Stunning Private Tea Ceremony: Camellia Garden Teahouse

Recommended by 100% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Kyoto, Japan

Great choice

10+ bookings last month.

1 hour (approx.)
Group discounts
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Learn about the rituals of an authentic Japanese tea ceremony by visiting the idyllic setting of Camellia Garden Teahouse. Instead of sharing the activity with strangers, enjoy a very intimate and special experience of having a private ceremony for just your party. The tea instructor explains more about the history of Matcha tea, before performing the tea rituals, and giving you the chance to try making it yourself too.

Visit a beautiful tea house that overlooks a traditional Japanese garden
Learn the techniques of using a whisk, scoop, and bowl to make matcha tea
Avoid the crowds and enjoy a private tea ceremony for your party
Learn fascinating insights about the history of tea, and tea-making rituals

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)

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Tea Ceremony Camellia GARDEN
18 Ryōanji Ikenoshitachō, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8003, Japan
Camellia Garden is located across the road from Ryoan-ji temple. The Ryoan-ji Mae Bus Stop (Bus 59) drops passengers beside a small path that leads slightly downhill to a residential street. We are the first house you can see on your right (surrounded by a high wall).

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed

Near public transportation
Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Lulu_P

We had a really nice time learning about the history of tea in Japan and learning about the tea ceremony with Yumiko. She was very lovely and friendly and answered our many questions. Really enjoyed the tea and mochi that was provided as well, everything was delicious. Would highly recommend the experience to anyone.

Reviews

5.0

based on 29 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Beautiful experience

Deborah_K, Apr 2026

This was a lovely traditional experience in a very tranquil environment. We were able to learn and experience a traditional matcha making tea ceremony. Our hostess was very informative and gave us the opportunity to make tea ourselves. We’re very glad we added this to our visit to Kyoto! I highly recommend this experience.

Must do

Bruno_Z, Jan 2026

Excellent experience!!! Highly recommend it! Time for us to enjoy the cerimony and learn a little bit about the culture.

Lovely experience

Alexandra_W, Nov 2025

They 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.

Beautiful and tranquil

Uwe_L, Jul 2025

Beautiful 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.

Simply amazing! This was...

Kristy_C, Jul 2025

Simply amazing! This was such an incredible experience! Our tea practitioner was so knowledgeable! Definitely recommend!

Excellent!

Francine_D, May 2025

This 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!

Ceremonial Tea Experience.

Alan_D, Mar 2025

A delightful experience learning to make matcha tea. We would totally recommend this tour and this location.

Amazing experience with delicious tea!

Lulu_P, Jun 2024

An absolute must do. This...

Oguzhan_Y, Mar 2024

An absolute must do. This hour long relaxing experience felt like a few minutes. We learned a lot about this traditional ritual.

Very nice experience

Chantal_R, Sep 2025

We 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!

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