Good news for São Paulo residents: the Miroku Tower is open again! Considered the largest Japanese tower in Brazil, it is located on the banks of the Billings Reservoir and only receives visitors during the flood season — that is, a unique outing that cannot be done at any time of the year.
Located in Ribeirão Pires, the structure is part of the Luz do Oriente Temple complex. The space offers a unique experience of relaxation and contemplation in the heart of the metropolitan region, just 30 kilometers from the capital.
Photo: Renato Gerbelli/Shutterstock
A Japanese tower in Greater São Paulo!
The Luz do Oriente Temple was founded in 1973 on the initiative of Reverend Minoru Nakahashi of the World Messianic Church. Although the name sounds like an evangelical denomination, the religion is not part of Christianity. In fact, the belief originated in Japan in 1935, with its founder Meishu-Sama (“Lord of Light”) as its messiah.
The Miroku Tower is inspired by the tower of the Horyu-ji Temple, a Japanese Buddhist complex dating from 607. Standing 32 meters tall, the “Brazilian version” has five overlapping roofs representing different parts of the sacred body, as well as symbolizing the connection between the divine and humanity. The construction used the traditional Japanese technique of fitting wood together without the use of nails.
The interior of the tower houses a huge golden sculpture of the deity Hinode Kannon, eight meters high. In addition, visitors are impressed by the carp ponds and beautiful gardens that give the feeling of strolling through Japan.
Collage with photos from: Reproduction/Facebook/Miroku Tower
How much does it cost to enter Miroku Tower?
With the rise in the level of the Billings Reservoir, the Temple is once again welcoming visitors. Access is exclusively by boat, so to visit the site, you must schedule a transfer in advance through the Tama Turismo agency. The trip costs R$ 56 per person ( free for children up to five years old) and departs on weekends and holidays at 9:30 a.m., 10:10 a.m., 10:50 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 1:00 p.m.
Boarding takes place at the Tahiti Náutica Club, at Avenida Palmira, 450, Ribeirão Pires. You can take Line 10-Turquesa to Ribeirão Pires-Antônio Bespalec Station and, from there, request a ride-hailing app to the club, which is seven kilometers away. Learn more about the monument here.
Photo: Ribeirão Pires City Hall/Press Release