Since 1637, when he was conferred an official court rank, Sanefusa was on the express track of promotion as the head of seigake (the second highest family status for court nobles) and held many positions, including jiju (a chamberlain), Sakone no shosho (Minor Captain of the Left Division of Inner Palace Guards), and Sakone no chujo (Middle Captain of the Left Division of Inner Palace Guards).
寛永14年（1637年）に叙爵して以降清華家当主として早いスピードで累進し、侍従・左近衛少将・左近衛中将を務める。