is gone.
A History of Rebuilding
This was not the first time the Reikado Hall burned down. The same hall was destroyed by fire in 2005. It was rebuilt the following year. The temple’s deputy head priest, Yoshida Daiyu, said he was “shocked and his mind went blank” when he heard about the second fire. He promised to rebuild again so that local residents and believers could see it restored.
Miyajima: Japan’s Sacred Island
Miyajima is one of Japan’s most beautiful and sacred places. Its name means "Shrine Island." The island is famous for its "floating" red torii gate. During high tide, the gate appears to stand on the water. It is one of Japan’s most photographed sights. The Itsukushima Shrine, built around 1168, is unique because it is built over the water on wooden stilts. The entire shrine complex is connected by boardwalks. In 1996, the shrine and the surrounding forest on Mount Misen were together listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The shrine is a cultural heritage site, while Mount Misen is a natural heritage site. More than 3 million tourists visit the island every year.
True or False: Is 1,200 Years Correct?
Some readers may wonder: can a flame really burn for 1,200 years? In a literal sense, no single fire can burn for that long without fuel. But in Buddhist tradition, the "eternal flame" is a symbolic flame. It is kept alive by continuously adding new fuel and by relighting it from a preserved source. The original flame from Kobo Daishi’s time is believed to have been passed down through generations of monks. So the flame of 2026 is the same flame in a spiritual and ceremonial sense. This is why the temple says the flame has been burning for 1,200 years.
The Fire of Peace
The eternal flame from Daishoin Temple has a special connection to world peace. A copy of the flame was used as the source for the "Flame of Peace" at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. This flame has been burning since 1964 to remember the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and to call for an end to all nuclear weapons. So the fire that Kobo Daishi lit more than 12 centuries ago has become a symbol of peace for the entire world.
What Comes Next for Daishoin Temple?
The temple has promised to rebuild the Reikado Hall. But the process will take time and money. The hall will need to be designed, funded, and constructed. Until then, visitors can still visit the main Daishoin Temple complex. The temple offers many activities. Tourists can try zazen meditation, copy sutras by hand, and eat traditional vegetarian Buddhist food. The temple grounds are full of statues, small shrines, and maple trees that turn beautiful colours in autumn. The eternal flame has been moved to a safe place within the temple. So the flame continues to burn even after the fire.
Exam-Focused Points