This tea grew in a historical tea garden that dates back to the 13th century.
Tasting Notes: roasted kabocha
Origin: Kosanji Temple. Togano Cho, Kyoto, Japan | 35.1ºN 135.7ºE
Grower:The Yoshida family embodies our idea of ’shokunin' (職人, literally translated as ‘craftsman’, but in reality the term carries a deeper meaning of utter submersion in one’s art). Every aspect of their work reflects an elegant simplicity that has been refined over 300 years, since their late Edo period ancestor decided to settle down as a tea grower. The family’s art is also recognized by Japan’s government, having named Kisaburo Yoshida (14th generation) as 'Living National Treasure from Japan’. Furthermore, this family is in charge of the tea garden at Kosanji Temple (Kyoto).
The Temple:Kosanji was founded, in the 13 century, by a Zen priest called Myoe, in a forest of cedars, overlooking the Kiyotaki River valley. Myoe also planted some tea seeds that a fellow priest (Eisai) brought back from China; 8 centuries later, we are still enjoying the fruit (or more accurately, the leaves) of his labour.
