A fire destroyed the Reikado Hall of Daishoin Temple on Miyajima Island in western Japan on Wednesday, May 21, 2026 [3].
The destruction of the hall represents a significant loss to the architectural heritage of the Daishoin Temple, though the survival of the site's most sacred element prevents a total cultural loss.
The blaze occurred in Hatsukaichi city, located within the Hiroshima Prefecture [2]. While the Reikado Hall was completely lost to the fire [5], the centuries-old eternal flame housed within the structure was rescued [1]. The flame continues to burn and has been moved to a different site [1].
Reports on the exact age of the flame vary. The New York Times said the flame has been continuously lit for more than 1,200 years [1], while the Associated Press said it has been burning for over 1,000 years [2].
Emergency responders worked to contain the fire, which gutted a portion of the larger Daishoin Temple complex [4]. The cause of the fire has not been reported [1].
Miyajima Island is a prominent destination known for its spiritual sites and natural beauty. The Reikado Hall served as the primary protector of the eternal flame, a symbol of continuity and faith for the temple's practitioners, and visitors.
“The Reikado Hall was completely lost to the fire”
The survival of the eternal flame despite the total loss of Reikado Hall underscores the priority placed on intangible cultural heritage over physical structures in Japanese Buddhist tradition. The rescue of the flame ensures that the spiritual continuity of Daishoin Temple remains intact while the community begins the process of reconstructing the physical hall.
