Top 5 Tourist Attractions in Londrina, the City Pioneered by the First Japanese Immigrants

Londrina is located in the state of Paraná in southern Brazil. It is a city developed through British capital investment, and it is also known for the participation of the first group of Japanese immigrants who settled and helped in its development. Today, it is a city with a population of about 500,000, of which approximately 20,000 are Japanese Brazilians.
Londrina has established sister city relationships with Nishinomiya City in Hyogo Prefecture and Nago City in Okinawa Prefecture, maintaining deep ties with Japan even today. Among Brazilian cities, it is considered relatively safe. The presence of preserved Japanese culture makes it feel familiar and welcoming, making it a perfect destination for tourism. Let us introduce you to Londrina’s tourist attractions — a city kind to Japanese visitors.

1. Igapó Lake

Located in the heart of Londrina, the area around Igapó Lake is lined with cycling paths and walking trails. It features gardens, a lake theater, and fountains, making it a favorite relaxation spot for both locals and tourists.
Originally a forest area, this artificial lake was created to address the city’s drainage issues. Designed by landscape architect Burle Marx, Igapó Park includes gardens and recreational spaces, showcasing 187 native plant species, and also serves as an urban social hub.
The well-maintained Igapó Lake, right in the center of Londrina, offers a refreshing natural escape that soothes travelers’ fatigue. It’s a highly recommended sightseeing spot in Londrina.

2. Museu Histórico de Londrina

The Museu Histórico de Londrina, a historical museum, moved into this charming British-style building in September 1986. Originally the site of Londrina’s old railway station, the building is a significant symbol of the British colonization of Londrina and the birth of the northern Paraná region. It is a highly recommended photo spot for tourists visiting Londrina.
Inside, the museum presents the evolution of Londrina’s culture and history from the 1920s—before the city was officially founded—up to the present day, through audio, video, and image displays. It also houses valuable historical materials. Conveniently located in the heart of the city, it is right next to another attraction, the planetarium, making it an excellent stop to combine with other sightseeing activities.

3. Jardim Botânico de Londrina

Located about 8 kilometers south of central Londrina, the Jardim Botânico de Londrina is a natural botanical garden that opened in 2006. Spanning around 1 million square meters, it was established with the cooperation of various government institutions and the general public, preserving areas of native forest, streams, and rivers.
The botanical garden plays a vital role in researching and protecting the unique flora and fauna native to Paraná State, Brazil. Daily efforts are made to support the ecosystem both ecologically and economically, focusing especially on conserving and restoring rare and endangered species.
Since it is located some distance from the city center, visiting the garden can be slightly inconvenient for tourists. Therefore, it is recommended to go with a friend, acquaintance, or a trustworthy guide for a safer and more enjoyable experience.

4. Tomi Nakagawa Park

Tomi Nakagawa Park (Praça Tomi Nakagawa) is located in the heart of the city and was created as part of the centennial celebration of Japanese immigration, the largest commemorative project for Japanese-Brazilians in Londrina. It is named after Tomi Nakagawa, a resident of Londrina and the last surviving immigrant who arrived on the Kasato Maru—the first ship that brought Japanese people to Brazil.
The Kasato Maru was the very first vessel to carry Japanese immigrants from the Port of Kobe to Brazil in 1908. Tomi Nakagawa, who made the journey with her parents and two older sisters, was only 1 year and 8 months old at the time. She passed away in 2008 from natural causes just before her 100th birthday and never got the chance to see the park.
The park is notable for its striking red torii gate, lantern-shaped lights lining the garden path, and a commemorative monument symbolizing the Kasato Maru. An event square is also integrated into the park. It is one of Londrina’s most popular tourist spots and is highly recommended for visitors.

5. Catedral Metropolitana de Londrina

The Catedral Metropolitana de Londrina is a Roman Catholic church located in the heart of the city of Londrina. It has undergone major transformations over time before settling into its current form.
Originally built in 1934, the first version of the church was made of wood. In 1941, it was rebuilt in a Neo-Gothic style, and a clock tower was added in 1951. Then in 1954, construction began once again for a new church building. However, due to a lack of funds, work was halted in 1962. Construction resumed in 1966 and was finally completed in December 1972.
The result of years of enhancements is a gorgeous structure. The church’s interior stands out with wooden carvings and an impressively high ceiling that creates a spacious atmosphere. At the front entrance, above eye level, is a stained glass image of Jesus Christ. At the far end, on the altar, stands a statue of Jesus carrying the cross. It exudes a simple yet elegant beauty—luxurious without being gaudy. It’s a sightseeing spot recommended even by the city government of Londrina.

◎ Summary

As you walk through the city, Japanese signs catch your eye, and if you go to the right places, you’ll find that Japanese is understood—making Londrina a comfortable city to explore even without knowledge of Portuguese. Thanks to the many immigrants from Japan and other countries, who worked together with Brazilians over a long period of time to build the city, Londrina has become a charming destination for tourism. Be sure to visit and enjoy what it has to offer!

Search

Customer Support

Manage Reservation(s)

Search

Customer Support

Manage Reservation(s)

Top 5 Tourist Attractions in Londrina, the City Pioneered by the First Japanese Immigrants