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Shibuya is one of the top destinations in Tokyo, being especially known for its world-famous scramble crossing and beloved Hachiko statue. The station itself takes up space in the top 5 busiest commuter train stations in the world.
However, this article isn’t about the massive train station and all its connecting lines that carry passengers across Tokyo. If you’ve ever wanted to see Shibuya through the eyes of Japan’s favorite fuzzy friend, try taking a ride on the adorable Hachiko Bus!
What Is the Hachiko Bus?
The Shibuya Community Bus, or Hachiko Bus, is a miniature, non-step tourist bus with wheelchair access that can take you nearly everywhere in Shibuya. You’ll definitely know it when you see it, because the chibi Hachiko Bus is decorated in kawaii dog faces and are painted red, orange, or blue. There is even a catchy theme song that may play inside the bus.
Where Can You Go on the Hachiko Bus?
How much does it cost to ride the Hachiko Bus? Riding on the Hachiko Bus will only cost you 100 JPY, so you can hope on and off with just one coin! Also, the Hachiko Bus can take you to many exciting locations around Shibuya. There are four different routes that the Hachiko Bus follows: Uehara-Tomigaya, Jinguno Mori Route, Honmachi-Sasazuka Loop, Yuyake Koyake Route.
Bus Route(Uehara-Tomigaya)
Rolling over the hills of Shibuya, the Hachiko Bus on the Uehara-Tomigaya route runs from Shibuya Station to Yoyogi-Uehara Station. Along the way, you can stop at the University of Tokyo, Koga Museum of Music, Tomigaya, and the Tokyu Department Store.
Bus Route “Jinguno Mori Route” (Jingumae-Sendagaya)
The Jinguno Mori Route stops at some of the most popular spots in Shibuya. This Hachiko Bus Route makes a loop around Shibuya stopping at the Shibuya Ward Office, Yoyogi National Gymnasium, Harajuku Station, Meiji-Jingu Shrine, Omotesando Hills, National Noh Theater, Miyashita Park, and more.
Bus Route Honmachi-Sasazuka Loop “Haru no Ogawa (A Stream in Springtime) Route “
The Haru no Ogawa route starts at the Shibuya Ward office and ends at Fudo-dori. This makes similar stops to other routes, passing by Yoyogi Park, Tomigaya, Harajuku Station, and more.
Bus Route Ebisu-Daikanyama Loop “Yuyake Koyake (Sunset) Route”
The romantically titled “sunset” route also starts from the Shibuya Ward Office and ends at fire station entrance. Along the way, you can visit Miyashita Park, Aoyama University, the Shibuya Library, Hiroo, Ebisu, Daikanyama, and more.
Who Is Good Boy Hachiko?
The story of the loyal dog Hachiko is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Hachiko was a Japanese akita inu who was the companion of Hidesaburo Ueno, a Shibuya resident and professor at the Tokyo Imperial University. Everyday Hachiko would come to Shibuya Station to welcome his friend home after his daily commute. Tragically, the professor never returned one day after suffering from a sudden medical emergency that took his life.
As the story goes, Hachiko still visited Shibuya Station day after day to wait for the return of his lost friend, until he too passed on. Moved by his unwavering loyalty, people around the world made the story of Hachiko an unforgettable legend. Now, it seems fitting that such a kind spirit that spent so much time in Shibuya lives on to lead people around the famous city.
