Private Tour
Stunning Private Tea Ceremony: Camellia Garden Teahouse
Overview
Available languages
1 hour
Mobile ticket
Camellia Garden’s striking surroundings make ours one of the most beautiful locations to experience tea ceremony in Kyoto.
The traditional Japanese house, which sits amongst stunning gardens, is now 100 years old. Once a private property, providing tea ceremonies is a way to preserve this important house and give visitors a taste of authentic Kyoto.
Located close to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Ryoan-ji, Ninna-ji and Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), we offer an accessible experience that offers an oasis of calm and complete privacy for guests.
We look forward to welcoming you for a unique, personal and unforgettable experience.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Tea bowls, tea scoops and tea whisks are provided so that guests can make their own bowls of Matcha.
Kimono rental (not available at this location)
What To Expect
Explore the world of matcha and experience tea ceremony in a beautiful, 100 year old property surrounded by two traditional Japanese gardens. Located across the road from Ryoan-ji, our house has long been connected to this world famous temple, and our teahouse offers guest the utmost privacy, a moment of escape from the outside world. At the start of your session, your instructor will welcome you with a brief introduction to the history and culture surrounding tea in our sofa room overlooking the front garden. Here you'll enjoy seasonal sweets from one of Kyoto's most renowned confectioners. Next your host will move you to the tearoom itself where you'll watch an authentic tea ceremony with the main garden as backdrop. After being served tea you'll have the opportunity to make your own bowl of delicious matcha and will have plenty of time to ask questions and take photographs. During the tea ceremony we have chairs available for those who would prefer not to sit on the floor. We have a dedicated kimono dresser, so if you would like to dress in kimono for your experience please let us know on the checkout page. We look forward to welcoming you for an unforgettable time.
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Stunning Private Tea Ceremony: Camellia Garden Teahouse
Reviews
27 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Lovely experience
Alexandra W,
Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00They were so considerate in changing our time when we were running late. I unfortunately could not attend, but my sister and husband still attended the ceremony and said they had a wonderful time and learned a lot.
Elegant authentic tea ceremony
Molly S,
Oct 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I came for the tea ceremony with Maki-san. I could tell she has studied and practiced the tea ceremony for a long time. Every movement was purposeful, with beauty peace respect and harmony shining thru each gesture. She taught us how to make having a morning cup of hot caffeine a mindful meditative practice which enhances your day and not slow you down. The beauty of the garden and the rooms add tranquility to the experience. I highly recommend.
Very nice experience
Chantal R,
Sep 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We really enjoyed this activity. It is not only a window on culture, but also a moment of calm, an invitation to live fully the present moment in calm and serenity. The young man who accompanied us for this experience (unfortunately I forgot his name, apologies) was just perfect. He really embodied the spirit of the ceremony. Good job!
Zen and elegance in a teacup
Allison P,
Sep 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fabulous experience at the Camellia Garden Tea House, just a short walk from the beautiful Ryan-ji grounds. Our host, Norie, a 3rd generation tea ceremony practitioner, was the perfect guide for the skilled, contemplative practice of preparing, serving, and enjoying matcha. Her presentation was so elegant and generous. We came away with a better understanding of the art of this special tea and were appreciative of Norie’s patience and kindness with our questions. 10/10 recommend.
Beautiful and tranquil
Uwe L,
Jul 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful and enlightening tea ceremony. Our hostess was extremely polite, well spoken (in English), and well educated in performing the tea ceremony. I highly recommend the individual, rather than group, ceremony as it is very tranquil and feels more personal. My family truly enjoyed the demonstration and the instruction in making our own tea. Highly recommend this. The home and garden were beautiful.
Your family will enjoy a Personal Tea Ceremony!
linsshirl,
Jul 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our hostess was so pleasant and calm. She was a joy to watch and gave us a personal experience. The location of the Garden tea room was a little far, but we enjoyed it!
Simply amazing! This was...
Kristy C,
Jul 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Simply amazing! This was such an incredible experience! Our tea practitioner was so knowledgeable! Definitely recommend!
Excellent!
Francine D,
May 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This personal tea ceremony experience was wonderful! We learned all about the ceremony first and then had a chance to make our own matcha tea! Our hosts were very informative and explained the ceremony well. The location was quiet and relaxing! We really enjoyed it!
A memorable cultual moment
FeistyCat,
May 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful experience at the tea house with our 12 & 17 year old kids. Our guide Norrie was excellent and taught us many things about the tea ceremony that we had not known. The ceremony itself was beautiful, knowing how much effort is put into every element of the ceremony and witnessing it was moving. Your guide choses a cup for each person attending which I thought was a lovely detail.
Ceremonial Tea Experience.
Alan D,
Mar 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A delightful experience learning to make matcha tea. We would totally recommend this tour and this location.
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