Hokyoji Temple – Early Summer Private Tour ＜April 25th to June 5th＞

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. In early summer, the grounds are enveloped in luminous green maples. Before the main hall, the celebrated Ichi-boku Hyakujū maple creates a striking gradation of greens alongside a carpet of moss, while the Tsurukame Garden, associated with Princess Kazunomiya, is adorned with fresh, crystalline foliage of exceptional beauty.

During this season of vivid new growth, the temple is reserved for just one group per day. Guests are invited to explore the main hall, listen to a talk 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 such as Autumn Grasses, attributed to Kano Tan’yū, Grapes and Deer by Kawamata Yukikazu, and Puppies on Cedar Doors by Maruyama Ōkyo, the latter a noted masterpiece in the refined tradition of the Maruyama school.

Spend a tranquil early summer 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.

Dates: April 25th (Sat) to June 5th (Fri)
Time: 3pm – approx. 5pm
Number of Participants: One group per day, limited to 2 to 8 participants. *Available for groups of two or more.
Price: ¥30,000 per person (13 years and older)
Activities:

• Tour inside the nunnery (exclusive access)

• Sermon by the nuns

• Meditation experience

• Tea and Japanese sweets included

* An interpreter guide can be arranged through the Concierge to further enhance your experience. Arrangements are available upon request.
* Please note that the above rates are exclusive of accommodation.
* Program details are subject to change depending on circumstances on the day.
* Additional travel time is required to reach the temples. Please contact us regarding transportation arrangements.
* Cancellations made within 3 days of the tour date will incur a 100% cancellation fee.
* Participation is limited to guests aged 13 and above.

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 14, 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 Wakamiya, 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 Wakamiya's childhood.

For inquiries or reservations,
please contact: +81 75 468 3100 (Hotel Reception) or email.