Camellia Tea Ceremony Higashiyama Kyoto
Experience a serene Japanese tea ceremony and elegant kimono rental in Kyoto's historic Higashiyama district.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
First pick of kimonos
Camellia Tea Ceremony Higashiyama Kyoto
Best Time
First pick of kimonos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience a serene Japanese tea ceremony and elegant kimono rental in Kyoto's historic Higashiyama district.
"Easily one of the best things we did in all of Japan. Truly above and beyond amazing and worth every penny."
🎯 Book Kimono Rental Early
Secure the 9 AM slot for the best kimono selection & personalized service.
👨👩👧 Family-Friendly Experience
This tea ceremony welcomes children, even toddlers, with exceptional care.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Traditional Kimono Rental
Camellia Tea Ceremony Garden
Dress in exquisite kimonos and experience Kyoto's charm. Staff expertly style your hair and offer a wide selection.
Authentic Matcha Tea Ceremony
Camellia Tea Ceremony Garden
Learn the art of matcha preparation in a serene setting. Experience a deeply cultural and calming ritual.
Hands-On Matcha Making
Camellia Tea Ceremony Garden
Get hands-on experience preparing your own matcha, a fun and personal way to engage with Japanese tea culture.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Kimono Early
Tea Ceremony for All Ages
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Kimono Rental Early
Secure the 9 AM slot for the best kimono selection & personalized service.
👨👩👧 Family-Friendly Experience
This tea ceremony welcomes children, even toddlers, with exceptional care.
📸 Kimono Photoshoot
Allow ample time for photos in your kimono, especially if it's a nice day.
🍵 Learn Matcha Making
Enjoy a hands-on session to learn how to properly prepare delicious matcha.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Kimono Rental Early
Secure the 9 AM slot for the best kimono selection & personalized service.
👨👩👧 Family-Friendly Experience
This tea ceremony welcomes children, even toddlers, with exceptional care.
📸 Kimono Photoshoot
Allow ample time for photos in your kimono, especially if it's a nice day.
🍵 Learn Matcha Making
Enjoy a hands-on session to learn how to properly prepare delicious matcha.
✨ English-Speaking Staff
Staff are friendly and fluent in English, making the experience accessible for foreigners.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Camellia Tea Ceremony for its exceptional staff, high-quality kimonos, and authentic, calming tea ceremony experience. The venue is highly recommended for its foreigner-friendly atmosphere and ability to make all guests, including children, feel special and well-cared for. While the price is noted as being on the higher side, the overall value and memorable nature of the experience are frequently highlighted.
"Amazing staff from start to finish. Foreigner friendly (English speaking staff).
Highly, highly recommend booking the earliest kimono reservation for the day at 9am. You can have first pick from all the kimonos, There are no other customers, you can chat comfortably with staff in a relaxed atmosphere, and staff spend more time and attention on you and can listen to your requests.
Price is a bit steep but for the service we received I would highly recommend Camellia to anyone wishing to do a kimono rental on Kyoto. Staff were very attentive from the start, took photos for us, re adjusted my kimono later in the day when it had come loose, provided us water and menthol body wipes to stave if the heat. They also genuinely took an interest in our trip and our lives which was quite nice. Thank you to the staff who helped me and my friend on our kimono day.
We did the tea ceremony as well but I don't recommend this to everyone. It is specifically for those who enjoy more traditional cultural experiences as it was quite informative. The host however was skilled, friendly and answered all my questions so I was personally quite pleased with the experience.
I love this store and urge everyone to visit this store at least for the kimonos."
Meghana Gowda
"Amazing experience. We went here for a kimono rental for the family and the tea ceremony. The price for the kimono rental was higher than most but it is worth. The kimono were gorgeous and generally much higher quality than most of the other tourists we saw. They had a good choice of men and women's and children kimono. The staff was friendly and very skilled. The tea ceremony was also lovely very nice introduction to the tea ceremony and the matcha was of very high quality. One of the highlights from our trip to Kyoto."
Quoc Duy Nguyen
"Made our way from Los Angeles to Kyoto, Japan, and truly enjoyed the tea ceremony experience. Also, had fun getting dolled up for the ceremony. Although it was a rainy day, this was a great experience. I wish we had more time to take pictures in our Kimono’s outside. I learned about Matcha and the appropriate way to make it. We had a beautiful Japanese teacher who made delicious Matcha. I would do it again."
JK H
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Camellia Tea Ceremony is located in the Higashiyama district of Kyoto. While specific public transport details can vary, it's generally accessible by bus or a short taxi ride from major Kyoto landmarks. Many visitors find it convenient to combine a visit with other Higashiyama attractions.
The venue is often described as being in a beautiful garden setting. Following GPS or asking for directions to the Higashiyama district should lead you to the general area.
Yes, the Higashiyama district is very walkable. Camellia Tea Ceremony is often visited in conjunction with Kiyomizu-dera Temple, making it a convenient stop on your itinerary.
Kyoto's bus system is extensive and a popular way to get around. Taxis are also readily available. For exploring the Higashiyama area, walking is highly recommended to soak in the atmosphere.
Information on dedicated parking is limited. It's generally recommended to use public transport or taxis, as parking in Kyoto's popular tourist areas can be challenging and expensive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The price is described as 'a bit steep' but worth it for the service. It's considered a highlight and 'worth every penny' by many visitors. Booking in advance is essential as they fill up quickly.
Yes, it is highly recommended to reserve your spot in advance, as the tea ceremony and kimono rentals do fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
The experience typically includes learning about Japanese tea culture, the history and meaning behind the ceremony, and hands-on matcha preparation. Some packages may also include kimono rental.
While the core tea ceremony is offered, many visitors opt for packages that include kimono rental. It's best to check their official booking platform for the most current options.
While specific hours can vary, booking the earliest kimono reservation at 9 AM is highly recommended for the best experience.
🎫 🍵 Onsite Experience
The ceremony is described as beautiful, informative, and calming. You'll learn about Japanese tea culture and the steps involved, with opportunities to make your own matcha.
Absolutely! Camellia is noted for being very family-friendly and accommodating children, even very young ones, making them feel special.
Yes, the staff are English-speaking and very welcoming to international visitors, ensuring a comfortable and understandable experience.
The duration can vary depending on the package and group size, but expect to spend a significant portion of your time enjoying the cultural immersion and kimono experience.
The focus is on matcha, a finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea leaves. You'll learn to prepare and enjoy high-quality matcha.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, especially during the kimono rental portion. However, be mindful of the serene atmosphere during the actual ceremony itself.
Staff are often happy to take photos for you, especially during the kimono rental, ensuring you capture memorable moments.
The beautiful garden setting at Camellia provides a lovely backdrop. If the weather permits, exploring the surrounding Higashiyama district in your kimono offers iconic Kyoto photo opportunities.
While not explicitly stated, it's advisable to plan your photo sessions within your rental period. The 9 AM slot allows for more relaxed photography time.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own camera or smartphone to capture your experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The hands-on aspect of making matcha can be particularly fun for children, and the overall atmosphere is designed to be enjoyable for all ages. It's a fantastic way to introduce your children to Japanese culture in a memorable and interactive setting.
couples
The serene and mindful nature of the tea ceremony provides a perfect opportunity to connect and share a peaceful moment together. It's a chance to step away from the usual tourist rush and immerse yourselves in a tranquil, traditional Japanese activity.
Budget Travelers
To maximize value, book the earliest kimono slot for the best selection and attention. If budget is a primary concern, you might consider focusing solely on the tea ceremony portion if a separate package is available, though the kimono rental is a significant draw for many.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of the Japanese Tea Ceremony
+1At Camellia Tea Ceremony, you'll experience a simplified yet authentic version of this ancient practice. You'll learn about the tools used, the proper way to hold and drink the matcha, and the significance of the gestures. This immersive experience offers a profound glimpse into Japanese aesthetics and philosophy, making it a truly enriching cultural encounter.
Many visitors find the ceremony to be a deeply calming and meditative experience, a welcome respite from the bustling city. The focus on mindful action and the serene environment contribute to a sense of peace and well-being.
Kimono Rental Experience
Opting for the earliest reservation, like the 9 AM slot, is highly recommended. This allows you to have the first pick of the kimonos, ensuring you get the most stunning designs. It also means less crowded dressing rooms and more dedicated attention from the staff, who can spend extra time ensuring your kimono is perfectly fitted and adjusted.
Wearing a kimono allows you to step back in time and feel a deeper connection to Japanese culture. It's not just about the attire; it's about embracing the elegance and tradition. Many visitors enjoy taking photos in their kimonos around the venue or exploring the picturesque Higashiyama district afterward.
The Significance of Matcha
Preparing matcha involves a specific whisking technique using a bamboo whisk called a chasen. The goal is to create a smooth, frothy beverage without clumps. At Camellia, you'll have the opportunity to learn this technique firsthand, making the experience interactive and educational.
Beyond its taste, matcha is celebrated for its health benefits, including boosting metabolism and providing sustained energy due to its L-theanine content. The ritual of preparing and consuming matcha is as much about mindfulness and appreciation as it is about the beverage itself.
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