In May 1870, he was appointed Hokkaido kaitaku Goyo-gakari (a general affairs official of the development of Hokkaido), and transferred to Gaimu sho (Assistnat Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) in August 1871.
明治3年（1870年）5月、北海道開拓御用掛を命ぜられ、明治4年（1871年）8月には外務少輔に転じた。