In February 1184, at the Battle of Ichinotani, Noriyori commanded the 'Ote' (eastern main force) of the Minamoto army, applying frontal pressure against the Taira forces encamped in the Ikuta-no-Mori. While Yoshitsune's 'Karamete' force executed the surprise descent from Hiyodorigoe, Noriyori's role was to pin down the enemy's main strength at Ikuta. The coordinated strategy proved decisive — the Taira were routed, and their commander Munemori fled to the sea. The sacred grove of Ikuta Shrine became the scene of the Genpei War's pivotal western battle.