Temple Fire in Kyoto Spreads to Nearby Mountain

Jun 01, 2026 | News On Japan

KYOTO - A fire broke out at a temple in Kameoka, Kyoto Prefecture, on June 1st, leaving a resident monk with minor burns, destroying his home, and spreading into a nearby mountainside.

The fire occurred at Senjuji Temple, located in a mountainous area of Kameoka. At around 11:30 a.m., a passerby called emergency services, reporting that the temple's main hall appeared to be on fire and that black smoke was rising from the site.

Firefighters dispatched 13 fire engines and a helicopter to battle the blaze. Authorities said the temple itself was not damaged, but the home of a monk in his 90s, located within the temple grounds, was completely destroyed.

The fire also spread to the surrounding mountain area. No visitors were injured, but the monk suffered minor burns to his face and right leg.

According to police, the monk had been burning grass on the property before the fire broke out. Investigators believe the flames spread to his home, located about 10 meters away, before extending into the nearby forested area.

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances that led to the fire.

Source: YOMIURI

Typhoon No. 6 Turns Toward Eastern Japan as Heavy Rain Threatens Kanto

[updated 22:00 p.m.] As of 10 p.m. on June 1st, Typhoon No. 6 was located about 90 kilometers north of Naze City in Amami and moving north at 20 kilometers per hour, as forecasters warned of dangerous rain, strong winds, and high waves spreading from western Japan toward the Kanto region over the coming days. Forecasts show the typhoon gradually turning eastward, passing north of Amami before moving south of Kyushu and tracking along Japan's Pacific coast.

More Travel Disruptions Expected as Typhoon No. 6 Moves Toward Mainland Japan

[updated 22:00 p.m.] Airlines and railway operators are warning of further transportation disruptions across Japan on June 2nd and June 3rd as Typhoon No. 6 moves northeast from Okinawa toward southern Kyushu and the Pacific coast of western Japan. More than 130 flight cancellations have already been announced by Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways for June 2nd, following widespread disruptions in Okinawa as the storm passed through the region.

Prime Minister Takaichi Holds Phone Talks With Iranian President

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on June 1st, urging Iran to demonstrate maximum flexibility in its ongoing discussions with the United States and expressing hope that an agreement on the nuclear issue can be reached as soon as possible.

Koizumi Rebuts Accusations of 'New Militarism' at Security Forum

Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi strongly rejected accusations that Japan is embracing "new militarism," describing such claims as false while delivering a speech at a major regional security conference in Singapore on May 31st.

Bear Sighting Hoax Posts Trigger Police Investigation in Aomori

A series of false bear sighting reports posted to an online alert system operated by Aomori Prefecture has disrupted schools, prompted a police investigation, and raised concerns about the growing impact of misinformation on public safety.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Temple Fire in Kyoto Spreads to Nearby Mountain

A fire broke out at a temple in Kameoka, Kyoto Prefecture, on June 1st, leaving a resident monk with minor burns, destroying his home, and spreading into a nearby mountainside.

Despite More Than 350 Tips, Tatsuno Murder Suspect Still at Large

A week has passed since police publicly named and sought the arrest of a suspect in the murder of a mother and daughter in Tatsuno, Hyogo Prefecture, yet his whereabouts remain unknown despite more than 350 tips from the public. Investigators continue an extensive search of the area surrounding the crime scene as efforts to locate the suspect intensify.

Driver Thrown From Vehicle After Crashing into Embankment on Tohoku Expressway

A driver was left in critical condition after being thrown from his vehicle and struck by a following car in an accident on the outbound lanes of the Tohoku Expressway in Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture, on May 31st.

Cosplayers Use Skills to Raise Awareness About Marine Debris

Cosplayers gathered in Tokyo's Ikebukuro district on May 30th to promote environmental conservation by taking part in a large-scale cleanup campaign aimed at reducing marine plastic waste and other litter.

Bear Sighting Hoax Posts Trigger Police Investigation in Aomori

Juso Retro Town Gets First Tower Condo, Bringing New Life

A major transformation is underway in Osaka's Juso district, where the area's first large-scale tower condominium has opened in a neighborhood long known for its retro downtown atmosphere and entertainment district. While the development is bringing new conveniences and attracting new residents, concerns are also emerging over rising rents and the future character of the community.

Saw, Iron Pipes and Shovel Seized as 30 Teens Get Ready to Rumble

A social media dispute between a 17-year-old high school student from Tokyo's Itabashi Ward and a 16-year-old boy from Edogawa Ward escalated into a planned group fight involving around 30 youths, some of whom allegedly brought weapons including a rusty saw, iron pipes, a special baton and even a shovel.

Woman Dies After Leaning Out of Car Window in Gifu Accident

A traffic accident that occurred beneath an elevated section of the Meitetsu railway line in Kasamatsu, Gifu Prefecture, on Thursday morning claimed the life of a 21-year-old woman who was riding in the front passenger seat of a car.

< 2 3 4 5 >