The Honnoji Incident (1582) stands as the most dramatic turning point of Japan’s Sengoku era. In a single night, the coup that killed Oda Nobunaga transformed his general Toyotomi Hideyoshi from a provincial commander into the ruler of Japan.
The Eve of the Incident — Hideyoshi Was Far Away
In June 1582, Hideyoshi was hundreds of kilometers from Kyoto, besieging Takamatsu Castle (Bitchu, present-day Okayama) in a classic water attack. The castle’s commander, Shimizu Muneharu, was surrounded by an artificial lake — the end was near.
Meanwhile, Oda Nobunaga was staying at Honnoji temple in Kyoto with only about 30 attendants. He planned to march west the following day. His guard was dangerously thin.
June 2, 1582 — The Coup Begins
Akechi Mitsuhide, Nobunaga’s trusted general, led 13,000 troops across the Katsura River before dawn and surrounded Honnoji. Nobunaga, outnumbered and outmaneuvered, reportedly said “It cannot be helped” and committed suicide as the temple burned. He was 49.
Nobunaga’s eldest son Nobutada, staying nearby at Nijo Castle (Nijo-gosho), also died fighting Mitsuhide’s forces. With both father and son gone, a power vacuum opened overnight.
Key Events of Tensho 10 (1582)
Honnoji Incident — Nobunaga’s death
Takamatsu Castle surrenders; Shimizu Muneharu commits suicide
Battle of Yamazaki — Mitsuhide defeated
Grand Nobunaga memorial at Daitokuji
The Great Retreat — 200 km in 12 Days
Receiving the news on June 3, Hideyoshi moved with astonishing speed. He concluded a hasty peace with the Mori clan (demanding Shimizu Muneharu’s ritual suicide as the price of surrender), then turned his army of tens of thousands around and marched over 200 km back toward the capital — all within days.
Stopping briefly at Himeji Castle to distribute provisions, Hideyoshi’s forces averaged over 20 km per day in summer heat. This became known as the Great Retreat through Chugoku (Chugoku Okaeshi), considered one of history’s most remarkable military maneuvers.
Battle of Yamazaki — 11 Days After Honnoji
On June 13 — just 11 days after the coup — Hideyoshi’s army of roughly 40,000 met Mitsuhide’s 15,000 near the town of Yamazaki, at the foot of Tennozan hill. Mitsuhide had sought reinforcements from Hosokawa Tadaoki and Tsutsui Junkei, but both refused to commit. Outnumbered and isolated, Mitsuhide’s forces were routed quickly.
Mitsuhide fled toward Omi but was ambushed and killed by peasants near Fushimi. His “three-day rule” (or rather 13-day rule) was over.
Kiyosu Conference — The Political Victory
On June 27, senior Oda retainers convened at Kiyosu Castle (Aichi) to choose Nobunaga’s successor. Shibata Katsuie backed Nobunaga’s third son Nobutaka. Hideyoshi countered by championing the infant Samboshi (Nobunaga’s grandson). This move framed Katsuie’s position as self-serving, while Hideyoshi appeared selflessly loyal. Samboshi was chosen; Hideyoshi became his de facto regent.
The Grand Memorial at Daitokuji
In October 1582, Hideyoshi organized a magnificent memorial service for Nobunaga at Daitokuji temple in Kyoto. He built the sub-temple Soken-in, housing a wooden portrait and grave of Nobunaga. By taking the role of chief mourner, Hideyoshi publicly declared himself Nobunaga’s true heir. Katsuie, snowed in or outmaneuvered, could not attend.
In 1583, armed conflict with Katsuie became inevitable. Hideyoshi defeated him at the Battle of Shizugatake (Shiga prefecture); Katsuie retreated to his castle and committed suicide. With his last major rival gone, Hideyoshi began construction of Osaka Castle — the new symbol of his dominance.
Summary: Visiting Hideyoshi’s Historical Sites
Pilgrimage Route: Honnoji → Daitokuji → Osaka Castle
Start at Honnoji in Kyoto to pay respects at Nobunaga’s mausoleum, then head north by subway to Daitokuji (visit Soken-in during spring/autumn public openings). On the second day, travel to Osaka and climb Osaka Castle to see the view Hideyoshi commanded over Japan.
Where Nobunaga died; his mausoleum is in the grounds
Soken-in subtemple, built by Hideyoshi as Nobunaga’s memorial
Hideyoshi’s base; staging post of the Great Retreat
Built by Hideyoshi after unification as his political center
Nobunaga’s “Tenka Fubu” headquarters
Site where Nobunaga’s son Nobutada died
Graves of Nobunaga, Hideyoshi, and many Sengoku lords
Can I still visit the original site of the Honnoji Incident?
The current Honnoji temple was relocated after the incident as part of Hideyoshi’s urban reorganization of Kyoto. The original site, in what is now called Moto-Honnojicho, has a commemorative marker a short walk from the present temple. At the current Honnoji, Nobunaga’s mausoleum (Shinkochibo) stands in the grounds and is open for visits.
Why did Akechi Mitsuhide betray Nobunaga?
The motive remains one of history’s great mysteries. Theories range from personal humiliation by Nobunaga (the resentment theory), a conspiracy involving the imperial court or the Ashikaga shogunate (the “hidden mastermind” theory), or simply personal ambition. Most historians today believe multiple factors converged rather than a single cause.
When is Soken-in at Daitokuji open to the public?
Soken-in subtemple at Daitokuji is normally closed to the public but opens during special viewing periods in spring (around April) and autumn (October–November). Dates vary each year, so check Daitokuji’s official website or the Kyoto tourism portal before visiting.
Last updated: May 22, 2026