A fire destroyed the Reikado Buddhist temple hall on Miyajima Island on the morning of May 20, 2026 [1].
The loss of the historic structure is a significant blow to the cultural heritage of Hiroshima Prefecture, though the rescue of the hall's most sacred relic prevents a total spiritual loss.
The blaze broke out Wednesday morning, quickly consuming the wooden architecture of the hall [1], [2]. Emergency responders and temple officials worked to secure the site as the building collapsed. Despite the destruction of the physical structure, officials said they successfully rescued the "eternal flame" housed within the temple [1], [2], [3].
The flame is a central spiritual symbol for the site and has remained lit for centuries. While reports on the exact age vary, some sources said the flame has burned continuously for over 1,200 years [1], while others said it has burned for more than 1,000 years [3]. The flame continues to burn following its removal from the ruins.
Reikado Hall is located on Miyajima Island, a site renowned for its spiritual significance and tourism [2], [3]. The cause of the fire has not yet been detailed in official reports [1], [2]. Local authorities have not specified if the fire was accidental or intentional.
Buddhist temples in Japan often face risks from fire due to their traditional wooden construction, a vulnerability that has led to the loss of many national treasures over the centuries. The survival of the flame is seen as a critical outcome for the community and practitioners who visit the island.
“The sacred "eternal flame" that had burned for over a millennium was rescued and continues to burn.”
The destruction of Reikado Hall highlights the ongoing tension between preserving ancient wooden architecture and the inherent risks of fire in historic Japanese sites. While the physical structure is gone, the survival of the eternal flame preserves the continuity of the temple's spiritual lineage, likely facilitating a faster emotional and religious recovery for the community during the rebuilding process.
