In 1863, Iemochi went to the capital (Kyoto) as Shogun, something which had not occurred for 229 years, and made a pledge to Emperor Komei, his brother-in-law, to expel foreigners from Japan.
文久3年（1863年）には将軍としては229年振りとなる上洛を果たし、義兄に当たる孝明天皇に攘夷を誓った。