At the end of the Edo period, the Imperial court movements came to influence the domestic and international situation, so lords/senior vassals/patriots of Han (domains) started such political activities as the Kobu Gattai (Union of Court and Bakufu) movement and the Sonno Joi Movement (a movement advocating reverence for the Emperor and the expulsion of foreigners), etc. based in Kyo-yashiki residences.
もっとも幕末期になると朝廷の動向が再び内外の情勢に影響を与えるようになったため、諸藩の藩主・重臣・志士が京屋敷を拠点として公武合体運動や尊王攘夷運動などの活動を行うようになる。