Tour operator
Kyoto Cycling Tour Project
A Kyoto cycling company running since 2001, offering guided cycling and walking tours, around 400 rental bikes and terminals near Kyoto Station and across the city.
Camellia Tea Ceremony
A tea ceremony company founded in 2014 by Atsuko Mori, hosting shared and private ceremonies in a Ninenzaka machiya and a garden teahouse near Ryoan-ji.
At a glance
- Type
- Tea ceremony experience
- Area
- Higashiyama, Kyoto, Japan
- Official site
- tea-kyoto.com
Good to know
- Shared and private ceremonies
- Kimono rental
- Two teahouses
Why we recommend it
Camellia was founded in spring 2014 by its director, Atsuko Mori, who began with a small tearoom in Ninenzaka, the stepped lane below Kiyomizu-dera. In 2016 it moved to a larger machiya townhouse, and it also became caretaker of an old house near Ryoan-ji, which it uses as a second venue so that the building can be preserved and shared with visitors. The company presents chanoyu, the Japanese tea ceremony, in English for visitors from abroad.
There are two main locations. The Flower Teahouse, in the Ninenzaka area of Higashiyama, is the company's base and is close to Kiyomizu-dera and Gion, with a Flower Annex next door for groups. The Garden Teahouse in western Kyoto stands a minute's walk from the main gate of Ryoan-ji and is wheelchair accessible, making it a natural pairing with a visit to the rock garden and Kinkaku-ji. Both offer private ceremonies, and the Flower Teahouse also runs shared ceremonies, where you join other guests.
A ceremony introduces the ideas behind tea, including the principle of wa kei sei jaku, harmony, respect, purity and tranquillity, and explains the etiquette of receiving a bowl. Guests are served seasonal sweets and matcha, and before leaving they learn the basics of whisking tea themselves under the guidance of an instructor. At the Flower Teahouse and Flower Annex, guests can add a full-day kimono rental, which makes the experience into an outing in the lanes of Higashiyama.
Bookings are made online through the website, with separate booking pages for private, shared and group sessions and set time slots through the day. Children from age four can join private ceremonies and from age six shared ones. Rescheduling and cancellation terms differ by location, so read them before booking. Arrive a little early, and wear socks, as you will remove your shoes on the tatami.
The Flower Teahouse is a short walk from Keihan Gion-Shijo Station or Higashiyama Station on the Tozai subway line, through the lanes of Gion and up towards Ninenzaka. The Garden Teahouse is near Ryoanji Station on the Randen tram line. Either way, a tea ceremony fits easily into a day of temple visiting and offers a calm, hands-on contrast to the busy sights.
Camellia Tea Ceremony FAQs
Where are Camellia's teahouses?
The Flower Teahouse is in Ninenzaka, Higashiyama, and the Garden Teahouse is beside Ryoan-ji in western Kyoto.
Who founded Camellia?
Atsuko Mori, in spring 2014.
Are ceremonies held in English?
Yes. The company introduces tea ceremony to visitors from abroad in English.
Can you try making tea?
Yes. Guests learn the basics of whisking matcha before they leave.
Can you wear a kimono?
Yes. Full-day kimono rental can be added at the Flower Teahouse and Flower Annex.
Can children join?
Yes. From age four for private ceremonies and age six for shared ones.
Is the Garden Teahouse accessible?
Yes. It is wheelchair accessible.
How do you book?
Online through the official website.