As the state with the largest number of Japanese immigrants and their descendants, São Paulo is home to several monuments linked to Japanese culture. One example is the Miroku Tower, which is located in the metropolitan region and stands out as the largest Japanese tower in Brazil.
Erected on the banks of the Billings Dam, the Miroku Tower offers an immersion in Japanese architecture amidst the tranquil surroundings of the Light of the East Temple.
Miroku Tower is a Japanese treasure in RMSP
The monument is inspired by the tower of the Horyu Temple, one of the largest Buddhist complexes in Japan. The building was designed by Minoru Nakahashi, founder of the Light of the East Temple, which follows the teachings of the World Messianic Church. The religion, which emerged in Japan in 1935, has its founder, Meishu-Sama (“Lord of Light”), as its messiah.
Work on the Miroku Tower began in 1973 using traditional Japanese techniques without the use of nails. Its monumental structure is 32 meters high and has five roofs, which represent the different parts of the divine body and the union between man and divinity.
The interior of the tower houses a golden statue of Hinode Kannon, measuring an impressive eight meters. In the surrounding area, visitors can enjoy Japanese gardens, carp ponds and other monuments that make you feel like you’re on a tour of the Land of the Rising Sun.
Visitation will return in the rainy season
To visit the Light of the East Temple, you need to book an appointment in advance with the Tama Turismo agency. The tour costs around R$48 per person, with children under 5 free of charge.
It is important to note that access to the temple is exclusively by boat. As the level of the Billings Dam is currently low, visits have been suspended indefinitely until the waters are navigable again. But don’t worry: with the return of the rains, the Temple will open its doors and we’ll be able to visit this unique tourist circuit again.
Follow Miroku Tower on social media and keep up to date with news about the reopening!