On Mt. Misen, the sacred mountain of Miyajima, stood a small wooden hall known as Reikado Hall.
For centuries, it protected one of the island’s most symbolic treasures — the “eternal flame” said to have been lit by the monk Kūkai more than 1,200 years ago.
Recently, Reikado Hall was destroyed in a fire. The loss shocked many people across Japan.
Yet there was one important piece of hope:
The sacred flame itself survived.
According to reports, the fire preserved at the hall had already been divided and transferred elsewhere, allowing the spirit of the site to continue even after the building was lost.
A Sacred Place Above the Sea
For visitors to Miyajima, Reikado Hall was never simply a tourist stop.
Hidden high in the mountains above the famous floating torii gate, it represented another side of the island — quieter, older, and deeply spiritual.
Many travelers know Miyajima for its shrine, deer, and ocean views. But Mt. Misen tells a different story.
Ancient forests, weathered stone paths, and Buddhist halls scattered through the mountain remind visitors that this island has long been a place of prayer and pilgrimage.
The Flame Remains
The loss of Reikado Hall is deeply sad. At the same time, the survival of the flame feels symbolic of Miyajima itself — a place where traditions continue through generations, even after hardship.
If you visit Miyajima in the future, consider going beyond the waterfront streets.
Take the ropeway or hike the mountain trails. Listen to the wind through the forest. Visit the remaining temples and quiet paths of Mt. Misen.
The hall may be gone, but the spirit of the mountain remains.
