkways clear. For filming, interviews or events at the plaza, contact the Shibuya police beforehand.