Hokyo-ji is an Imperial Convent that succeeded to the elite lineage of Keiai-ji, the highest-ranked Rinzan Zen Convent among the “Five Great Zen Convents” in Kyoto that prospered during the Medieval period.

Established by Abbess Karin Egon, the 6th Abbess of Keiai-ji, who was also a daughter of Emperor Kogon, the temple was accorded the name “Hokyo-ji” by Emperor Gokogon.

The temple became an Imperial Convent where Imperial princesses served as successive generations of its abbesses, and the title “Dodo-no-Gosho (Dodo Imperial Palace)” was bestowed upon the temple.

At present, the temple is also referred to as the “Temple of the Dolls,” and is open to the public in spring and autumn.