The shogunal navy under Enomoto Takeaki was nearby with the steam frigate Kaiyō Maru as its main unit, and had been supporting the Battle of Toba–Fushimi from the sea.

At a distance of 1,200–2,500 meters, Kaiyō Maru fired about 25 times on the two Satsuma ships, and Kasuga responded with 18 shots, without significant damage to either side.

However, as more Shogunate navy ships had arrived (the Banryū and Shokaku), Kasuga broke off the engagement, and, being faster than Kaiyō Maru, escaped to Kagoshima.

Unable to flee, Shōō was run aground at Yukinoura (由岐浦) and was destroyed by her crew.

The future Imperial Japanese Navy Fleet Admiral Tōgō Heihachirō was a gunner aboard Kasuga during the engagement.