Hokyoji temple
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TEL : 075-451-1550 Address : 547 Dodocho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto Access : JR Kyoto Station > (city bus number 9) > Horikawa Teranouchi bus stop > 1 minutes walk Hours : Opning 10:00 – Closing 16:00 (Last entry 15:30) Entrance fee : 600 yen (special exhibition) |
Introduction to Hokyoji temple
Hokyoji Temple is a nunnery with ties to the Imperial family, where the head priest has traditionally been a princess. The temple was founded around 1368-1375 when a statue of the Kannon Bosatsu (Avalokitesvara), which had been enshrined in the Imperial Palace, was placed in a branch temple of Keiaiji Temple.
Because the Emperor presented dolls to the temple seasonally, this temple houses a large collection of dolls. These are open to the public every spring and autumn.
Dolls and stuffed animals are now brought in from all over the country, and a memorial service for dolls is held on October 14th.
There is also a doll mound on the temple grounds.
