The Shogun Navy's first sail and screw-driven steamship --- Kanrin Maru 咸臨丸

Built in the Netherlands, and delivered to Japan in 1857, Kanrin Maru was the escort ship that accompanied the Japanese diplomatic members on their voyage across the Pacific Ocean.

In January 1860, the ship departed Uraga (Yokosuka) with approximately 90 crew under the command of Commander Settsunokami Kimura and Captain Rintaro Katsu.

It was a Japanese crew's first experience making such a long voyage and they faced considerable hardships, including severe weather, during the difficult crossing.  But with the aid of an American naval crew, and its officer Captain Brooke, the Japanese sailors were able to arrive safely in San Francisco on February 22nd, 37 days after their initial departure from Japan.

The crew of the Kanrin Maru was warmly welcomed by the people of San Francisco who were very impressed by the spirit of their unusual guests from Japan.

Repairs were made to the ship, and on the 19th of March they set sail for their return to Japan.  On May 5th, this time without facing any major storms, the crew arrived in Uraga.

The first voyage and return across the Pacific by a group of Japanese had been successfully completed.

Among the crew the vessel was the interpreter John Manjiro, and Yukichi Fukuzawa, who is remembered for founding Keio University.

Kanrin Maru, en route the U.S., in a bad storm

Kanrin Maru memorial, located in Atagoyama Park in Uraga