Fodor's Expert Review Statue of Hachiko

Hachiko is the Japanese version of Lassie; he has even been portrayed in a few heart-wrenching films. Every morning Hachiko's master, a professor at Tokyo University, would take the dog with him as far as Shibuya Station and Hachiko would go back to the station every evening to greet him on his return. In 1925 the professor died of a stroke. Every evening for the next seven years, Hachiko would go to Shibuya and wait there until the last train had pulled out of the station, and as this story of loyalty spread so grew Hachiko's fame. During the dog's lifetime, a handsome bronze statute of Hachiko was installed in front of the station, funded by fans from all over the country. The present version is a replica—the original was melted down for its metal in World War II. This Shibuya landmark is one of the most popular meeting places in the city. Look for the green train car fronting the JR station; the statue is off to the side, where everyone is standing.