Just a few minutes from the Ipiranga Museum, an 8,000-square-meter complex reinforces the presence of Buddhism in São Paulo. Inaugurated in May 2025, the Nikkyoji Buddhist Cathedral stands as the largest Buddhist cathedral in Latin America, offering worship services, a tribute to Japanese immigration, and cultural programming.
The Zu Lai Temple in Cotia is often called the largest Buddhist temple on the continent. Although it may seem contradictory, both designations are correct! Just as in other religions, Buddhist temples and cathedrals serve different purposes.
While a temple offers worship services and ceremonies, the cathedral also serves as the administrative hub of the Honmon Butsuryu-Shu (HBS), the original form of Buddhism in Brazil. Thus, both spaces can claim the title of being the largest in Latin America.
Nikkyoji Buddhist Cathedral: a history that spans oceans!
The Nikkyoji Buddhist Cathedral is part of the HBS, a Japanese branch founded in 1857 by Master Nissen Shounin. Its history in Brazil began alongside Japanese immigration: in June 1908, at the age of 22, the priest Tomojiro Ibaragui disembarked at the port of Santos aboard the ship Kasato Maru.
HBS recognizes him as the first Buddhist monk to set foot on Brazilian soil. Under the title of Master Ibaragui Nissui Shounin, he founded seven temples in the country, including Nikkyoji. The new complex marked a new chapter in this journey, passing on the master’s knowledge to practitioners in the Ipiranga neighborhood.
A Buddhist temple in São Paulo open to the city
The daily schedule at Nikkyoji Buddhist Cathedral is primarily geared toward HBS practitioners. Morning ceremonies take place Monday through Saturday at 6 a.m. and on Sundays and holidays at 8 a.m. Evening services are held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 7 p.m.
In addition to religious programming, the venue occasionally hosts bazaars and festivals open to the public. These events typically feature traditional cuisine, markets, performances, and elements of Japanese culture, welcoming visitors who wish to explore the site.
Where: Rua Vicente da Costa, 211 – Ipiranga
More information: Visit the São Paulo Buddhist Cathedral website
