Go-Sakuramachi's personal name (imina) before her accession to Japan's Chrysanthemum Throne was Toshiko and her initial pre-accession title was Isa-no-miya and later Ake-no-miya.

She is the second daughter of Emperor Sakuramachi.

Her mother is Nijō Ieko.

Her older sister had died young, and her younger brother is Emperor Momozono.

The empress and her emperor brother are the last lineal descendants of Emperor Nakamikado.

Empress Go-Sakuramachi's Imperial family lives with her in the dairi of the Heian Palace.

Princess Toshiko accedes to the throne when Emperor Momozono abdicates in favor of his sister.

Momozono's son, Prince Hidehito (later to be known as Emperor Go-Momozono) is only five years old at this time.

Hidehito's empress aunt is expected to occupy the throne until her nephew will be able to take on the burden of responsibility.