Moyai Statue: A Symbol of Unity in Shibuya

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A unique stone statue in Shibuya, the Moyai Statue is a symbol of unity and a popular meeting spot near the station.

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Moyai Statue

The Moyai Statue in Shibuya is a stone sculpture near Shibuya Station, serving as a popular meeting spot. Gifted by Niijima Island, it represents unity and cooperation, with unique faces carved on each side.

A brief summary to Moyai Statue

1 Chome-1-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City, 1 Chome Dogenzaka, Tokyo, 150-0043, JP
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Local tips

The statue is located near the South Ticket Gate of Shibuya Station, making it easily accessible.
The Moyai Statue is a popular meeting spot, especially during evenings and weekends, so be prepared for crowds.
Take a moment to observe the different faces carved on each side of the statue.

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Getting There

Walking

From the Hachiko statue at Shibuya Station, walk towards the Tokyu Department Store on the west side of the station. The Moyai Statue is located in front of the store, near the South Ticket Gate. No costs are associated with this approach.
Public Transport

Arriving at Shibuya Station via JR Lines (Yamanote, Saikyo, Shonan-Shinjuku), Tokyo Metro (Ginza, Hanzomon, Fukutoshin), Tokyu Lines (Toyoko, Den-en-toshi), or Keio Inokashira Line, head towards the South Exit. Follow signs for the Tokyu Department Store. The Moyai Statue is a short walk from the ticket gates. Subway fares from other parts of Tokyo to Shibuya typically range from ¥180-¥300. A Suica or Pasmo card can be used for convenient payment.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Shibuya. Direct the driver to Shibuya Station, South Exit, near the Tokyu Department Store. Taxi fares in Tokyo start around ¥710 for the first kilometer, with additional charges based on distance. A short taxi ride within Shibuya to the station may cost approximately ¥1,000-¥1,500.

Discover more about Moyai Statue

The Moyai Statue, located near the South Ticket Gate of Shibuya Station, is more than just a landmark; it's a symbol of friendship and cooperation. This unique stone sculpture, with different faces carved on the front and back, stands as a popular rendezvous point in the bustling Shibuya district. Donated by the village of Niijima, part of the Izu Islands, the Moyai statue embodies the spirit of 'moyai,' a Niijima word meaning 'helping each other' or 'working together as one'. Inspired by the Moai statues of Easter Island, the Moyai statues were created to promote awareness of Niijima. The statue was gifted to Shibuya to commemorate the centennial of the transfer of the island's administration from Shizuoka to Tokyo, signifying the power of unity, cooperation, and kindness. Many Moyai statues are made from kōgaseki, a special type of pumice mined only in Niijima and on the Italian island of Lipari. According to Hajime Umatsu, the original sculptor's grandson, the two faces are a pun on Niijima's name: the wavy-haired face represents the "nii-chan" (endearing term-of-address to an older brother) of a surfer, and the other, bearded face represents an "injii" (o-jii-san, old man) who lived in a former penal colony. They are meant to represent people who were exiled to Niijima.

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