Remembering Hachiko on Nov 1, National Dog Day in Japan

November 1st is celebrated as Dog Day in Japan.

Coincidentally I had the opportunity to visit the monument of Hachiko who is considered Japan’s most loyal dog.

Hachiko was an Akita dog, and he was born in 1923 but died in 1935 in Tokyo.

A statue of Hachiko was erected outside the Shibuya station in the heart of Tokyo.

The owner of Hachiko used to leave for work from Shibuya station and Hachiko used to accompany him back when he returned.

One day the owner died when working and never returned but Hachiko continued to wait for him at the station for 10 years and later died too.

When this news spread, people felt sad and erected a statue of Hachiko in memory of this bond between a loving and faithful dog and his owner.

Eventually, several films were made in Japan on this topic and also one in Hollywood in 2009 called “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale” starring Richard Gere.

When I walked on the streets of Tokyo outside the Shibuya station, I also noticed manhole covers that had Hachiko engraved on it, as shown in the cover photo.

Entrance Fees

There are no fees since the statue is on the street and accessible to all.

Accessibility

The streets in Tokyo are accessible for a wheelchair bound person, so one can reach the statue of Hachiko easily.

Where to Stay

I stayed in the Hotel Shibuya En.

Other Attractions in Tokyo

Shibuya Sky

Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Sky Tree

Shibuya Scramble Crossing

Senso Ji Temple

Gotoku Ji Temple

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@TusharSuradkar oh my goodness…this is really very heartwarming story. I just told my son this story and he really felt sad and wife had tears. Hachiko was a very loyal. Really heart touching story. I was not aware of the fim, now I will watch this. This is something very touchy incident of Japan. And the administration made his statue is really appreciated. I would like to visit this place when I would visit Tokyo in future. Thank you so much for sharing this buddy.

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A lovely post @TusharSuradkar in fact, I was thinking of writing same myself but you’ve done such a great job so let me briefly piggy back yours. The Japanese certainly love their dogs. Here’s a photo I took at the Hachiko monument showing how popular the POI is and also a couple of photos of Japanese pooches I took while walking around Shibuya and Yokohama.

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Such a moving story indeed @TusharSuradkar and no matter how many times I made a visit to Tokyo, I somehow managed to come and visit Hachiko in Shibuya area.

I used to have a dog at home named Hoki, which means lucky in bahasa Indonesia. He was a domestic dog and all black, except the tiny white shock on his left leg. He was a great guard for all of us. Miss him!

Btw… Did you manage to visit the information corner with more stories about Hachiko and big fluffy Hachiko doll while in Shibuya? As you and @AdamGT said, people love Hachiko soooo much. I saw murals and cute maps of Shibuya with lots of Hachiko :purple_heart: .

Here are some photos I took around the area…

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Excellent post @TusharSuradkar ! Such a wonderful recognition of loyalty, very admirable indeed!

Cheers!

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One of your brief posts, dear Tushar… with a very touching story.

Of course, as our @Rohan10 & @indahnuria mentioned, it is truly heartwarming…

Of course, in general, dogs are loyal and many are very intelligent - sorry, this ‘very loyal’ dog doesn’t look like it is ‘very intelligent’ - because, Hachiko waited for his matter for 10 years after his death… what is your opinion…

I read that Akita breed is majorly used for hunting support… right?

The statue looks like a celebrity with many people posing around it.

Well written post, dear friend @TusharSuradkar - and nice two photos… good.

I have heard about films on Leika, Hachiko, etc. I think…

The accessibility :wheelchair: feature, though it is simple, is also clear.

Thanks for sharing with us…

Warm regards.

:+1: :rose: :handshake:

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Your connect post is meant to bring us some new and exciting information @TusharSuradkar ,thanks for sharing about Hachiko.

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Thank you @AdamGT

All photos are wonderful, especially the one that shows @FalguniP in what she is very passionate about - pet animals :+1:

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Thank you @indahnuria and nice to know about Hoki.

Does that mean he/she is no longer with you?

Yes, I missed the information center since I was always watching out our group, not be left out or stay behind :grin:

I discovered it later in one of my photos which was captured unknowingly.

Later I also come to know that the information center was constructed only recently and in its place was originally an iconic green train car:

Image Source: https://soranews24.com/2020/02/19/old-school-train-car-and-tourist-information-center-in-shibuya-set-to-move-to-akita-this-summer/

Wow, amazing post @TusharSuradkar

Story is very nice and interesting.

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Hi @TusharSuradkar . Thank you for this post. It reminded me of my past visit to Japan.

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Thank you @MahabubMunna :+1:

Thank you @Tandrima2 :+1:

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Thank you @Smita_Patil

That’s awesome - looks like you visited in the rainy season :cloud_with_lightning_and_rain:

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Yes @TusharSuradkar it was early August. And I remember experiencing Typhoon while leaving Kobe (and of course earthquakes in a couple of locations in Tokyo)

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