Battle of Kurikara

• Date: June 1183
• Location: Etchu Province
• Battle

Minamoto (Kiso) Yoshinaka vs. Taira Koremori (under the command of Taira Munemori)

Following an enforced pause in the Gempei War due to a famine, Taira Munemori dispatched a large army under Taira Tomomori and Koremori to throw back Kiso Yoshinaka, whose forces had driven into the Hokuriku Region. The Taira army was divided in two once in the area, and the force under Koremori advanced against Yoshinaka, who ambushed them at Kurikara Pass. The Taira were completely defeated in the confused night fighting - which included oxen driven into their ranks-and retreated back to Kyoto. Yoshinaka was then able to advance on the capital with little difficulty. KIA: (Taira) Taira Tamemori, Saito Sanemori