Kanrin Maru arrives in SF, dine at International Hotel

Willaim W. Finney
3/17/1860
Today, my friends aboard the USS Powhatan finally returned home to San Francisco with the crewmembers of the Japanese Kanrin Maru. However, this pleasant return home was not merely for pleasure; it was to welcome the arrival of the Japanese Kanrin Maru. According to my friends, who were very glad to be back home and to see me, the Japanese crewmembers were very disorientated and confused when the Kanrin Maru first docked in the San Francisco Bay. Nevertheless, the Japanese crewmembers were very interested and willing to explore their new surroundings, but not before they dine at the International Hotel. At first, the Japanese officers were surprised and a little taken back at the food and the overall presentation, but politely ate and tried all the food. Afterwards, my friends overheard a few Japanese crewmembers commenting on the food. Apparently, some loved the food, while others were absolutely appalled by our American food!