In the eighth month of 1180, Yoritomo resolved to raise arms against the Taira in response to Prince Mochihito's proclamation, and visited Mishima Taisha before his uprising. He prayed for the revival of the Minamoto and the defeat of the Taira, and tradition holds that he launched his campaign on the day his prayers were fulfilled. This prayer at Mishima Taisha steeled his resolve and became a pivotal moment leading to the founding of the Kamakura shogunate.

Hojo Masako, along with her husband Minamoto no Yoritomo, deeply venerated Mishima Taisha from her time of exile in Izu. Tradition holds that she accompanied him to his prayer on the eve of his uprising. In later years she herself prayed at the shrine for the prosperity of the Minamoto clan and the stability of the Kamakura shogunate. As a native of Izu Province, the shrine was also the guardian of Masako's homeland.