In 1335, when Takauji ASHIKAGA went to put down the Nakasendai War set off by the Hojo clan's remnants and eventually seceded from the Kenmu Government, Chikafusa returned to Kyoto to subdue him; after Takauji captured Kyoto, Chikafusa confronted the Northern Court, followingYoshino Imperial Court which was established in Yoshino (Yoshino Town, Yoshino County, Nara Prefecture) by Emperor Godaigo, who had to leave Kyoto.
1335年（建武(日本)2年）、北条氏の残党による中先代の乱が起き、討伐に向かった足利尊氏がそのまま建武政権から離反すると、尊氏を討伐するために京へ戻り、尊氏に京都を占領されると、京都を逃れた後醍醐が吉野（奈良県吉野郡吉野町）で開いた吉野朝廷に従い、北朝(日本)と対抗する。