In 1863, he went up to Kyoto under the order of the domain, and after that, he associated with Kinno no shishi (patriots with reverence for the Emperor) of the domains such as Choshu Domain which was the stronghold of Sonjo-ha party (people supporting the principle of 'Sonno Joi' advocating reverence for the Emperor and the expulsion of foreigners).
文久3年（1863年）以後は藩命により京都へ上り、尊攘派の牙城であった長州藩はじめ諸藩の勤王の志士と交流する。