In the middle of Tokyo’s busiest crossing stands a story that has touched hearts for nearly a century. The Hachiko Dog Statue (忠犬ハチ公像) in Shibuya is more than just a meeting spot, it’s a reminder of the real dog whose loyalty became legendary and later inspired the film Hachi: A Dog’s Tale and the beloved Hachiko movie in Japan. Visiting this statue with kids turns history and cinema into something personal, whether they’re curious about Hachiko’s tale, excited to meet the bronze dog they’ve seen on screen, or simply amazed by the sea of people flowing through Shibuya Crossing.
As you plan your trip to Tokyo, this guide is a great place to start! Begin with our Tokyo Family Travel Guide for the essentials on where to stay, how to get around, and what to eat. Then visit the Tokyo with Kids Hub to explore all our Tokyo guides, attractions, and age-specific tips in one place. If you’re considering sightseeing passes, our Tokyo Passes for Families guide breaks down the best options. For even more ideas, browse our Ultimate Guide to Family Attractions in Japan with Kids for the top castles, shrines, museums, aquariums, and theme parks.
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Why Hachiko Dog Statue is Great for Families with Kids
- The story of Hachiko is simple, emotional, and easy for kids to grasp, making it a great entry point into Japanese culture.
- It’s quick to visit, perfect for short attention spans or in-between activities.
- The location doubles as a Shibuya Crossing experience, giving families two iconic Tokyo highlights in one stop.
- Kids love posing for photos with the bronze statue, often turning it into a silly or heartfelt family snapshot.
Parent Insight: Simple cultural stories, like Hachiko’s loyalty, help kids connect emotionally with new places. Sharing these tales while standing at the very spot where they happened brings history alive in a way children never forget.
Best Things to Do at Hachiko Dog Statue with Kids
- Meet Hachiko: Spot the famous bronze statue outside Shibuya Station, perfect for family photos.
- Tell the Story: Share the tale of Hachiko’s loyalty, kids often respond strongly to the emotional lesson of friendship and waiting.
- Watch Shibuya Crossing: Just steps away, kids will love counting the waves of people crossing in every direction at one of the busiest intersections in the world.
Practical Tips for Visiting Hachiko Dog Statue with Kids
- Cost: Free
- Best Age Range: Ages 4+ (best for kids who can appreciate the short story and enjoy people-watching)
- Stroller-Friendly?: Yes, but expect crowds; easier with a carrier if visiting during peak hours.
- Rest Areas: Benches nearby but limited; cafés inside Shibuya Station offer better breaks.
- Food: Tons of family-friendly food options around Shibuya Station, from quick snacks to sit-down restaurants.
Best Time to Visit Hachiko Dog Statue with Kids
The best time to visit Hachiko Dog Statue with kids is in the morning or early evening, when Shibuya Crossing is less crowded and the plaza feels calmer. Morning visits mean your family can enjoy a peaceful photo with Hachiko before the daytime rush of commuters and shoppers begins.
Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit, with mild weather that makes waiting for a turn at photos more comfortable. During winter, the statue is sometimes decorated with scarves or seasonal touches, while summer afternoons can be hot and crowded.
For families, arriving early also helps kids explore at their own pace and prevents the frustration of jostling through large crowds. If you plan to cross the famous intersection afterward, mornings and evenings are the easiest times to keep kids together in the flow of people.
For year-round planning, explore our Japan Seasonal Guides for Families, including detailed resources for spring, summer, autumn, winter, and our full Best Time to Visit Japan with Kids guide.
How Long to Spend at Hachiko Dog Statue with Kids
Plan to spend about 15–30 minutes at Hachiko Dog Statue with kids, enough time to take photos, share the story of Hachiko’s loyalty, and soak in the atmosphere of Shibuya Crossing.
This short stop fits perfectly between other Shibuya activities, like exploring Shibuya Sky, browsing character shops, or grabbing kid-friendly food nearby. Families with toddlers and younger kids may only pause for a quick look and photo, while school-age children often enjoy hearing the story in more detail and watching the famous crossing from the plaza. Older kids might stay longer to observe the crowds or capture videos of the bustling intersection.
How to Get to Hachiko Dog Statue with Kids
- By Train: Located just outside Shibuya Station’s Hachiko Exit (JR Yamanote Line, Tokyo Metro, Keio Inokashira Line). Follow the signs for “Hachiko.”
- By Bus: Multiple local buses stop at Shibuya Station.
- Special Note: Crowds are heavy most of the day; if traveling with small kids, try visiting early morning or late evening.
Luca & Nico’s Tip: Bring a small toy dog and take its picture next to Hachiko, it’s like introducing your pup to a new friend in Tokyo!
If you’re flying into Tokyo, our Narita Airport to Tokyo with Kids and Haneda Airport to Tokyo with Kids guides walk you step-by-step through the easiest routes for families. If your trip includes bullet trains, don’t miss our Shinkansen With Kids guide for tips on seats, luggage, and navigating stations with little travelers. Parents comparing rail options can also see our Japan Rail Pass Guide to understand when the pass is worth it for families. And if you want stress-free station transfers, our Japan Luggage Delivery Guide explains how to send suitcases ahead so your family can travel light and move easily between cities.
Family-Friendly Hotels Near Hachiko Dog Statue in Tokyo
- Luxury
- Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya – Approximately a 5-minute walk. Stylish, modern accommodations with family-friendly amenities and convenient proximity to Hachikō.
- Mid-Range
- Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu – Short 5-minute walk. Directly connected to Shibuya Station, making it extremely convenient for families navigating Tokyo.
- Budget
- Tokyu Stay Shibuya – About a 10-minute walk. Comfortable rooms with kitchenettes, great value and flexibility for families seeking affordable longer stays.
As you finalize your Tokyo plans, you might be choosing where to stay. Our Tokyo Hotel Guide highlights top-rated family options across every budget, whether you’re planning nights near Shibuya, Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree, Disneyland, Harajuku, or the Odaiba bay area. For a broader look across Japan, you can also compare options in our Ultimate Guide to Family Hotels in Japan.
Once your hotel is sorted, dive into our Best Things to Do in Tokyo with Kids guide for the city’s top attractions, from Senso-ji Temple and Ueno Zoo to DisneySea and the always popular teamLab Planets. Don’t miss our Tokyo Indoor Activities Guide for rainy or hot days, or our Best Museums in Tokyo Guide for deeper cultural play. If you’re planning your schedule, our Tokyo 3-Day Itinerary balances iconic sights with kid-friendly hidden gems.
Family-Friendly Attractions Near the Hachiko Dog Statue in Shibuya
A stop at the famous Hachiko Dog Statue is a quick but meaningful experience, especially for kids who love animal stories. Since it’s right outside Shibuya Station, families can easily combine their visit with other nearby attractions to make a full day in Shibuya. Here are some family-friendly spots within walking distance:
- Shibuya Scramble Crossing – Just steps away, this world-famous intersection turns crossing the street into an unforgettable experience. Kids love joining the sea of people and then spotting the view from the nearby observation decks.
- Shibuya Sky – Ride the elevators up to one of Tokyo’s most exciting rooftop observation decks. Families can take in panoramic views of the city, and kids love the open-air sky stage.
- Shibuya Center-gai – A lively pedestrian street filled with shops, snack stalls, and pop culture. Great for grabbing treats like crepes or bubble tea while exploring the energy of Shibuya.
- Miyashita Park – A modern rooftop park with green space, playground areas, and shopping below. It’s a perfect spot for kids to stretch their legs after sightseeing.
- Shibuya Hikarie – This family-friendly complex offers restaurants, shops, and cultural exhibitions. The upper floors include observation areas with quieter city views.
If you’re mapping out your wider Japan route, start with our Japan 14-Day Family Itinerary for a balanced mix of major cities, culture, and kid-friendly highlights. Families comparing trip lengths often find it helpful to look at multiple options, including classic 7-day and 10-day Japan itineraries that show how to pace Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka with kids. And for travelers focusing mainly on the capital, our Tokyo 3-Day Family Itinerary offers an easy, child-friendly way to plan your days.
For even more support planning your trip, our Japan Family-Friendly Travel Hub brings together every city guide, attraction, and resource in one place, while our Planning a Family Trip to Japan and Japan Budget Family Travel Tips guides help parents navigate budgets, routes, and practical details.
FAQs: Visiting Hachiko Dog Statue with Kids
Planning to visit the Hachiko Dog Statue in Shibuya, Tokyo with your family? These family-focused FAQs cover cost, location, timing, and how to make the most of this quick but meaningful stop with kids.
A: The Hachiko Statue is located right outside Shibuya Station at the Hachiko Exit, one of the busiest train stations in Tokyo. It’s one of the city’s most famous meeting spots, making it easy for families to find as soon as they step out of the station.
A: Hachiko was an Akita dog who became famous for waiting at Shibuya Station every day for nearly 10 years after his owner passed away. His loyalty touched the hearts of people across Japan, and the statue was built to honor him as a national symbol of devotion and love.
A: The best time to visit the Hachiko Statue with kids is early morning or late evening, when Shibuya Station is quieter and less crowded. Midday can be overwhelming with tourists and commuters, so arriving early or after dark helps families take photos and enjoy the story of Hachiko at a calmer pace.
A: Most families spend about 10–20 minutes at the Hachiko Statue, enough time to take photos, share the story, and soak in the atmosphere before continuing to nearby Shibuya Crossing. Families with school-age children may stay a little longer, especially if kids are curious about the story of Hachiko.
A: Yes, there are many kid-friendly dining options near the Hachiko Statue, since it sits right by Shibuya Station. Families can find everything from Japanese noodle shops and casual cafés to international fast-food chains within a few minutes’ walk.
A: Yes, the Hachiko Statue is a great stop for kids because the story is short, emotional, and easy to understand. It’s also a quick visit, making it perfect to combine with the excitement of crossing the famous Shibuya Scramble just steps away.
A: Yes, the Hachiko Statue is outdoors and open 24 hours a day. At night, it is beautifully lit and often less crowded, giving families a calmer way to enjoy the statue and take memorable photos without the daytime rush.
A: The Hachiko Statue is famous because it honors the loyalty of Hachiko, an Akita dog who waited for his owner at Shibuya Station every day for nearly 10 years after his owner’s death. His devotion turned him into a national symbol of loyalty and love in Japan, and the statue now welcomes millions of visitors each year.
A: Yes, visitors can touch the Hachiko Statue and take photos with it. Many families pat the statue for luck or pose beside it, but climbing on the statue is not allowed to help preserve it for future visitors.
A: The Hachiko Statue is located directly next to Shibuya Crossing, just outside Shibuya Station’s Hachiko Exit. After crossing the famous intersection, it takes less than a minute on foot to reach the statue.
A: Yes, the Hachiko Statue is one of Tokyo’s busiest meeting points, and it often gets crowded in the middle of the day. For families with kids, visiting in the early morning or late evening offers a quieter experience and easier photo opportunities.
A: Visiting the Hachiko Statue is completely free. Families can stop by any time of day without needing a ticket, and since it’s outdoors, it’s a quick and budget-friendly Tokyo stop to pair with nearby Shibuya Crossing.
A: Yes, the Hachiko Statue plaza is flat and stroller-friendly, but it can get crowded during peak hours. For families with infants, a baby carrier may be easier to navigate through the busy Shibuya Crossing area.
Until Next Time…
The Hachiko Dog Statue may be small compared to Tokyo’s skyscrapers, but its story of loyalty leaves a big impression. For families, it’s a reminder that travel isn’t just about places, but about the values and stories we carry home. Visiting Hachiko with kids turns a quick stop into a memory of love, loyalty, and shared discovery.
Stay curious, stay adventurous, and keep dreaming!
~ The LuNi Travels Family ~
