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Hachi: A Dog's Tale movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Hachi: A Dog's Tale filmed?

2009

City Locations

Rhode Island (USA), Japan

Location Types

House, Storefront, School

Location Styles

Cape Cod, Station Wagon, Rustic, Manufactured Home

About Hachi: A Dog's Tale

Hachi: A Dog's Tale is a 2009 American drama film directed by Lasse Hallstrӧm and starring Richard Gere, Joan Allen, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, and Sarah Roemer. It is based on the 1987 Japanese film Hachiko Monogatari and a real-life story of loyalty. The film follows the bond between a college professor, Parker (Richard Gere), and an abandoned dog he finds and takes in. Parker soon develops an unexplainable connection with the animal he calls "Hachi."

The movie follows Hachi's unconditional love for his master even after his death. It portrays Hachi's unwavering loyalty to Parker until his death at the same spot where he first met his beloved owner. The film is a poignant reminder of how dogs can bring joy into our lives if we show them compassion and kindness.

A bronze replica of the original Hachiko statue was installed on May 19, 2012, at Woonsocket Depot Square in Rhode Island, where the movie was filmed. The train depot at One Depot Square got renamed Hachiko Place. Released in 2009, the movie has been praised by critics for its emotional plot and the acting of Richard Gere and Joan Allen. Christopher Lloyd of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune gave it 4 out of 5 stars, noting that even those who don't usually cry during movies will likely shed tears while watching it. Rotten Tomatoes also gave the film a positive review with an average rating of 5.88/10 based on 28 reviews. This movie will surely tug at your heartstrings and leave you feeling moved.

Hachi: A Dog's Tale Locations

Hachi: A Dog’s Tale was mainly filmed in the beautiful and diverse region of Rhode Island in the United States, with a few scenes shot in East Asia. Rhode Island is known for its serene coastline, rolling hills, charming colonial towns, and vibrant cities like Providence. The backdrop of this region lends itself naturally to being an ideal filming destination with its stunning landscapes and exciting sites.

Most scenes for the movie were shot at various locations around Rhode Island, including 1 Depot Square, which was used for train station shots. Scenes featuring Richard Gere's character Parker Wilson walking home with his puppy Hachi were filmed along Arnold Street and Main Street. One of the movie's most emotional scenes, where Parker collapses and later passes away while delivering a lecture, was shot at the University of Rhode Island in Kingston. Other locations included Columbus Theatre Arts Center in Providence and Worcester Railroad Mechanical.

For viewers who love traveling as much as they do watch movies, visiting Rhode Island to experience first-hand all the places featured in Hachi: A Dog’s Tale would be a worthwhile adventure. Plenty of activities are available here, from taking photos at 1 Depot Square to exploring Arnold Street and Main Street or even watching a show at Columbus Theatre Arts Center.

Parker finds a dog scene in Hachi: A Dog's Tale

19 Arnold St and Main St, Woonsocket, RI, USA

The opening scene is where Parker Wilson (Richard Gere), a professor who commutes to Providence, discovers a lost dog at the railway station in Bedridge. He decides to take him home and is seen walking home carrying Hachi as a puppy. The streets are quiet and peaceful while Parker holds Hachi close to his chest with both arms. This iconic moment signifies Parker’s bond with Hachi that will last forever.

The scene was filmed at 19 Arnold St and Main St, Woonsocket, RI, USA, which still looks exactly as it did during the filming of this movie. The area has preserved its small-town charm, which makes it an ideal spot to visit for fans of this beloved film.

Visitors can quickly get to 19 Arnold St and Main St by car or public transport, depending on their location. By car, one can reach Woonsocket from Providence in less than 30 minutes via Route 146 North or I-126 North, depending on where they start from. By public transport, there are bus connections available from Providence via RIPTA buses #54, which have stops near this location and walking paths nearby for those who prefer traveling by foot.

Parker and Cate's home scene in Hachi: A Dog's Tale

18 High St, Bristol, RI, USA

Although no one has claimed the dog, Parker (Richard Gere) develops a close bond with it and takes it everywhere. Even though Parker's wife, Cate Wilson (Joan Allen), warms up to the dog, named Hachi, he still sleeps outside in his shed. Parker attempts to train Hachi to do typical dog things, like retrieving a ball, but it seems unsuccessful. Ken (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa) clarifies that Akita dogs cannot be trained the same way as other dogs, and if Hachi retrieves a ball, it will be for a special reason.

The house where the scene was shot - is a typical American suburban home with a white picket fence and a small shed outside. The house is the backdrop to many of the movie's most iconic moments, including when Hachi first meets Parker and his family, and Cate finally agrees to keep him as their pet. The scene was filmed at 18 High St, Bristol, RI. This address has become an iconic part of the movie due to its prominent role. The street itself is lined with period-correct houses that were used for some shots of the interior and exterior of the Parkers' home.

Getting to this location is easy enough if you're already in Rhode Island. Take US Route 136 S from Providence until you reach Bristol Center. From there, make a left onto Hope Street before turning right onto High Street. The house sits on your right, just past Walley Street. Plenty of signs along the way direct you to the exact location.

Hachi followed Parker to the station scene in Hachi: A Dog's Tale

Woonsocket Station, 1 Depot Square, Woonsocket, RI, USA

Parker Wilson (Richard Gere) had to leave for work by train. However, he noticed that Hachi (Layla) had followed him to the train station and struggled to make him go back home. He eventually asked Cate (Joan Allen) to care for Hachi and reluctantly caught the train. When Parker returned from work, he found that Hachi had been waiting for him at the train station. The scene is touching as Hachi watches his master go away, expressing loyalty and devotion that has become iconic worldwide.

The filming location was Depot Square, which is situated in downtown Woonsocket. It's a historic railroad station constructed by the Providence and Worcester Railroad in 1882. The current station replaced an earlier one built in 1847. To commemorate this memorable scene from Hachi: A Dog's Tale, a statue of Hachikō was installed in front of Woonsocket Station in May 2012. It serves as a reminder of Hachi’s undying loyalty to his master, even after death.

Woonsocket Station is about 16 miles north of Providence City and 27 miles south of Worcester City. It can easily be accessed by car or public transportation like buses or trains. If you are starting from Providence, you can reach your destination by taking RI-146 N, which will take approximately 30 minutes. If you are coming from Worcester, you can use your car and take MA-146 S/Worcester-Providence Turnpike.

Parker visits Cate at the theater scene in Hachi: A Dog's Tale

Columbus Theatre, 270 Broadway, Providence, Rhode Island, USA

The Columbus Theatre in Providence was used as a filming location for Hachi: A Dog's Tale. In this scene, Parker (Richard Gere) finds out that Hachi (Layla) suddenly didn't wait for him at the station and decides to seek solace in his wife Cate's (Joan Allen) place of work.

The Columbus Theatre is a magnificent building with Italian Renaissance-style architecture and carved limestone detailing. It opened in 1926 under its original name before being sold and renamed Uptown Theatre in 1929. Nearly fifty years later, it returned to its original name after another sale in 1962. The theater has since been renovated and now showcases a variety of entertainment, including live music performances, foreign films, classic movies, comedy nights, and more.

To visit this iconic spot from one of Hollywood’s most beloved films, one can find it on 270 Broadway in Providence, Rhode Island, between America Street and Battey Street. To get to this location from anywhere in Providence, you can take bus #27 or #28, which stops directly outside of the theater on Broadway Street. Alternatively, you can take any of the city’s buses towards downtown Providence and get off at Washington Street, just two blocks from the theater’s entrance. There are also many parking lots nearby if you plan to drive there.

Hachi receives treats scene in Hachi: A Dog's Tale

46 Arnold St, Woonsocket, RI, USA

In one scene, Hachi (Layla) returns home after dropping off his master (Richard Gere) at the train station. On his way, he stops by a butcher shop to pick up a little treat for himself. The scene was shot at 46 Arnold Street in Woonsocket, Rhode Island.

The backdrop of this iconic scene is very fitting and shows both the beauty of nature and the life of daily workers. The street has colorful buildings and storefronts that harken back to a simpler time. It's a peaceful walk that Hachi takes as he makes his way home, stopping to take in all the sights and smells around him. Woonsocket is 40 minutes north of Providence, Rhode Island, on the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. This small town is steeped in history with its colonial-era architecture and traditional New England charm. In addition to Autumnfest, which has become one of Woonsocket’s most popular events, there are plenty of other attractions, such as museums and parks, for visitors to explore.

Visitors can quickly get to this location by car or public transportation from nearby cities, such as Providence or Boston. By car, it’s only a half an hour's drive from Providence or one hour from Boston via I-146 North or Interstate 495 North, respectively. For public transportation options, several bus lines connect Woonsocket with surrounding areas, including MBTA routes 909 & 912, and others, which all go directly into downtown Woonsocket near 46 Arnold Street, where this iconic scene was filmed.

The elderly Hachiko waits for Parker at the station scene in Hachi: A Dog's Tale

Main Street 211, Woonsocket, RI, USA

In the end, a heart-wrenching scene occurs on Parker's (Richard Gere) 10th death anniversary. Cate (Joan Allen), the beloved wife of Parker, arrives at the station where Hachi (Forrest) is still faithfully waiting for his master to return. She is moved to see an elderly Hachi still patiently and devotedly awaiting his master’s return. By this point, Hachi had been visiting the station daily for ten years.

This touching scene has become iconic due to its powerful portrayal of the undying loyalty of man’s best friend. The image has been used to symbolize unwavering fidelity throughout popular culture, including books, television shows, and advertisements. The scene was filmed at Main Street 211 in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. It features a modern train station, which serves as a fitting backdrop to such an emotionally charged moment, given its timelessness and familiarity to many Americans who grew up around train stations like this one.

Tourists visiting Main Street 211 can do so by heading west from Boston via Route 90 W, from Providence on Route 146 North until you reach the RI-122 N exit. Take Hamlet Avenue until you reach Main Street, then turn right onto Main Street, leading directly into downtown Woonsocket and Main Street 211.

Conclusion

Hachi: A Dog's Tale is an endearing and heartwarming movie about a devoted Akita dog and his unyielding loyalty to his master. Richard Gere delivers an outstanding performance as Professor Parker Wilson, the professor whose life is forever changed after meeting the charming Hachi. The brilliant script and concept by director Lasse Hallström also add to the film's beauty and charm, creating a truly moving story that will resonate with viewers of all ages.

The cast of Akita dogs (Layla, Chico, and Forrest) who play Hachi give incredible performances throughout the movie and bring Hallström's brilliant script to life, making it possible for viewers to get lost in their special bond.

The film has received critical praise for its emotion-filled story and excellent performances from all involved. Critics have described it as "a touching story about loyalty, devotion, and unconditional love," which will warm viewers' hearts. Moreover, it has been praised for its ability to evoke strong emotions in viewers through its acting, script, visual effects, stunning locations, and music score.

Hachi: A Dog's Tale is entertaining and very educational. It teaches us the importance of loyalty, unconditional love, and the special bond between human beings and animals can be. It also reminds us to appreciate our loved ones while they are still alive because life is unpredictable.