A devastating fire has destroyed the historic Reikado Hall on Japan’s famous Miyajima Island, leaving behind heavy damage to one of the country’s treasured Buddhist heritage sites.
Emergency crews responded early Wednesday after flames erupted inside the sacred hall, which forms part of the renowned Daishoin Temple in Hatsukaichi. The blaze later spread into nearby woodland surrounding Mount Misen, intensifying concerns about further environmental and cultural damage.
Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported, while police and fire officials launched an investigation into the cause of the incident.
Reikado Hall held deep spiritual importance in Japanese Buddhism because it safeguarded the legendary “eternal flame,” believed to have burned continuously for nearly 1,200 years. Temple traditions state the fire was originally lit by Kukai, also known as Kobo Daishi, during a sacred Buddhist goma ritual centuries ago.
The temple belongs to the Omuro School of Shingon Buddhism, founded by Kukai in the early ninth century. The destruction of the hall has shocked worshippers and cultural preservationists alike, as Miyajima Island remains one of Japan’s most spiritually significant and internationally recognized heritage destinations.
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