After the Meiji Restoration, Michitomi held the posts of: Governor-general for foreign affairs, Governor of Kanagawa Prefecture, Director of the Development Comission, Grand Chamberain, Vice-president of the Chamber of Elders, Vice-president of the House of Peers and Vice-president of the Privy Council, and he was given the title of count in 1884.
明治維新後、通禧は外国事務総督、神奈川府知事、開拓使長官、侍従長、元老院(日本)副議長、貴族院(日本)副議長、枢密院(日本)副議長を歴任し、明治17年（1884年）伯爵に叙される。