Ikari Shrine Fire

Description

On the evening of June 14, 2026, a fire was reported at Ikari Shrine in Shirashima-Kukencho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima City. A caller reported that a shimenawa sacred rope was burning around 7:00 p.m. Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames. Shrine officials said fire was set at about six locations on the grounds, including the worship hall shimenawa, the suzuo bell rope, an ema and omikuji stand, and an old ofuda receptacle. A woman in her 50s nearby was arrested on suspicion of property damage; she was later released pending further investigation. Ikari Shrine is regarded as one of the oldest shrines in the Hiroshima castle-town area, with a history of about 1,300 years. Police are investigating the motive and circumstances.