A historic Buddhist temple in Japan dating back more than five centuries has been severely damaged after a massive fire tore through the compound over the weekend.
According to reports from Japanese media, the blaze broke out at Daihoji Temple in Takaoka City, located in Toyama Prefecture, on the evening of May 16.
The fire reportedly started at around 6.45pm, with nearby residents spotting thick black smoke and flames rising from the roof of the ancient structure before emergency services were alerted.
Authorities dispatched around 20 fire engines and rescue vehicles to the scene as firefighters battled the blaze throughout the night.
Fire Spread Through Historic Temple Grounds
The fire took approximately eight hours and 40 minutes to fully extinguish, with crews only bringing the situation under control at around 3.28am the following morning.
Located within a densely populated residential district in central Takaoka City, the fire caused concern among residents who feared nearby buildings could also catch fire due to strong winds and the intensity of the flames.
Witnesses described hearing loud cracking noises and parts of the building collapsing while firefighters attempted to contain the inferno.
Japanese authorities later confirmed that several sections of the temple compound suffered extensive destruction.
The temple’s main hall, living quarters, memorial hall and ossuary were all heavily damaged or completely destroyed in the blaze.
No Injuries Reported Despite Major Blaze
Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Officials confirmed that four people residing on the temple grounds, including the 67-year-old head priest, managed to escape safely before the flames spread through the property.
The fire department also revealed that nearby structures, including the Torimachi Mikurumayama Exchange Hall and an unoccupied house, were affected after the flames spread beyond the temple grounds.
Firefighters managed to extinguish those secondary fires before they caused additional large-scale damage.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire.
Temple Previously Destroyed In 1900 Fire
According to the temple’s official records, Daihoji Temple was originally founded in 1453 during Japan’s Muromachi period, making it approximately 573 years old.
The temple belongs to the Nichiren Buddhist sect and has long been regarded as one of the area’s historic religious landmarks.
Ironically, this is not the first time the temple has been destroyed by fire.
Historical records show the temple was previously wiped out during the devastating Takaoka Great Fire in 1900 before eventually being rebuilt.
The latest incident has once again sparked conversations in Japan about fire safety measures at ageing wooden temples and historical structures, many of which remain vulnerable due to their traditional architecture and highly flammable materials.