Historic Daishoin Temple in Japan's Hiroshima Prefecture Destroyed by Fire
Temple that has housed Japan's 'eternal flame' for 1,200 years is destroyed by fire
Mail Online
Image: Mail Online
Daishoin Temple, home to Japan's 'eternal flame' for over 1,200 years, was destroyed by a fire on Miyajima Island in Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture. The blaze, believed to have been caused by the flame itself, gutted the Reikado Hall, but the sacred flame was preserved and continues to burn.
- 01The eternal flame at Daishoin Temple was originally lit in 806 by a Buddhist monk.
- 02The Reikado Hall had previously suffered damage from fires and natural disasters, including a major fire in 2005.
- 03The eternal flame was used to ignite the Flame of Peace at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, symbolizing the hope for nuclear disarmament.
- 04Firefighters contained the blaze after it spread to nearby woodland, and no injuries were reported.
- 05Multiple temple fires have occurred in Japan this year, raising concerns about fire safety at historic sites.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
A fire on Wednesday destroyed the historic Daishoin Temple on Miyajima Island, located in Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, which housed Japan's 'eternal flame' for over 1,200 years. The blaze engulfed the Reikado Hall, where the sacred flame, originally lit by a Buddhist monk in 806, was kept. Authorities suspect the flame itself may have caused the fire, but investigations are ongoing. Fortunately, the flame was preserved and relocated safely. The fire was reported at around 8:30 AM and extinguished by Thursday, with firefighters managing to prevent injuries and contain the flames from spreading into surrounding woodland. The temple had previously been rebuilt after a fire in 2005, highlighting its vulnerability to such disasters. The eternal flame holds significant cultural importance, as it was used to ignite the Flame of Peace at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, symbolizing a commitment to global nuclear disarmament. This incident adds to a troubling trend of fires affecting temples across Japan this year, raising awareness about the need for improved fire safety measures.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The destruction of Daishoin Temple impacts local cultural heritage and tourism, as it housed a significant historical and religious symbol.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
How should Japan address fire safety at historic temples?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.



