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Prince Mochihito's Decree — How One Document Triggered the Genpei War
In 1180, a single decree from Prince Mochihito ordering the destruction of the Taira set off uprisings by Yoritomo, Yoshinaka, and others — igniting the Genpei War. Though Mochihito died at 30 in the Battle of Byodo-in at Uji, his decree changed Japanese history. Visit Byodo-in and Miidera to trace these events.
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Prince Mochihito (1151-1180), third son of Retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa, issued a decree (ryoji) in April 1180 ordering the destruction of the Taira clan, rallying Minamoto warriors across Japan. Yoritomo rose in Izu, Yoshinaka in Shinano, triggering the Genpei War. Mochihito himself was killed at the Battle of Byodo-in in Uji just weeks later. Visit Byodo-in (Uji), Miidera (Onjoji, Otsu), and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu (Kamakura) to trace the events that led to the founding of the Kamakura Shogunate.
Byodo-in Phoenix Hall (Uji) — UNESCO World Heritage Site on the banks of the Uji River, scene of Prince Mochihito's last battle; the site where Minamoto no Yorimasa died also remains in the grounds
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
Uji River and Byodo-in — in 1180, the battlefield where Prince Mochihito and Minamoto no Yorimasa fought the Taira, a turning point in Japanese history
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
Phoenix Hall of Byodo-in — a masterpiece of Heian aristocratic architecture, also a site of tragedy in the Genpei War
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
The '鳳' character at Byodo-in — the iconic sign of the UNESCO World Heritage site, welcoming visitors alongside the phoenix statues that gave the Phoenix Hall its name
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu (Kamakura) — the warrior shrine developed by Yoritomo after rising in response to Mochihito's decree; without Mochihito, there would have been no Kamakura Shogunate
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
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Key Figures
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Prince Mochihito
Catalyst of the Minamoto Uprising
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