In 1159, he went to the capital (Kyoto) together with TAIRA no Kiyomori, who visited Kii Province for pilgrimages to Kumano Sanzan, and he became one of the powerful military commanders.
平治元年（1159年）、熊野詣で紀伊国に来ていた平清盛と共に上洛を果たして有力武将の一人となる。