Fukuhara-kyō

Fukuhara-kyō (Jap. 福原京, Engl. "Imperial Residence City of Fukuhara") was the seat of the Japanese Imperial Court and thus the capital of Japan from June to November 1180. It was also the center of power of Taira no Kiyomori as well as his retirement residence. Fukuhara was located in the present-day districts of Kōbe Chūō-ku and Hyōgo-ku. The imperial palace was located on the site of what is now Arata Hachiman Shrine (荒田八幡神社, Arata-Hachiman-jinja).

Fukuhara became the official residence of Taira no Kiyomori after the Heiji Rebellion in 1160, in which the Taira crushed the rival Minamoto. From that time until his death in 1181, Kiyomori was the de facto political head of state. By being appointed Daijō Daijin in 1167 and having his daughter marry into the imperial family, Kiyomori once again increased his influence at court.

A palace was built for him at Fukuhara, and Kiyomori arranged for the expansion of the port to expand trade across the Seto Inland Sea. After the Shishigatani Incident of 1177-1178, Kiyomori renounced the political, social, and ceremonial duties of the capital and retired to Fukuhara.

The Gempei War began on June 1180, when Prince Mochihito called the Minamoto clan to arms to oppose Kiyomori and his clan. After the Battle of Uji, in which the clan head Minamoto no Yorimasa was killed, Kiyomori arranged for the imperial court to be moved from Heian-kyō to Fukuhara. By doing so, he sought to consolidate his hold on power and to be informed of the goings-on at court, which meant that he was once again directly involved in government affairs. Another reason was to better protect the emperor and court from Kiyomori's enemies, the Minamoto and the monks.

On the second day of the following lunar month, Kiyomori arranged for a massive procession of nobles and court officials, as well as the Antoku-tennō, Takakura-tennō and Go-Shirakawa-tennō monastic emperors to Fukuhara. Government offices were housed in lavish residences originally built for members of the Taira clan. Some government officials were not pleased with the disruption caused by the relocation, and many nobles complained about the humid climate of the port city and the distance from Heian. Within 6 months, the court was moved back to Heian and Kiyomori also followed.

When Kiyomori died the following year, he was buried in Fukuhara. Monuments mark the presumed locations of Kiyomori's palace, the emperor's palace, and Kiyomori's tomb.