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This traditional event of the Japanese community is celebrated every year around July. In this event, people write their wishes into pieces of paper and hang them into bamboo sticks. There is also a cosplay contest, typical Japanese food, and performances of both traditional and modern Japanese culture.
Jardim da Luz
The park in front of the Luz station was a meeting point for São Paulo's high society in the early 20th century. It is now a calm and beautiful environment that contrasts with the urban chaos and degradation of its surroundings.
Largo da Memória
The obelisk in this square dates from 1814, which marks São Paulo becoming a city.
Largo São Bento
The square holds São Bento's church and monastery, a 17th century monastery, where mass is still held against a backdrop of Gregorian chants. The monks' bakery is a temptation. Give in, it’s no sin.
Largo São Francisco
Church and Convent of Saint Francis and the historic Law School of the University of São Paulo.
Elevado Presidente Costa e Silva
The Minhocão ("Big Worm"), a 2.7-km-long highway opened in 1970, is considered to be a monument to poor urban planning and to the chaotic growth of the city in a not-so-distant past. Its construction turned a large portion of the city center into a degraded area. The highway is closed to cars, but open for pedestrians and bicycles, Monday to Friday from 20:00 to 7:00, Saturdays starting from 15:00 and the entirety of Sunday. Over the Minhocão, you have a unique view of the west part of the city center, mostly the Santa Cecília district. Seeing the Minhocão from below is also interesting, as it has been covered with works of art.
Praça da República
There are buildings that bear witness to many different architectural styles: the 1935 Esther building, considered the first with a modern architectural design; the S-shaped Copan building designed by Oscar Niemeyer; and Itália building (see Historical buildings).