Hokyoji Temple – Autumn Private Tour ＜November 27th to December 12th＞

Encounter the refined beauty of court culture at the “Doll Temple”, cherished by imperial nuns

Nestled in a tranquil corner of Kyoto’s historic Nishijin district, Hokyoji Temple is an imperial nunnery ordinarily closed to the public and renowned for its magnificent autumn colors. Before the main hall, the celebrated Ichi-boku Hyakujū maple creates a striking contrast alongside a carpet of moss, while the Tsurukame Garden, associated with Princess Kazunomiya, is adorned with pristine autumn foliage of exceptional beauty.

During this beautiful season of autumn leaves, the temple is reserved for just one group per day. Guests are invited to explore the main hall, listen to a sermon by a resident nun, and take part in a quiet meditation experience overlooking the garden. The visit also offers the rare opportunity to view an elegant collection of artworks, including sliding-door paintings attributed to Kano Tan’yū, and Puppies on Cedar Doors by Maruyama Ōkyo—a masterpiece deeply connected to the Mitsui family—along with other exquisite works by artists of the Maruyama school.

Spend a tranquil autumn moment reflecting on the beauty, culture, and spiritual legacy preserved within this imperial nunnery, and on the lives of the noblewomen who sustained its traditions.

An ancient nunnery with a rich history, it has been served by princesses and aristocrats' daughters throughout the generations, holding the honorific title Dodo no Goshō. It is named Hokyoji (Treasure Mirror) Temple due to the deity Kannon Bodhisattva holding a mirror. On October 14th, a Doll Offering Ceremony is held, and it is sometimes referred to as the Doll Temple because it opens to the public only during the spring and autumn Doll Exhibitions. Hokyoji Temple exhibits valuable treasures, mainly dolls, including those beloved by Princess Kazunomiya, along with dozens of other treasures such as Ichimatsu dolls. It also houses exquisite sliding door paintings from the Tenpō era, a beautiful garden reflecting the seasons, and numerous mementos of Princess Kazunomiya's childhood.