Akita dog that waited for its owner for 10 years

  • Akita
  • Sightseeing
Photo courtesy of Akita Prefecture Tourism Federation

Odate City, the birthplace of Hachiko, the loyal dog Hachiko

Hachiko the Loyal Dog" is famous for his meeting place at Shibuya Station. Hachiko is a male Akita dog born in Odate City, Akita Prefecture, and is said to have waited at Shibuya Station long after his owner passed away.

Hachitaro moved to Tokyo when he was 50 days old due to a chance encounter

Hachiko came to his owner, Dr. Eizaburo Ueno, a professor at the University of Tokyo's Faculty of Agriculture, at the age of 50 days, and was loved by him as he always ate, bathed, and slept with him.

Hachiko was always taking his owner, Dr. Ueno, home and back.

It is said that Hachiko used to take Dr. Ueno to the university when he went to the university and to Shibuya station when he went on business trips. Whenever Dr. Ueno went on a long business trip, he always used Shibuya station on his way home, so even if he was not seen for a few days, he knew that he could see him at Shibuya station.

Hachiko looking for Dr. Ueno and waiting for his return

However, Dr. Ueno died suddenly at university, and after Hachiko, who did not understand this, was taken in by another owner, he always went to Shibuya Station to look for Dr. Ueno, even in hot, cold, or rainy weather. It is said that this period lasted for about 10 years. This behavior of Hachiko became known throughout the country when Mr. Kokichi Saito, a campaigner for the preservation of Akita dogs, contributed this article to the Asahi Shimbun newspaper.

Hachiko, the loyal dog who became a statue

Statue of Hachiko in front of Odate Station
Hachiko statues have been erected not only at Shibuya Station, but also in front of Odate Station and Akita Inu Kaikan. When you learn about the life of Hachiko, the loyal dog loved by many people, you may feel different emotions when you see the statue!

Click here for an article about Akita Inu no Sato, a facility introducing Akita dogs near the statue of Hachiko the Loyal Dog.

Click here to read about sweets featuring Hachiko the Loyal Dog.

For train + accommodation in Akita Area, book the JR East View Dynamic Rail Package.
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