The temples and attractions of Eastern religions in São Paulo reveal spaces for contemplation, symbolic architecture, and cultural experiences
Submitted at Mar 25, 2026, 10:00 AM
Templo Zu Lai (Webysther Nunes/Wikimedia Commons/Divulgação)
The temples and attractions of Eastern religions in São Paulo are spread across different cities, reflecting the presence of Japanese, Chinese, Indian, and Arab communities in the state. With that in mind, the São Paulo State Secretariat for Tourism and Travel (Setur-SP) has prepared a guide with 32 recommendations to explore.
As you visit these places, you can observe how each tradition takes shape in the territory, whether through monumental buildings, planned gardens or more discreet structures devoted to spiritual practice. They also serve as cultural meeting points. Below, we highlight the temples and attractions that stand out the most on the list!
The Nikkyoji Buddhist Cathedral is located in the capital and is one of the leading centers of Japanese Buddhism in the country. Founded by immigrants, it preserves practices of the Jodo Shinshu tradition and serves as a space for worship and cultural outreach.
Catedral Budista Nikkyoji (Budismo Primordial/Divulgação)
Its architecture combines Eastern references with the São Paulo urban landscape, creating a project of introspection in the midst of the city. The space also hosts activities and gatherings that keep the connection with the Japanese-Brazilian community alive.
The Zu Lai Temple is considered the largest Buddhist temple in Latin America and one of the best-known in the state. Opened in 2003, it occupies a large area with gardens, meditation spaces and buildings inspired by the Tang dynasty architecture.
Templo Zu Lai (Cotia Todo Dia/Divulgação)
Affiliated with Humanistic Buddhism, the temple brings together religious practices, cultural activities and educational initiatives. The visit combines contemplation, walks through the gardens, and contact with the principles of Buddhist philosophy.
Fazenda Nova Gokula is a space connected to the Hindu tradition, inspired by Vedic culture. Located amid nature, it functions as a spiritual community that integrates agriculture, cuisine and religious practices.
Fazenda Nova Gokula ( Art Turismo/Divulgação)
In addition to ceremonies, the place welcomes visitors interested in experiencing the space’s daily routine, which includes vegetarian cuisine and cultural activities. The experience is akin to a retreat, where time slows down and contact with the project takes center stage.
The Zenguenji Temple is linked to Japanese Buddhism and is known for its relationship with the surrounding nature. The space combines traditional buildings with green areas, creating a project conducive to contemplation.
Templo Zenguenji (Divulgação/Divulgação)
The presence of elements such as gardens and structured pathways enhances the location’s sensory experience. The temple also maintains religious practices and gatherings that preserve the tradition’s rituals.
The Brás Mosque is one of the most imposing in the country. Inaugurated in 1987, it was built by Syrian and Lebanese immigrants, marking the presence of Islamic culture in the city.
Mesquita do Brás (Estudos Islâmicos/Divulgação)
Its building features characteristic architectural elements such as minarets and domes. In addition to religious practices, the space also welcomes visitors interested in learning more about Shia Islam and its history in Brazil.
The Miroku Tower is one of the most singular places among the temples and attractions of Eastern religions in the state. Located in an area surrounded by nature, the tower is part of a complex inspired by Japanese Buddhism.
Torre de Miroku (Prefeitura de Ribeirão Preto/Divulgação)
Access, in some cases, involves crossings that reinforce the symbolic experience of the path. The structure stands out for its verticality and contemplative character, functioning as a visual landmark in the landscape.
The Temple of Great Love is set in the Serra da Mantiqueira and is part of a complex dedicated to spirituality and communion with nature. The space brings together elements of the Eastern tradition amid a mountain landscape.
Templo do Grande Amor (Centro de Dharma/Divulgação)
The site’s proposal combines architecture, silence and landscape, creating an experience akin to a refuge. The visit involves outdoor paths and moments of contemplation.
The Abu Baker Assadik Mosque is another important point of Islamic presence in the metropolitan region. The space follows traditional architectural principles and hosts religious and community activities.
Mesquita Abu Baker Assadik (Vipzinho/Divulgação)
Like other mosques, it also functions as a cultural center, bringing visitors closer to the history and customs associated with Islam in Brazil.
The Peace Bell is a symbolic monument that is part of the circuit of temples and attractions of Eastern religions in the state. Symbolizing harmony and reflection, the bell is one of the only ones officially endorsed by the Hiroshima City Hall, the other being in the city itself.
Sino da Paz (Divulgação/Divulgação)
The place invites pause and contemplation, with an experience shaped more by the project than by monumental structures. The surrounding landscape reinforces this relationship with silence.
Seicho-No-Ie do Brasil is headquartered in São Paulo and brings together practices based on a spiritual philosophy of Japanese origin. The space promotes gatherings, lectures and activities focused on self-knowledge.
Seicho-No-Ie do Brasil (Divulgação/Divulgação)
Its role goes beyond the religious aspect, including cultural and educational initiatives. The institution’s presence reinforces the diversity among the temples and attractions of Eastern religions in the city.
CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content-creation agent, developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.
