Hokyo-ji Doll Memorial Service 2026｜10/14(Wed) Access & Fees

Dates & time: October 14, 2026 (Wed) Service from 10:30 (doll reception 10:00–10:30)
cost: Free to enter the grounds (doll memorial fee from ¥3,000)
Venue & access: Hokyo-ji Temple (in front of the Doll Mound) City Bus No. 9 from Kyoto Station to Horikawa Teranouchi, then a 1-minute walk. About 15 minutes on foot from Imadegawa or Kuramaguchi Station on the Karasuma subway line.

There are 12 car parks within a 12-minute walk of Hokyo-ji Temple (in front of the Doll Mound), and 2 public restrooms within 8 minutes. The map shows each with its walking time.

Facility data comes from OpenStreetMap. It does not include opening hours, fees or availability.

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Why You Should Visit

Every October 14, Hokyo-ji in Kyoto's Kamigyo Ward, widely known as the "Doll Temple," holds a memorial service for dolls. Once headed by imperial princesses, this convent temple preserves many dolls handed down by them. The Doll Mound in the grounds was built in 1959 and is carved with a gosho-ningyo, the plump palace doll that symbolizes Kyoto doll-making. The service is held in front of the mound, and members of the public may attend. It suits anyone who wants to give a respectful send-off to hina dolls, stuffed animals or other dolls that have served their time at home.

NOTE

Memorial fees

From ¥3,000 when you bring dolls in person; about ¥5,000 for an amount that fills one 45-liter plastic bag
Bulky or heavy items cost extra
¥5,000 per box when sent by mail
¥3,000 to make the offering with a paper katashiro figure only, without bringing a doll

What is accepted

Dolls, as well as stuffed animals and animal figurines

*The temple's autumn doll exhibition runs November 1–20 (admission fee required)

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出典: 宝鏡寺公式サイト

Kobe · Gluten-free

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FAQ

Can I attend without bringing a doll?

Yes. The temple states that members of the public may attend and offer incense. Entry to the grounds is free.

Can I bring dolls on days other than October 14?

Yes. Dolls are accepted year-round from 10:00 to 15:00, except over the New Year holidays. Mail-in offerings from within Japan are also accepted.

Can I include the stands and decorations of hina dolls?

No. Stands, decorations and accessories are not accepted. Only the dolls themselves, taken out of their cases and packed in bags, are accepted.