The Ikedaya Incident was a significant clash between the loyalist Choshu Han shishi and the Shinsengumi, a powerful samurai police force in Kyoto. The Choshu rebels aimed to incite chaos in the city by setting fire to buildings and assassinating key figures, including Kido Takayoshi, a noted leader of the anti-shogunate movement. This plot was part of a broader attempt to disrupt the Tokugawa shogunate's control and encourage revolts nationwide. They targeted Kyoto as the center of political activity, hoping to ignite a larger uprising against the ruling government.

As the Choshu shishi proceeded with their plans, they were intercepted by the vigilant Shinsengumi, who had received intelligence about the impending attack. The confrontation occurred at a tea house in Ikedaya, where both groups engaged in a fierce battle. The Shinsengumi's response was swift and brutal, demonstrating their effectiveness in maintaining order and suppressing dissent in Kyoto. The clash resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with many rebels captured or killed, showcasing the loyalty and resolve of the Shinsengumi in protecting the Tokugawa regime.

The aftermath of the Ikedaya Incident served to solidify the reputation of the Shinsengumi as staunch defenders of the shogunate. It also illustrated the severe tensions and violent confrontations of the Bakumatsu period, marking a crucial moment in the lead-up to the Meiji Restoration. The loyalist cause suffered a setback, with the Choshu Han forced to reconsider their strategies in the wake of this defeat.