Liberdade

Home to the largest Japanese diaspora community outside Japan, with red torii gates, lantern-shaped street lamps and rows of Asian shops. Weekend markets offer Japanese and Chinese snacks.

The first group of Japanese immigrants arrived in Brazil aboard the Kasato Maru in 1908. Many later settled in Liberdade, south of the old city center, creating the largest Japanese diaspora community outside Japan. In recent years, many Chinese and Koreans have also moved in, so the area now feels like a broader 'East Asian street.' Its landmarks are the large red torii gate at the entrance on Galvão Bueno Street and the Japanese-style lantern street lamps along the sidewalks.

You can browse Japanese supermarkets, bookshops, general stores and anime shops, and eat ramen, sushi, grilled fish cakes and Japanese croquettes. Liberdade Square hosts a craft and food market on weekend days.

The Museum of Japanese Immigration in Brazil tells the story of the hardships migrants faced on coffee plantations and of their integration into Brazilian society. In July, the Tanabata Festival fills the streets with paper decorations.

Take Metro Line 1 (blue line) directly to Japão-Liberdade station. From the Cathedral of the Sé, it's about a 10-minute walk.

Liberdade

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