Katamori then sent a group of seven men under the previously mentioned Tanaka Tosa ahead to Kyoto, in order to begin forming the necessary connections with domains already in Kyoto, as well as the Imperial court.[16] After a few months of further political difficulty, he left Edo on January 27, 1863 at the head of a thousand-strong Aizu force.[17] Entering Kyoto on February 11, he first headed to Honzen-ji Temple, changing into court clothes, then going to the residence of Imperial regent Konoe Tadahiro and paying his respects.[17] After that, he promptly set up residence in the eastern section of the city, at Konkaikōmyō-ji Temple, in the Kurotani area.[17] Soon after his arrival, Katamori was again formally received by the Court, appearing before regent Konoe together with his senior retainers Ono Gonnojō and Komori Ikkan.[18] His warm reception and popularity with many in the Court thus set a precedent of frequent visits that was to continue for the duration of his position.