On 20/5, firefighters in Hatsukaichi city, Hiroshima prefecture, reported that Reikado temple, part of Daishoin temple and famous for housing the "eternal flame", was destroyed by fire.

The blaze erupted around 8:30 AM on the same day, consuming the main hall and spreading to a nearby shed measuring approximately 30 square meters. The fire also extended to the adjacent forest on the island before authorities brought it under control after two hours. The incident resulted in no casualties.

According to Daishoin temple officials, a dignitary moved the eternal flame to another location after the fire. Local fire department officials believe this flame may have directly caused the blaze.

Located near the summit of Mount Misen, Reikado temple housed the "eternal flame", believed to have burned for nearly 1,200 years since monk Kukai lit it in 806 for the fire prayer ritual (goma).

This symbol once served as the source for lighting the "Flame of Peace" at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, commemorating the victims of the 1945 atomic bombing.

Reikado temple before and after the fire. *Photo: Get Hiroshima*

Reikado temple was also a popular destination for couples. Visitors often used candles lit from the eternal flame to pledge vows of everlasting love.

In 2005, Reikado temple was also destroyed by fire. Investigators at the time concluded that dry wood and other flammable materials inside the temple ignited. A monk successfully evacuated and protected the flame.

The Reikado temple fire extends a concerning series of blazes at spiritual sites across Japan. In just the first half of this year, numerous centuries-old temples and shrines in Ehime, Yamaguchi, Toyama, Mie, and Niigata prefectures have been destroyed, resulting in at least 6 fatalities.

Reikado temple destroyed by fire. *Video: TOC*

By Hoai Anh (Sources: Tokyo Weekender, Japan Times, Dive Hiroshima)