Reikado Hall, a sacred Buddhist hall located about 460 meters above sea level on Miyajima Island near Hiroshima, was destroyed by fire early on May 20, 2026 [1, 2]. The hall, overseen by the Daishoin Temple and belonging to the Shingon sect founded by Kukai in 806, housed an "eternal flame" that has been continuously burning for approximately 1,200 years since it was lit by Kukai himself [1, 2].
Firefighters received a report of the blaze between 7:32 and 8:32 a.m. local time and brought the fire under control after around two hours [1]. Tetsuya Kotaki, a fire prevention official, said the team had to haul hoses from the base of the hill, exhausting the temple’s fire prevention water tank quickly [1]. Authorities confirmed no injuries resulted from the fire [1, 2].
The fire also spread to nearby woodland around Mount Misen, raising concerns about the surrounding natural areas [2]. Despite the destruction of the hall, the eternal flame itself was salvaged and relocated to a different site following the blaze [1].
Reikado Hall had previously been destroyed by fire in 2005 and was rebuilt afterward [1]. The Daishoin Temple expressed gratitude for the messages of sympathy received after the recent fire, saying, "We have received many messages of sympathy. Thank you for your concern." [1]
Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire that consumed the historic hall [1, 2]. The hall’s loss marks a significant event for the religious community and the long history of Miyajima as a sacred pilgrimage site.
Officials have not announced plans for rebuilding the hall after the latest damage.
