Mt Misen’s Reikado Hall destroyed by fire

The Reikado hall, near the summit of Mt Misen on the island of Miyajima, has been destroyed by fire.

A fire broke out at the Reikado Temple near the summit of Miyajima’s Mt.Misen on the morning of the 20th. Firefighters brought the fire under control after about two hours, but were unable to save the building, which was destroyed. 


The fire department received a 119 call reporting that the building, which housed the “Eternal Flame”- said to have burned for over 1200 years since the fire was lit by Kukai (of Mt Koya and Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage fame) during his ascetic training. This flame is also said to have been used to light the “Flame of Peace” in Hiroshima Peace Park.

Eight fire engines and helicopters were dispatched to deal with the blaze, but the flames spread to surrounding trees and other structures.



The temple hall is no stranger to misfortune; it was previously destroyed by another fire in 2005. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, but our thoughts go out to the Yoshida family and the rest of the monks and staff at Daishoin Temple, which is charged with looking after Mt Misen and its spiritual heritage.