You already know that São Paulo has the largest Japanese tower in Brazil, but did you know that the state also has a replica of Japan’s great Golden Temple? Brazil’s Kinkaku-ji is one of the most exclusive monuments in the metropolitan region and guarantees a unique experience for visitors in search of history, art and spirituality.
The replica of the famous Kyoto temple is located in the Vale dos Templos National Tourist Park in Itapecerica da Serra, about an hour from the capital. The destination offers an immersion in Japanese culture and ancient Buddhist traditions, as well as being the stage for ecumenical events.
Brazil’s Kinkaku-ji: Japanese culture and spirituality
The Kinkaku-ji temple in Itapecerica da Serra is inspired by the Golden Temple in Kyoto, a 14th century world heritage site and an icon of Japanese architecture. Conceived by Alonzo Bain Shattuck and designed by Japanese architects and sculptors, the São Paulo monument stands out for its reinforced concrete structure, clad in cedar and finished in gold paint that evokes the beauty of the original.
Brazil’s Kinkaku-ji stands out for being the only authorized replica of the Japanese temple outside Asia. As well as its fascinating architecture, the space houses rooms for religious ceremonies, a cinerarium and a Japanese garden with cherry trees, a carp pond and traditional bridges.
Entrance to the temple costs R$5, with people over 65 entitled to free admission.
What else to do in the Valley of the Temples National Tourist Park?
The Vale dos Templos National Tourist Park goes beyond Brazil’s iconic Kinkaku-ji. There are 190,000 square meters of preserved Atlantic Forest, including water mirrors, ecological trails, spaces for cultural events and meditation workshops.
Another attraction is the Enkoji Temple, which in addition to its striking typical architecture, offers retreats and guidance on the Japanese Zen Buddhist tradition.
Being in the middle of nature, the telephone signal can be unstable there. It is advisable to go by car or arrange for a driver to pick you up in advance, as there may be no internet signal to request transportation by app.
