A significant fire broke out on Miyajima Island, Japan, on May 20, damaging the Reikado Hall, which has housed a sacred flame for over 1,200 years. This flame was originally ignited by Kukai, the founder of the Shingon Buddhist sect.
The incident occurred in the morning, with the first alarm reported at 8:32 AM by a staff member from Daisho-in Temple, which oversees the Reikado Hall. Firefighters managed to control the blaze approximately two hours later.
“The team had to pull hoses from the base of the mountain. The temple had a firewater reservoir, but it was quickly exhausted,” said Tetsuya Kotaki, a fire service representative.
Fortunately, there were no injuries reported. However, the wooden prayer hall was completely consumed by flames, leaving only a charred framework. The sacred flame was successfully removed and relocated to safety. Investigations into the cause of the fire are currently underway.
In a statement on Daisho-in’s website, the temple expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and condolences received, announcing plans to begin rebuilding the hall immediately.
This marks the second fire incident at Reikado Hall in recent decades; a previous fire occurred in 2005 due to accidental ignition during post-typhoon cleaning. That structure was subsequently restored.
Reikado Hall is situated approximately 460 meters above sea level on Mount Misen, a site revered by pilgrims. According to legend, the eternal flame was lit by the monk Kukai, also known as Kobo Daishi, in the 9th century. The water boiled in a iron pot over this flame is believed to have healing properties and bring good fortune.
Japanese temples and shrines are particularly vulnerable to fire due to their wooden construction and the use of traditional materials such as straw and bark. Earlier in May, a fire at Daihoji Temple in northern Japan damaged 13 buildings, reportedly starting in the kitchen. In April, the Atago Shrine in Niigata burned down overnight, with the cause still undetermined.
A fire on Miyajima Island has destroyed the historic Reikado Hall, home to a sacred flame for over 1,200 years. The temple plans to rebuild after the incident, which is the second fire at this site in recent years.