In the Battle of Uji, the commander, Minamoto no Yorimasa, realized that his forces were unable to stop the powerful Taira from advancing. Yorimasa decided to retreat to defend Byōdō-in temple with his army and sōhei, so-called "warrior monks" of feudal Japan. Taira samurai, in pursuit of Yorimasa, soon besieged the temple.
In the Battle of Uji, the commander, Minamoto no Yorimasa, understood that his troops could not halt the powerful Taira's advance. Yorimasa chose to withdraw and defend Byōdō-in temple with his army and sōhei, known as "warrior monks" in feudal Japan. The Taira samurai, chasing after Yorimasa, soon surrounded the temple.