About
The “roji
The “roji”, the garden path, which leads from the machiai (waiting room) to the tearoom, signified the first stage of meditation – the passage into self-illumination.
The “roji” was intended to break connection with the outside world, and to produce a fresh sensation conducive to the full enjoyment of aestheticism in the tearoom itself.
One who has trodden this garden path cannot fail to remember how his spirit, as he walked in the twilight of evergreens over the regular irregularities of the stepping stones, beneath which lay dried pine needles, and passed beside the moss-covered granite lanterns, became uplifted above ordinary thoughts.
Kakuzo Okakura (1863-1919)
The BOOK of TEA
The Owners
Owners
Tomomi Yoshida is a co-owner, manager of roji tea lounge in downtown Syracuse, NY. She is originally from Kyoto, Japan.
Her desire became providing relaxation in this hectic world to people who are looking for an oasis in their daily life. Since her passion has always been becoming a bridge between cultures, tea fell into a perfect place as she realized that she has been brought up in a family closely tied to tea culture.
With owner, Christian Van Luven, who saw the needs and potentials in his hometown while living in NYC, roji was opened in May 2004. Roji specializes in providing specialty teas, original drinks/desserts offering an unique atmosphere and an alternative to the social life.
Tomomi is certified in specialty teas (US) and Japanese Green Tea (Japan). Her goal is to introduce the tea culture weather both in traditional and modern, through sincere service in a casual approach.
Tomomi believes that just a simple cup of tea brings peace in life.
Our Teas
Welcome to the world of Specialty teas.
We are proudly introducing high quality loose teas that you can enjoy and see the difference in shape, color, aroma which is vital to great tea experience.
All teas come from the same plant (excluding herbals), it all depends on where they are grown, their climate, history, tradition, skills, process etc…
There are skilled tea farmers, who care deeply about this art,
and we are here to spread the true goodness of tea to you.
Dust is used for most of the tea bags which are the smallest grade used for faster steeping results. Since they are smaller, more dimensions are exposed to air. Therefore, they are easily spoiled. Studies have shown that teas freshly brewed from loose leaf and consumed right after, contain higher amounts of nutrition, and of course – much better taste.
Most Specialty teas take a while to steep. (Need patience to wake and open them up!) We believe that the entire experience and drinking sip by sip, is like Zen meditation.
Come to roji – when you feel the need to slow down in this stressful world… or simply to have fun!
So sit back and relax. Please allow us to offer you a simple pleasure.
Feel free to check out our tea leaves display rack to see our quality tea leaves.
