The Camellia Garden Teahouse in Kyoto offers a stunning private tea ceremony that immerses guests in the rich history and traditions of Japanese matcha tea. Participants get to prepare their own matcha while savoring traditional mochi in a serene, personalized setting near the iconic Ryoan-ji temple. With a perfect traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, this intimate cultural experience combines mindfulness with the beauty of Kyoto’s heritage. Discover the secrets of this captivating ritual and unlock a deeper appreciation for Japanese tea culture.
Key Points

- Highly-rated private tea ceremony experience at the award-winning Camellia Garden Teahouse, offering personalized instruction on the history and preparation of Matcha tea.
- Hands-on Matcha tea preparation in an intimate, uncrowded setting, with the opportunity to sample the freshly made tea and traditional Japanese mochi.
- Convenient location near the Ryoan-ji temple, allowing for a combination of culture in both the tea ceremony and the Zen temple.
- Pricing starts from $100.78 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience and a reserve now, pay later option available.
- Accessible for wheelchair users and stroller-bound visitors, with service animals allowed.
Overview of the Private Tea Ceremony

The private tea ceremony at Camellia Garden Teahouse in Kyoto, Japan, offers a highly-rated and intimate experience, as evidenced by its 17 reviews with a 100% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence.
Participants can learn about the history of Matcha tea and enjoy traditional tea-making rituals.
The experience is designed to avoid crowds, allowing for a personalized and hands-on tea ceremony where guests can prepare their own Matcha using the provided tea bowls, scoops, and whisks.
The teahouse’s location near the renowned Ryoan-ji temple further enhances the cultural and serene ambiance of this unique tea ceremony.
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Exploring the History of Matcha Tea
Although Matcha tea has become increasingly popular worldwide in recent years, its origins can be traced back centuries to the rich tea culture of Japan.
Matcha is a powdered green tea made from tencha leaves, which are shaded from sunlight before harvesting. This process enhances the tea’s vibrant green color and umami flavor.
The preparation of Matcha is an integral part of the Japanese tea ceremony, which emphasizes mindfulness, hospitality, and the appreciation of natural beauty.
Participants in the Camellia Garden Teahouse experience will learn about this storied history and have the opportunity to prepare their own Matcha.
Intimate Tea-Making Experience

Participants in the private tea ceremony at Camellia Garden Teahouse can expect an intimate, hands-on experience learning the art of Matcha preparation.
The ceremony includes:
- Learning the history and significance of Matcha tea
- Enjoying an uncrowded, personalized atmosphere
- Making Matcha using provided tea bowls, scoops, and whisks
- Sampling freshly prepared Matcha and traditional Japanese mochi
- Gaining an appreciation for the meticulous tea-making rituals
This exclusive experience allows visitors to enjoy the rich cultural traditions of Japan’s celebrated tea ceremony, away from the crowds.
Convenient Location Near Ryoan-ji Temple

The Camellia Garden Teahouse is conveniently located near the renowned Ryoan-ji temple in Kyoto, making it an ideal spot to experience a private tea ceremony.
Situated at 18 Ryōanji Ikenoshitachō, Ukyo Ward, it’s just a short walk from the Ryoan-ji Mae Bus Stop.
This accessible location allows visitors to easily combine their tea ceremony with a visit to the iconic Zen temple.
Whether arriving by public transportation or private vehicle, the Camellia Garden Teahouse’s prime location ensures a seamless and memorable tea experience in the heart of Kyoto’s cultural landscape.
Pricing and Booking Information

The private tea ceremony at the Camellia Garden Teahouse starts from $100.78 per person, with the price varying depending on the group size.
Booking is flexible, with a free cancellation option up to 24 hours before the experience. Guests can also take advantage of the reserve now, pay later option.
The teahouse’s convenient location near the Ryoan-ji temple and its accessibility features, including wheelchair and stroller access, as well as the allowance of service animals, make it an inclusive and accessible experience.
The pricing and booking information offer a hassle-free way to enjoy this exclusive tea ceremony.
- Starts from $100.78 per person
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Reserve now, pay later option available
- Wheelchair and stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
Accessibility for All Visitors

The Camellia Garden Teahouse makes the private tea ceremony accessible for all visitors.
It’s located near Ryoan-ji temple and easily accessible via the Ryoan-ji Mae Bus Stop. The venue is wheelchair and stroller friendly, and service animals are welcome.
The intimate tea experience allows guests to learn about Matcha tea and its rituals in a crowd-free environment.
Whether you’re a tea enthusiast or just looking to learn about Japanese culture, this private tea ceremony caters to all.
With flexible booking and pricing options, it’s an inclusive experience not to be missed in Kyoto.
Positive Customer Feedback and Recommendations

Seventeen glowing reviews with a 100% traveler recommendation highlight the positive customer feedback for the private tea ceremony at the Camellia Garden Teahouse.
Reviewers praised:
- The quality of the tea and mochi provided
- The opportunity to learn about tea history and making rituals
- The intimate and crowd-free experience
- The excellent location near Ryoan-ji temple
- The tea ceremony as a must-do activity in Kyoto
The Badge of Excellence awarded to the Camellia Garden Teahouse is a testament to the exceptional experience it offers, making it a highly recommended highlight for visitors to Kyoto.
What to Expect During the Private Tea Ceremony

During the private tea ceremony, you will have the opportunity to learn about the history and rituals surrounding Matcha tea.
An expert guide will walk visitors through the proper tea-making techniques, from scooping the fine green powder to whisking the tea in a traditional bowl. Guests can then try their hand at preparing their own Matcha, using the provided equipment.
The intimate setting allows for a tranquil and immersive experience, away from the crowds. Whether a tea connoisseur or a first-time sipper, this private ceremony offers a unique chance to appreciate the artistry and tradition of Japanese tea culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Tea or Snacks to the Ceremony?
The tea ceremony is a private experience, so guests can’t bring their own tea or snacks. However, the teahouse provides all the necessary tea and traditional sweets as part of the intimate ceremony.
How Long Does the Private Tea Ceremony Typically Last?
The private tea ceremony typically lasts around 60-90 minutes. This allows ample time for participants to learn about the history and rituals of Matcha tea preparation, as well as to make and enjoy their own Matcha tea.
Are Photographs Allowed During the Tea Ceremony?
Yes, photographs are allowed during the tea ceremony. The teahouse encourages participants to capture the experience, as long as they don’t disrupt the serene atmosphere or the ceremony itself.
Can I Customize the Tea Ceremony Experience for My Group?
Yes, the tea ceremony can be customized for your group. The teahouse offers flexibility to tailor the experience, such as adjusting group size or adding special requests, to ensure it meets your preferences.
Is There a Dress Code for the Private Tea Ceremony?
There’s no strict dress code for the private tea ceremony. Visitors are encouraged to dress comfortably, though avoiding overly casual attire like shorts or tank tops is recommended to maintain the traditional ambiance of the experience.
The Sum Up
The Camellia Garden Teahouse’s private tea ceremony offers an immersive cultural experience. Guests learn about Matcha’s rich history while personally preparing the traditional tea, savoring mochi, and enjoying the serene setting near the renowned Ryoan-ji temple. With glowing reviews and a Badge of Excellence, this intimate ceremony provides an enriching opportunity to connect with Kyoto’s heritage through the art of mindful tea preparation.
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